Items filtered by date: October 2020

If you have ever experienced a gout attack, then you are familiar with the sudden pain and swelling that this condition can cause in the joints of the feet. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage gout. Your doctor may prescribe specific medications or injections to minimize the joint pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by gout. Lifestyle factors can also play a role in managing this condition. Avoiding foods that are high in purines, such as organ meats and seafood, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce the frequency of attacks. Immobilizing and elevating the affected foot may also help you find relief, as resting your foot can decrease swelling. For more information on how to best manage gout, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 our office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessively sweaty feet. It is fairly common, affecting 1-3% of the population. Plantar hyperhidrosis typically begins during childhood or adolescence. If you have this condition, you will find that both feet are often excessively sweaty, though the amount of sweating can range from mild to severe and constant. More severe cases of plantar hyperhidrosis can increase your risk of developing other foot problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections and friction blisters. If you suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis, there are many treatments available, including topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botox injections, and oral medications. To find out which treatments may be right for you, please consult with a podiatrist today.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

The importance of wearing shoes that fit correctly is understood by many people who enjoy sporting activities. When the shoes that are worn do not fit properly, blisters and injuries to the toes or feet may occur. This can be detrimental in pursuing the chosen hobby or sport. Before purchasing shoes, it is beneficial to try them on, as this ensures that there is adequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, a good fitting shoe will have an arch area that is in alignment with your feet. It is best to buy shoes at the end of the day, when the feet are typically at their largest. If you would like more information about how to buy shoes that fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Turf toe, which is another name for a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the largest joint in the big toe, occurs from a repetitive upward bending of the joint. This often occurs due to sporting activities, such as jamming the toe, or pushing off while jumping or running. Soft soled shoes, combined with hard surfaces, increase the risk for developing turf toe. While turf toe is a common football injury, players of other sports, such as basketball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, are at a higher risk for turf toe as well. Artificial surfaces, especially turf, also lead to an increased risk of turf toe. If you are at a heightened risk of getting turf toe, or you believe that you are suffering from turf toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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