May 2020

One form of inflammatory arthritis is known as gout. This condition often causes severe pain and discomfort in the big toe and surrounding area, and it may be difficult to accomplish daily activities. Many patients experience gout attacks that occur suddenly, and can last for several days. This condition happens as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, eating foods that have high purine levels, and being overweight. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include debilitating pain and swelling surrounding the big toe, and the impacted area may be red and tender when touched. Gout may be controlled by eating healthy foods, and taking specific medications that may relieve a portion of the pain. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the plantar fascia becomes injured or torn, a condition that is referred to as plantar fasciitis may develop. This is the portion of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot, and its function is to connect the heels to the toes. Plantar fasciitis may happen suddenly or gradually. One of the symptoms that is generally associated with this ailment is heel pain. Many patients find that they have heel pain throughout the day, and it can be worse in the morning upon arising. There are groups of people who may be at risk more than others for having plantar fasciitis. These can include overweight people, women who are pregnant, or individuals who have medical conditions such as flat feet or high arches. There are prevention techniques that can be implemented which consist of wearing shoes that have adequate support, and warming up properly before participating in running and jumping activities. If you have heel pain, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment options are for you.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is an uncomfortable foot condition that is common among many people. It occurs as a result of the toenail on the big toe growing into the outer edges of the sides of the toe, and this often produces pain and discomfort. There are various reasons why this condition may occur. These can consist of cutting the toenails improperly, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it can be the result of a toenail injury. Additionally, this may be a common ailment among people who have poor foot hygiene, or from genetic factors that produce irregular and curved toenails. Participating in certain sporting activities that include football and soccer may lead to the development of ingrown toenails. The common symptoms that are associated with this condition often consist of red and inflamed skin surrounding the affected nail, and there may be a discharge that comes from an infected ingrown toenail. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment techniques.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari of VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle flexibility can be restored when specific stretches are frequently performed. The range of motion may be improved when ankle circles are implemented. This is accomplished by sitting in a chair while rotating your ankle several times to the right, followed by changing direction. The calf and heels can be strengthened by completing an Achilles tendon stretch. This is done by standing on a step, and lowering and raising the heel several times to stretch the tendons. Many patients find it beneficial to perform a towel stretch, which helps to point and flex the feet. There are many foot stretches that can help the overall foot to maintain balance, in addition to becoming stronger. If you would like more information about the importance of stretching your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Nooshin Zolfaghari from VIP Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.