December 2022

The common symptoms that many people experience with the foot condition that is known as gout is debilitating pain, swelling, and the affected toe may be red. It is an ailment that affects the joints in the big toe and happens from excess uric acid in the blood. This may happen from genetic reasons or from eating foods that have high amounts of purines. These can include red meat, excess alcohol, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain comes from crystals that form in the joints of the big toe and can affect completing daily activities. Ultimately, frequent gout attacks may damage the kidneys, bones, and joints, and it is suggested that a healthy diet and exercise program is implemented. This may be helpful in avoiding future painful bouts with gout. A podiatrist can provide treatment to people who have gout, in addition to discussing effective prevention methods. Please contact a podiatrist for the relief and information you are seeking.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels can cause various foot issues in women. Corns, Morton’s neuroma, and bunions are common conditions that can happen from frequently wearing high heels, and this can be a result of not having enough room for the toes to move freely in. Some women may develop toenail fungus from the constant pressure the nails endure as they are forced to lie against the front of the shoe. Additionally, the Achilles tendon may become shorter from the angle of the shoe, which can lead to developing plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. People who wear high heels may have an increased risk of falling and incurring an ankle injury from losing their balance. An alternative for wearing these types of stylish shoes may be to choose shoes that are wider in the toe area, and have a lower heel. If you have concerns about the possible foot conditions that can develop from wearing high heels, please contact a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Any pregnant woman knows that the feet undergo a series of important changes. For example, the feet may seem to expand in size over the course of a pregnancy. Additionally, many soon-to-be mothers are not fully aware of the fact that the feet may actually become more odorous during a pregnancy. Foot odor during pregnancy might be caused by edema, hormonal alterations, and a higher body temperature. If the increased foot odor during pregnancy is becoming bothersome, there are several things that you might consider doing to combat the smell. For example, you might wear shoes that provide enough space for the feet to breathe in. The use of moisture-wicking socks also might be beneficial. If you are expecting a baby in the near future, contact a podiatrist today who can help you best prepare yourself for the changes that your body and feet will undergo during the process.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet are wonderfully complex parts of the human body. One thing that makes them so complex and interesting is the many different bones that are found in the foot. The feet are composed of 26 different bones that are located throughout the three main areas of the foot known as the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot. In the forefoot, five metatarsals and their phalanges make up the toes of the feet. These provide critical balancing services to the feet. The midfoot contains bones that are more irregular in shape than the forefoot. For example, in the midfoot, one can find bones such as the medial cuneiform, the lateral cuneiform, and the cuboid bone. Lastly, the hindfoot contains only two bones, the talus, and the calcaneus. Importantly, the calcaneus bone makes up the heel, or back of the foot. If you are interested in learning more about the many different bones of the foot, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Brian D. Jackson, DPM from Neuhaus Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Columbia and Pulaski, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.