Gout is a type of arthritis that results from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and while it is more commonly associated with adults, it can also occur in children. This condition can lead to sudden and intense episodes of pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joints, often starting in the big toe but potentially affecting other areas as well. Symptoms may include persistent joint discomfort, difficulty moving the affected joint, and inflammation that can last for days or weeks. In some cases, children may experience fever alongside these symptoms. Identifying gout in children is important for timely treatment and management, which often involves dietary changes and medication to control uric acid levels. If your child has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management strategies.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Carrying excess weight can significantly impact your feet, leading to a variety of foot-related problems. Extra body weight places added pressure on the feet, especially on the joints, tendons, and ligaments, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and overuse injuries. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and arthritis are often more prevalent in people with higher body weight. Obesity is also linked to lower arches and pronated foot posture, which further increases stress on the feet and contributes to pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and suggest specific exercises to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Additionally, this foot doctor can monitor your foot health and offer guidance on lifestyle changes that could lessen strain on the feet. If you have foot problems that may be related to carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments in the foot are overstretched or torn due to an awkward landing or sudden twisting. This injury often results from activities such as football, snowboarding, and dance, where the body pivots but the foot remains in one place. Foot sprains are classified into three levels. Grade I involves minor tears to the ligament, in grade II the tears are more severe, and with grade III sprains, the ligament is completely torn or detached. Symptoms of midfoot sprains include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of your foot sprain and provide treatment, which may involve wearing a splint or boot. Rehabilitation exercises also may be prescribed to strengthen the foot and prevent future injury. In severe cases, surgical repair of the ligaments may be needed. If you have sprained your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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