Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals inside joints. These crystals can trigger sudden attacks of intense pain, often affecting the big toe. The joint may become red, swollen, warm, and extremely tender, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Gout symptoms can appear suddenly, sometimes during the night, and may improve before returning during another flare. Without proper management, repeated attacks can damage joints and contribute to lasting foot problems.

Gout develops when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot remove enough of it. Risk factors include family history, kidney disease, and certain medications. Frequent consumption of alcohol or foods rich in purines may also raise uric acid levels in some people. Purines are natural substances that the body breaks down into uric acid. Although dietary choices can influence gout, the condition is not simply caused by eating particular foods. Medical evaluation helps identify contributing factors and guide effective treatment.

Gout tophi are firm deposits of uric acid crystals that collect beneath the skin or around joints after uric acid levels remain elevated over time. They may appear as visible lumps near the toes, heels, or ankles. Tophi can cause pressure and discomfort, interfere with shoe fit, and sometimes damage nearby tissue. The big toe is especially vulnerable because the joint experiences substantial pressure during walking and is relatively cool compared with the body's core. These conditions can encourage crystal formation during gout attacks.

A podiatrist can examine painful joints and visible lumps, review your symptoms, and recommend tests or imaging when needed. Treatment may include medication to control inflammation, uric acid-lowering therapy, and footwear changes to reduce pressure. Managing gout early can help prevent recurring attacks and joint damage. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Pain in the ball of the foot may make each step feel like landing on a pebble. This part of the foot is the padded area just behind the toes. It carries considerable pressure as the body moves forward with each step. Discomfort in this area might feel sharp, burning, or aching. Some patients also notice swelling or tingling that reaches the toes. Symptoms frequently worsen while walking or standing for long periods of time. Although excessive exercise and tight shoes contribute to many cases, persistent pain sometimes signals an injury or an underlying joint problem.

Several conditions place extra stress on the ball of the foot. Bunions and bent toes change how body weight spreads across the forefoot. High arches also concentrate pressure beneath certain bones. Arthritis irritates joints, while thinning of the natural fat pad reduces cushioning. Another possible cause is Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes. This problem frequently creates burning pain or the feeling of something caught inside a shoe. Repeated force from running or jumping sometimes produces a stress fracture, which is a small crack in a bone. Because these problems share symptoms, identifying the source requires a careful examination.

A podiatrist evaluates tender areas and checks joint movement. Examining foot shape and observing walking patterns helps identify uneven pressure. X-rays reveal certain bone or joint problems, while other imaging helps assess soft tissues or suspected stress fractures. Treatment targets the diagnosed cause. A podiatrist may prescribe custom orthotics to redistribute pressure or position specialized pads to protect painful areas. Protective devices help stabilize certain injuries. Podiatric care also addresses painful calluses and evaluates shoes for fit. Surgery remains an option for selected structural problems when other treatments fail. If you have frequent pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Bunions are bony bumps that form when the bones near a toe joint move out of their normal positions. Three types of bunions are frequently seen by a podiatrist. The most common bunion develops at the base of the big toe. As the tip of the big toe leans toward the second toe, the base of the joint protrudes on the inner side of the foot. A bunionette, also called a tailor’s bunion, develops in a similar way at the base of the pinky toe. An adolescent bunion is frequently linked to an inherited foot shape, and begins in childhood or the teenage years. 

Another way of describing bunions is by their severity. X-rays show the positions of the bones and the amount of joint misalignment. A mild bunion has a smaller change in the bone angles and can cause limited discomfort. A moderate bunion has a greater shift, which can make the bump more noticeable and shoes harder to fit. With a severe bunion, the big toe can press against or overlap the second toe. Pain can interfere with standing, exercise, and daily activities. Some patients also have stiffness or arthritis in the big-toe joint. Skin irritation, corns, or calluses can develop where a bunion rubs against a shoe or where crowded toes touch.

A podiatrist can determine the type and severity of a bunion through an examination and weight-bearing X-rays. Treatment is based on symptoms rather than the bump’s appearance alone. A podiatrist can recommend wearing fitted shoes with a wide toe box, protective padding, or custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. When pain remains severe or the deformity limits activity, surgery can realign bones and joints. The procedure chosen depends on the bunion’s location and degree of misalignment. Early evaluation can help protect joint function and guide care before symptoms become more limiting. If you have pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. Extra pressure on this skin can cause it to split, creating cracks that are also called heel fissures. Small cracks can cause mild discomfort, while deeper cracks can become painful or bleed. Symptoms include dry skin, thickened areas, and visible splits around the heel. Standing for long periods of time can place additional pressure on the heel. Wearing open-backed shoes can also contribute because they allow the heel to spread outward. Cold, dry weather and certain skin conditions can make the problem worse.

Several health conditions can contribute to dry, cracked heels. Athlete's foot can cause dry or irritated skin, while other conditions can affect the skin's ability to hold moisture. A podiatrist can examine the heels to determine the severity of the cracks and look for signs of infection. The examination can also help identify pressure patterns or another foot problem that contributes to cracking. Redness, warmth, or drainage can signal an infection and require prompt attention. Patients with diabetes should have cracked heels professionally evaluated because breaks in the skin can increase the risk of serious foot complications.

Podiatric treatment for cracked heels focuses on restoring healthier skin and protecting areas that have split. A podiatrist can carefully remove thick, hardened skin through a procedure called debridement. Treatment can also include prescription-strength creams, protective dressings, or medical skin glue for certain cracks. Shoe inserts can redistribute pressure across the heel and reduce stress on damaged skin. A podiatrist can determine which treatment is appropriate based on the depth of the cracks and the patient's overall foot health. Professional treatment is especially important when cracks are painful, bleeding, or showing signs of infection. Addressing the cause can help protect the skin and improve comfort while standing or walking. If you have racked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include  prescribed  medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Adriana Strimbu, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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