Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain that may begin overnight. The joint can become red, swollen, and warm, making even light pressure from a sheet feel uncomfortable. It may look visibly inflamed and feel stiff, limiting movement during a flare. Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms crystals in the joint, which can be triggered by diet, dehydration, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. A podiatrist can recognize gout through a physical exam and may confirm it with imaging or laboratory testing. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and preventing future attacks through medication and lifestyle guidance. Early care can help protect the joint from long-term damage. If you suspect you may have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist 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 Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia underneath the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. The plantar fascia is a wide band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch. A major sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain may lessen with movement but often returns after standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Some people feel aching or tightness in the arch or sole, and the heel may become tender. Mild swelling or a burning feeling can also develop at the Achilles tendon. Symptoms begin gradually and worsen over time. A podiatrist can assess the foot, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to reduce strain and improve function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Stretching the toes plays an important role in maintaining healthy feet. The toes contain joints, muscles, and tendons that help support balance and movement while walking or standing. When they become stiff, the toes may not move normally, which can lead to discomfort or reduced flexibility. Regular toe stretching helps improve mobility, allowing the toes to move through their full range of motion. It can also improve blood flow, which supports healthy tissue and may reduce swelling. Flexible toes also help the foot absorb pressure more evenly when walking, which may lower the risk of strain or injury. Stretching can also support proper alignment of the toes and forefoot, an area that includes the bones just behind the toes. A podiatrist can examine the toes and feet to identify stiffness, imbalance, or developing conditions like bunions or hammertoes. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our podiatrist to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Wearing the right work shoes plays an important role in protecting foot health and maintaining proper support during long hours of standing or walking. Shoes that fit well and provide strong arch support help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce pressure-related stress on joints and soft tissues. Poorly fitting footwear can contribute to the development of painful conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. Wearing supportive work shoes also helps reduce pressure spots that may lead to irritation, fatigue, and long-term foot problems. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotic devices to improve comfort and alignment. If you have ongoing foot discomfort at work, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions, and guide you on the right shoes to wear for your workday.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Pedram Aslmand, DPM from Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.