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Fairhope, Brewton, Atmore Phone (251) 928-6768

Items filtered by date: February 2016

toenail fungus7A recent study conducted by the Arthritis Care & Research suggests that smoking or cigarette smoke may possibly lead to lower gout risks. The research indicates, however, that this “27% lower risk” benefit was noted only in men who were lean, non-overweight smokers. Urate levels in the test subjects were “significantly lower” than those who were previous smokers or who have never smoked. Research has never before been done on the correlation between gout and smoking, and the results are new and inconclusive.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Gout

Monday, 15 February 2016 20:03

Shoe Size important for Foot Health

running shoe18Finding the right shoe size is pertinent to one’s foot health. Shoes that are too tight can irritate the feet and create blisters or calluses; shoes that are too loose can also cause tripping. When trying on shoes ensure that you select a pair that has solid foot support, sufficient toe room, and either laces or velcro if you intend to exercise in it.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from outheast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people that wear shoes that are ill-fitting, which affects their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to selecting the right pair.

  • When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot
  • When measuring your foot with your shoe on, add 1-2 inches to the size
  • Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes
  • Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently
  • Purchase shoes later in the day as your feet swell as the day progresses
  • If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat your feet right by choosing the right pair of shoes that can provide them comfort and mobility with minimal pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read More about getting the right shoe size.

Monday, 08 February 2016 20:00

Addressing Your Heel Pain

achilles tendon6If you are always on your feet, heel pain may be a common occurrence. Changing your fitness routine or putting on a few pounds can also add pressure to the feet, resulting in heel pain. Discomfort in the feet should never be overlooked, but heel pain can often be resolved through stretching. Properly flexing and exercising the muscles in your lower extremity can strengthen and protect your heels and other areas of the foot from future pain.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change         

- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fairhope, Brewton, and Atmore, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

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