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When Surgery Is Needed for Gout

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

When gout in the feet becomes painful, surgery can be necessary to protect joint function. Repeated flares can lead to chronic tophaceous gout, a stage where tophi develop. Tophi are deposits made of uric acid crystals that collect around toes and joints, placing pressure on skin, nerves, and bone. Gout surgery is considered when tophi leak, become infected, cause severe pain, or interfere with walking or wearing shoes with inadequate support. Procedures include removing tophi or crystals to reduce pressure, or fusing small foot joints to control pain and instability. A podiatrist evaluates imaging, circulation, and nerve involvement to determine if surgery is appropriate and to plan care focused on long-term foot health. If you are experiencing chronic gout symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for advanced treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Growing Pains That Start in the Heel

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it is often tender to touch. It commonly feels sore, aching, or sharp, especially during or after sports, running, or jumping. Pain may improve with rest but returns with activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by reviewing activity levels, examining foot structure and gait, and confirming the diagnosis while ruling out other heel conditions. Treatment focuses on reducing strain on the heel and may include activity modification, heel cushions, supportive footwear, and guidance on proper warm-up and recovery. In some cases, short-term rest or immobilization may be needed to allow healing. Early care helps relieve pain, support healthy growth, and prevent ongoing discomfort. If your child is having heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Why the Big Toe Is Affected by Ingrown Toenails

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

The big toe carries much of the body weight and often experiences the most pressure inside a shoe, which makes the nail more likely to grow into the surrounding skin. Its nail is larger, thicker, and more curved than the others, so even a small change in how the nail grows or how the shoe fits can cause irritation. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, and repeated bumping of the toe can increase the chance of the nail edge digging into the tissue. When discomfort develops, a podiatrist can provide gentle care that removes the offending nail portion and eases the inflammation. Treatment may include reshaping the nail, protecting the skin, or using a procedure that prevents the troublesome edge from returning. If you notice pain, swelling, or difficulty walking because of a toenail problem, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions for ingrown toenails.

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 the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Noticeable Symptoms of a Toenail Fungus

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

A noticeable sign of an existing toenail fungus is often a discoloration of the nail. It can be accompanied by a thickening of the nail, and it may appear to be brittle. This contagious condition is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist environments. These areas can include public pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. If you frequent these places, it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes, which may be helpful in preventing toenail fungus. Patients who enjoy getting pedicures must ensure that the tools that are used are clean and sterile. Additional sources of contracting toenail fungus can consist of wearing shoes and socks that prevent ventilation, or medical conditions such as diabetes and weakened immune systems. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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