Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, unfolds as a consequence of the crystallization of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism, accumulates in the bloodstream when the body either produces too much or eliminates too little of it. This surplus uric acid transforms into sharp crystals, typically depositing in joints, most commonly the big toe. The inflammatory response triggered by these crystals leads to the excruciating pain, swelling, and redness characteristic of gout attacks. Contributing factors to elevated uric acid levels include a diet rich in purine-containing foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions affecting uric acid regulation. Gout often manifests in intermittent attacks, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the condition. If you have severe pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat gout.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. 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 Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal coalition, which affects approximately one in every 100 people, emerges during adolescence, causing pain and stiffness in the foot. The issue arises when certain tarsal bones fuse or abnormally connect. This leads to a rigid and inflexible region that includes the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones of the foot. The most common types are calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal coalition, where bridges form between the calcaneus and navicular bones, or between the calcaneus and talus. Three categories of tarsal coalition are osseus coalition, which involves bony growth, cartilaginous coalition which affects cartilage growth, and fibrous coalition which consists of fibrous tissue growth. Causes of tarsal coalition include genetic abnormalities and foot trauma, such as fractures or sprains, which can disrupt connective tissue development. This may lead to abnormal growth and fusion. Infections that weaken foot structures may cause inflammation, further disrupting normal tissue development. Arthritis, especially certain types and associated medications, increase the risk of abnormal growth and fusion in the foot. Understanding the types and causes is important for early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. For those experiencing persistent foot pain or suspecting tarsal coalition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective management. 

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

When too much pressure is applied to a nerve in the foot, it can lead to a pinched nerve. This disrupts the nerve's normal function and causes a range of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, and pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can result in a pinched nerve in the foot. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passage in the ankle through which the tibial nerve runs, providing sensation to the bottom of the foot. When this nerve becomes compressed, it leads to tarsal tunnel syndrome and may cause a pinched nerve in the foot. Morton's neuroma is another condition that can lead to a pinched nerve in the foot. This condition involves the growth of a benign tumor on a nerve, often occurring between the third and fourth toes, just before the arch. Morton's neuroma results from the thickening of nerve tissue leading to the toes. It results in pain radiating from the ball of the foot to the ankle or toes and can cause numbness, cramping, or tingling sensations. People with Morton’s neuroma may feel a sensation of standing on a fold in a sock or having a pebble in the shoe. If you experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or discomfort in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Robert Marcus from Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Swollen feet, a frequent and uncomfortable condition, can be triggered by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is prolonged standing or sitting, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities. Similarly, high salt intake can lead to water retention, resulting in swollen feet. Pregnancy is another well-known cause of foot swelling, due to increased blood volume and pressure on leg veins. Certain medications, like those for hypertension or hormone therapy, may contribute to edema. Injuries, such as sprained ankles or fractures, can also result in localized foot swelling. Additionally, underlying medical conditions like heart disease, kidney problems, or venous insufficiency can lead to edema in the feet. Lymphedema, a condition involving impaired lymphatic system function, is another possible cause. Recognizing the common causes of swollen feet is vital, as it can help you determine whether it is a benign issue or a sign of an underlying health problem. If you are concerned about persistent foot swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Marcus of Foot & Ankle Center of Teaneck. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Teaneck, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.