A large amount of uric acid in the body may lead to a condition that is commonly known as gout. This ailment often produces severe pain and discomfort, and typically affects the big toe. Patients who are afflicted with gout may notice the pain is so debilitating, it may cause an inability to walk. Additional symptoms may include redness, swelling, and some patients may have a fever. Gout is caused by factors that can include family history, and from eating foods that have elevated purine levels. This can lead to a build-up of uric acid, which may cause sharp pains between the joints in the big toe. These types of foods can consist of shellfish, red meat, and drinks that have a high sugar content. Mild relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to diminish a portion of the swelling as well. If you have developed gout, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to find comfort, and suggest methods to possibly prevent this ailment from occurring in the future.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. 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 offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that elderly people may be more susceptible to falling in their living environments. This can lead to sprained or broken ankles, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. It is important for caregivers to ensure their patients have regular vision and medical examinations, as this can be helpful in having clearer vision and feeling stable. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to reduce falling. These can include removing carpeting that is worn, replacing lighting with brighter bulbs, and installing grab bars in the bath and toilet area. Additionally, it may help to encourage the patient to incorporate a gentle exercise program into their daily routine, as this may be beneficial in maintaining strength. If you would like additional information about how the feet can be protected by preventing falling, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Athlete’s foot is considered to be a fungal infection that is typically present in between the toes, but may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Most cases of athlete’s foot may be treated with the use of over-the-counter sprays or creams. However, some patients have found that they develop this condition more than once, and continuously have tried to get rid of athlete’s foot, but it continues to come back. To help avoid getting athlete’s foot, it’s suggested that you are using the appropriate footwear in public places, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers. If you find that you are taking the proper precautionary measures, and are still getting athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can help treat your condition, as well as give you professional tips on how to avoid it’s development in the future.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Factors that indicate you may have flat feet are often noticeable while standing on the floor. The arch of the foot will appear absent, or extremely low. The arch typically provides a spring to the step, and is helpful in distributing the weight of the body across the legs and feet. Flat feet may develop from birth, genetic factors, or from a possible foot or ankle injury. Common symptoms that can be associated with this condition may include foot pain, and the arch area may become swollen, as well as the calves. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can recommend specific stretching techniques. These may be helpful in alleviating some of the pain and discomfort that can come with this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Texas City and Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.