Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It may appear suddenly, causing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. The skin may look shiny and feel extremely tender, making even the touch of a sheet unbearable. Common causes include a diet high in purines, obesity, certain medications, and genetic factors. Gout attacks can last for days or weeks and may recur if not properly managed. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through physical examination, review of medical history, and tests such as joint fluid analysis or blood work. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, dietary guidance, and long-term management strategies to reduce uric acid levels. Preventive care and lifestyle changes are essential to avoid future flare-ups. A podiatrist can also help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and care.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors 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 Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the sides or corners of a toenail dig into the surrounding skin. Ingrown toenails are classified into three stages based on their severity. In stage 1, the end of the toe becomes reddened and mildly swollen. The affected toe can feel warm and painful to the touch, but has no pus or drainage. In stage 2, the toe becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful, with yellow or white pus draining from the area. An infection may develop. In stage 3, the redness and swelling increase even more, and a mass of new tissue can grow around the nail, adding even more swelling and more pus.  At this stage, infections may be more severe and can be accompanied by a fever. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Symptoms of tendonitis in the foot often begin with sharp, burning, or aching pain along the affected tendon, especially during movement. Swelling can develop over time, sometimes forming into a tender lump along the tendon. Stiffness in the foot or ankle may limit motion and make walking, climbing stairs, or standing on tiptoes uncomfortable. Discomfort is usually worse with activity and may temporarily ease with rest, only to return when weight is placed back on the foot. Causes of tendonitis in the foot include repetitive strain from activities that overwork the tendons, direct injuries such as an ankle sprain, or friction from shoes that rub against the tendon. Abnormal foot structure, like flat feet or high arches, can also place uneven stress on tendons, increasing the risk of inflammation. A podiatrist can identify which tendon is affected, provide guidance on proper support, and recommend treatment that may include surgery, if necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of tendonitis in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors 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 offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit correctly is essential for comfort and long-term foot health. To measure your foot, place it on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape from the heel to the longest toe, then compare with a shoe size chart. Be sure to measure both feet since one is often slightly larger. Shoes that are too small or too large can cause issues such as blisters, bunions, hammertoes, corns, and even chronic foot pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend proper footwear, and address any damage caused by ill-fitting shoes. If you have foot pain from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.