Gout attacks at night can be particularly debilitating, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness in the feet that can interfere with sleep. This form of arthritis is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, often targeting the big toe, which is more susceptible to stress and cooler temperatures. Factors such as dehydration, lower body temperature, and reduced cortisol levels during sleep, can trigger these nighttime flare-ups. The pain from a gout attack can be so intense that finding relief becomes a challenge without professional help. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to help prevent future flare-ups. Recommendations may include lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes, weight management, and anti-inflammatory treatments to ease pain and swelling. Effectively managing gout not only helps protect your feet and joints but also promotes better sleep. If you are struggling with painful gout attacks at night, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. This condition is most common during periods of rapid growth, when bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons can adapt. Causes include excessive running, jumping, and footwear that lacks adequate support. Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the back of the heel, swelling, and difficulty walking or participating in physical activities. The discomfort may worsen with activity and improve with rest. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and manage Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Ingrown toenail surgery is a procedure performed to relieve pain and prevent infection caused by a toenail growing into the surrounding skin. The procedure involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic before carefully removing the affected portion of the nail. In some cases, the nail matrix is treated to prevent regrowth in the problematic area. Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments fail or when there is recurring pain, swelling, or infection. Common reasons for this condition include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, and genetic predisposition. The benefits of surgery include long-term relief from pain, reduced risk of infection, and improved nail appearance. Healing typically occurs within a few weeks with proper care. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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