Although gout is more common in adults, children and teenagers can develop it, especially if they have certain medical conditions or a family history. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form painful crystals in the joints. It often affects the big toe, and can produce excruciating pain. In younger individuals, it may be linked to kidney problems, obesity, or inherited disorders. Symptoms include joint pain, redness, and swelling, often in the big toe. Avoiding gout in children and teens involves maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet that limits high-purine foods such as red meat and sugary drinks. If your child has pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose gout, and offer relief and treatment solutions for this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It helps you walk, run, and jump by allowing your foot to push off the ground. Because it handles so much force, it can be injured through overuse, sudden movements, or lack of flexibility. When the tendon is strained or torn, healing can take time and depends on factors like blood flow, rest, and how the injury is treated. The tendon heals by forming new tissue, but this process is slower than in other areas of the body. Stretching, strengthening exercises, and targeted exercises often help the tendon recover. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed. If you notice pain or stiffness in the back of your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often causing burning, tingling, or a sensation of walking on a pebble. It usually develops from repetitive stress, wearing tight shoes, or abnormal foot mechanics. Treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve. Padding, shoe modifications, and custom orthotics are often the first steps, helping to improve foot alignment and reduce irritation. Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections may ease pain and swelling. In more persistent cases, alcohol sclerosing injections can shrink the neuroma over time. If conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical removal of the neuroma may be considered. Early care typically leads to better outcomes and prevents worsening symptoms. If you are experiencing discomfort between your toes or unusual sensations while walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition most often affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, injury, or a genetic tendency. Early-stage ingrown toenails may respond to warm soaks, gentle lifting of the nail edge, and wearing open or roomier shoes. However, if there is redness, pus, or worsening pain, professional care is necessary. A podiatrist can safely remove the portion of the nail that is causing the problem and may prescribe antibiotics if infection is present. In recurring cases, a simple in-office procedure can prevent the nail from growing inward again. Attempting to treat an ingrown nail at home can increase the risk of complications. For relief and long-term prevention, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When heel pain from plantar fasciitis does not go away after several months, it is considered chronic. This condition can limit your ability to walk, work, or enjoy physical activity. A proper evaluation looks at how long the pain has lasted, what treatments have been tried, and if other issues are involved. Treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis may include custom orthotics, stretching exercises, shockwave therapy, or in some cases, surgery. Addressing the problem early and with the right approach can prevent long-term discomfort and improve your quality of life. Each case is different, so care should be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. If your heel pain has lasted for months, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to explore long-term treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Nassau Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside, Franklin Square, and East Norwich, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.