Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the foot, particularly the big toe. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in the joints. A gout attack may begin suddenly, often at night, with intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected toe or ankle. Gout typically progresses through three phases. The first is a flare-up, marked by acute symptoms in a single joint. The second, called intercritical gout, is a symptom-free period between attacks. The final phase, known as tophaceous gout, can occur after years of repeated flare-ups and involves hardened uric acid deposits under the skin called tophi. Risk factors include a diet high in red meat or seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, certain medications, kidney disease, and family history. A chiropodist can help by offering pain management options, depending on the frequency and severity of attacks. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Gout?

Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. This type of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. When uric acid crystallizes in a joint, often the joint of the big toe, it can bring about a gout attack. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include: 

• Sudden and severe pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Warmth 

• Joint stiffness

• Joint deformity

Diagnosis

A chiropodist will ask questions about your personal and family medical history, followed by an examination of the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout. A sample of fluid taken from your joint can show whether it contains uric acid. 

Treatment

Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Patients with chronic gout can also use behavioral modifications such as diet, exercise, and decreased intake of alcohol to help minimize the frequency of gout attacks. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided since purines are converted in the body to uric acid. If left untreated, this painful condition can leave your joint permanently damaged and swollen.  

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

Diabetes can significantly affect the feet by reducing blood flow and damaging nerves, which may lead to numbness, tingling, or wounds that heal slowly. Complications such as ulcers, infections, and loss of limb may occur if issues are left untreated. Daily foot checks are essential. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or changes in skin texture or nail health. Wash and dry your feet carefully and wear shoes that fit well. A chiropodist plays a vital role in diabetic foot care by managing wounds, preventing complications, and guiding proper foot hygiene. If you have this serious condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can offer expert advice and care, helping to prevent serious complications. 

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across all age groups, but foot and ankle injuries remain common due to quick movements and lateral shifts. Pickleball players often suffer from sprains, strains, Achilles tendinitis, or stress fractures, particularly if they are new to the sport or do not wear proper shoes. Footwear that offers lateral support and grip are essential to help reduce the risk of twisting injuries. Older players may face higher risks due to decreased balance, lower bone density, or weaker tendons, which also can lead to longer recovery periods. A chiropodist can provide valuable care for managing pain, recommending orthotics, diagnosing conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, and guiding rehabilitation following a foot or ankle injury. If you have foot or ankle pain after playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for appropriate treatment. 

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ankle strains or sprains

• Plantar fasciitis

• Fractures

• Turf toe 

• Joint dislocations

• Sever’s disease

• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or awkward movement. It is a common injury that can occur during sports, walking on uneven ground, or missing a step. Most sprains affect the outer ligaments and can vary in severity. Symptoms often include swelling, pain, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Mild sprains may heal with rest and home care, while more serious injuries may require bracing, targeted exercises, or medical attention. Repeated sprains can lead to long-term joint instability, if not properly treated. Early evaluation and care help reduce the risk of complications and support a faster recovery. If you suspect an ankle sprain or are having trouble walking due to ankle pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When one or more ligaments in the ankle overstretch or tear due to injury, an ankle sprain occurs. If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include: 

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Difficulty walking

• Ankle instability

• A reduced range of motion in the ankle 

Treatments for an ankle sprain may consist of: 

• Resting the injured ankle

• Applying ice

• Elevating the ankle

• Compressing the ankle

• Over-the-counter pain medications

• Ankle braces or other devices to take weight off of the ankle

• Ankle exercises 

• Surgery (in rare cases) 

It’s important for the sprained ankle to heal correctly and fully in order to avoid repeated injury. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.