Gout is an inflammatory condition that causes a great deal of pain in the joints and frequently attacks the big toe. Gout, for which there is no known cure, can be managed and the frequency of flare-ups reduced. It may be hard to determine if the pain you are experiencing is from gout because there are several causes of inflammatory joint pain. One method is to examine the synovial fluid in the affected joint, looking for high levels of urate crystals. The fluid will be taken by needle and syringe from the joint. In advanced cases of gout, tophi, or crystalized uric acid can also be tested. If a buildup of uric acid crystals is present, gout is likely to be the cause. Measures can be taken to reduce the chances of another attack. These may include changing the way you eat, drinking little or no alcohol, and taking prescribed medication. Leaving gout untreated is unwise, as it can be linked to heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes. For more information on dealing with gout, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a full examination and treatment options.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Joint stiffness
• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

The feet work hard every day to get us where we want to go. And yet, for many people, getting a pedicure is the sum total of their foot care regime. There are a few other things you can do to keep your feet healthy. Research shows that 90 percent of adults have developed some form of foot problem in their lifetime. However, it is possible to prevent some of these painful conditions by embarking on a daily foot care routine. It all starts with foot hygiene. Keep your feet washed and thoroughly dried before putting on socks. Keep dry skin from cracking by applying moisturizer before going to bed. In order to avoid ingrown toenails, trim your toenails straight across and be careful not to cut them too short. Wear shoes that fit well and provide ample cushioning and support. Examine your feet often to detect any abnormalities or unexplained sores, especially if they are not healing quickly. Wear protective footwear in public showers, gyms, or swimming pools to avoid fungal infections. Do simple foot exercises to keep your feet and toes strong and flexible. Plan regular visits to a chiropodist for routine examinations or to address any foot issues before they become serious problems.  

Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including: 

• Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
• Washing the feet daily with soap and water
• Drying the feet thoroughly
• Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
• Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
• Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises 

A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Strengthening the body is beneficial in preventing falls. Building strength can be accomplished by implementing daily stretches and exercise routines which may also help to improve balance. Falling affects many elderly people across the globe and this can invoke a fear of falling. Making changes in the living environment may help to conquer the fear of falling as well as evade serious health issues. These changes may include improving lighting in the household and removing worn rugs from the steps and common areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to install grab bars in the shower and toilet area, and it is wise to use a non-slip bath mat. It is suggested to have regular physicals and eye examinations, which can help monitor existing medications and eyeglass prescriptions. Falling can affect the feet in many ways, therefore if you experience a broken toe, foot, or ankle a chiropodist can effectively treat these injuries as well as provide various prevention techniques.

Falls are a common but preventable problem for older adults. If you would like to learn more about preventing falls, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Did you know that most falls occur in the home? Fortunately, there are many simple changes that you can make to the living environment to reduce the risk of falling. 

In the Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilets, bathtubs, and showers
• Put non-skid mats on all surfaces that may get wet

In the Bedroom:

• Keep a light near the bed so that you can easily turn it on if you have to get up at night
• Keep the path from your bedroom to the bathroom clutter-free and well-lit
• Consider installing a bed rail for added support

In the Kitchen:

• Use non-skid mats
• Wipe up any spills immediately
• Move commonly used items to areas that are easily within your reach

In the Hallways:

• Place handrails on both sides of the stairs
• Install good lighting in the hallways and around the entire home
• Keep hallways free of clutter
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs

In Other Living Areas: 

• Keep loose cables, cords, and wires near the wall and away from walking surfaces
• Make sure that all carpets and rugs are secure firmly to the floor
• Arrange your furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Use chairs and couches that you can easily get up from

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON . 

Having flat feet is a sign that the arch has collapsed, causing the entire foot to touch the floor when you stand on it. Flexible flat feet, which usually occur on both feet, are slightly different. The arch may appear to be normal when not bearing weight, but disappear when you step down onto it. Flexible flat feet can start in childhood and progress as you get older. Symptoms include pain in the heel, arch, and ankle, as well as along the outside of the foot. It causes the foot to overpronate, which means that it rolls inward as you walk. This can alter your gait and result in pain up through the legs to the hip and back. Being overweight makes the situation worse and continuing the activities that caused the pain will too. Wearing orthotic devices can help to alleviate the symptoms. If you experience pain from having flexible flat feet, please consult a chiropodist who can examine your feet and determine whether custom orthotics or other devices may be the answer for you.

Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Are Flat Feet? 

Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not. 

Causes

Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. 

Symptoms

Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet. 

Symptoms associated with flat feet include:

• Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
• Overpronation of the foot
• Shin splints
• Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
• Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back

Treatment 

In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toronto, ON .