Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire Web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
-
What is a Podiatrist?
-
When To Call a Doctor
-
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
-
Foot Anatomy
-
Foot Problems
General Statistics
Achilles Tendonitis
Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon
Achilles Problems
-
Foot Care
General Statistics
-
Medical Care
Computed Tomography
MRI
Ultrasound
X-Rays
Orthotics
General Information and Tips
Pain Management for Specific Conditions
General Information
Achilles Surgery
Ankle Surgery
Arthroscopy
Bunion Surgery
Cyst Removal
Flatfoot Correction
Hammertoe Surgery
Heel Surgery
Metatarsal Surgery
Nerve Surgery (Neuroma)
Toe Surgery
-
Fitness and Your Feet
General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
Exercise Those Toes!
Aerobics
Fitness And Your Feet
Stretching
Walking and Your Feet
Work Footwear
-
Shoes
Anatomy of a Shoe
Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Children's Shoes
Corrective and Prescription Shoes
What To Look For
Getting a Proper Fit
Men's Shoes
Women's Shoes
Your Footprint
Wear Patterns
-
Links
Government
Associations/Groups
Online Resources
Gout (also known as gouty arthritis) is a condition caused by a buildup of the salts of uric acid (a normal byproduct of the diet) in the joints. A single big toe joint is the most commonly affected area, possibly because it is subject to so much pressure in walking. Attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful. Men are more likely to be afflicted than women. Diets heavy in red meat, rich sauces, shellfish, and brandy have been linked to gout. However, other protein compounds in foods, such as lentils and beans, may play a role.
The main symptom of gout is waking up in the middle of the night with an acute throbbing pain in the big toe, which is swollen. The pain lasts for around three or four hours and then subsides. However, pain in the same toe usually returns within a few months.
Gout can be controlled by with prescription medications and diet. Note: Please consult with your physician before taking any medications. The application of ice or cooling lotions helps alleviate pain and swelling during an acute phase. In some cases, specially-made shoes are prescribed to relieve the pain associated with gout.