Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals within a joint, often affecting the big toe. This can cause sudden and intense pain along with redness, warmth, and swelling that may develop quickly and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. The joint may look inflamed and feel extremely tender, even with light pressure. A podiatrist can play an important role in identifying gout, helping to manage symptoms early and coordinating with other providers if testing is needed. Treatment typically focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain with appropriate medication while also protecting the joint during flare-ups. A podiatrist can also recommend proper footwear, activity adjustments, and strategies to reduce stress on the affected area to help prevent future episodes. If you have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. 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 Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the big toe joint can come from several conditions, but bunions and gout are two common causes that feel very different. A bunion develops slowly as the big toe shifts toward the second toe, creating a bony bump on the side of the joint. The area may be enlarged, irritated by shoes, and sore after long periods of walking or standing. In contrast, gout often appears suddenly. The joint may become red, swollen, and extremely painful within hours. Many patients describe the pain as burning or throbbing, and the skin may feel warm and tight. Bunions are usually linked to foot structure, genetics, or long-term pressure from footwear. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up inside the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe through examination and imaging to determine the source of the pain. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, medication, or surgical correction for severe bunions. If you have pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Strong feet help support balance, movement, and stability during activity. When small muscles in the feet become weak, people may notice fatigue, aching, or poor control when walking. Simple exercises can improve foot strength by targeting these muscles. They also improve flexibility in the feet and ankles. Movements that involve lifting the toes or spreading them apart can help build strength. Gentle pointing and flexing of the foot can improve range of motion. Better foot strength can support the arch and reduce strain on parts of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can evaluate foot function and identify areas of weakness. They can guide patients through structured exercise programs and prescribe custom orthotics to support alignment. Strengthening the feet can help to improve comfort and mobility. If you have sore or aching feet that limit daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and teens. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated, often during periods of rapid growth. Running, jumping, and sports that involve repeated impact can place added stress on the heel. Children may complain of pain during activity that improves with rest. Conservative treatment focuses on reducing strain and easing inflammation. Rest from high-impact sports allows the heel to recover. Supportive shoes with cushioned heels provide shock absorption. Heel cups or custom orthotics may reduce pressure on the growth plate. Gentle stretching of the calf muscles can improve flexibility and lower tension on the tendon attached to the heel. Most children improve with these non-surgical measures. If your child has ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Slip-on shoes are popular for convenience, but they can affect foot health in several ways. Many styles lack proper fastening, which reduces stability and allows the foot to slide during walking. This movement can increase pressure on the toes and forefoot, leading to problems like corns, calluses, and joint strain. Some slip-on shoes also have a narrow toe box, meaning the front of the shoe squeezes the toes together. Continuous wear may contribute to deformities like bunions. In addition, without adequate support, the arch of the foot may not be properly aligned, placing extra stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. This can lead to pain, imbalance, and a higher risk of falls. A podiatrist can evaluate how wearing slip-ons affects your foot structure, gait, and alignment. If you have foot pain from wearing slip-on shoes during certain activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Arnold Farbstein, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting 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 choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• 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 them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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