Got Gout?

Got gout? If so, here is a recommendation for reducing you pain and discomfort! Watch what you eat and drink. Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages can cause gout attacks.

Gout attacks are extremely painful, they are caused with uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint because the toe is the coolest part of the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes. Foods high in purines contribute to uric acid build up. People prone to gout attacks should avoid purine-rich items such as shellfish (shrimp, crab, etc.), organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red meat, red wine and beer. Gout can be treated with medications, diet changes and increasing consumption of appropriate fluids. In some severe cases surgery is required to remove uric acid crystals and repair the joint. For more information on gout, visit our website at www.ShenandoahdPodiatry.com.

Shoe Shopping Tips

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of foot problems. Use this guide when you shop for shoes:

• Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.
• Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes. Your foot size increases as you get older.
• If the shoes feel too tight, don`t buy them. There is no such thing as a "break-in period."
• Most high heeled-shoes have a pointed or narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box.
• Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes.
• Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot - not by the marked size.
• There should be a half-inch of space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.
• Try on both shoes.
• Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell and become larger after standing or sitting during the day.
• Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
• When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
• Women should not wear a shoe with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches.

If you have any hesitations about your shoe selections, make an appointment and we'll help identify what you should look for in a shoe with your specific foot shape (high arches, high instep, etc.)!

Charlie Sheen: Hammertoes Aren't Winning

Charlie Sheen has recently announced his major turn off in women- hammertoes. Yes, the man fired from Two & Half Men because he has a number of addictions feels he has the right to deem women with hammertoes unattractive!

Hammertoes are everywhere in Hollywood!
Katie Holmes’ Feet

Even when women have a longer 2^nd toe than big toe is “bad too”; luckily his previous 3 significant others, Brooke Mueller, Denise Richards and porn star ex-girlfriend Bree Olson all had pre-approved feet.  

                       Source                                              Source                                                   Source     
Mr. Sheen, you have winning feet, don’t you?

Dedicated to your healthy feet,
Dr. Kate

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Arthritis & Baby Boomers

40+60 Feet, Euw. (Photo credit: bark)

Baby boomers aren't ready to slow down, even if their bodies are. If you're a member of the "Me Generation," seek care if you develop joint pain in your toes, feet or ankles.

While there is no fountain of youth for a degenerative condition like arthritis, there are more medical options available than ever before. The earlier your arthritis is diagnosed, the more options are available for treatment.

The big toe joint is one of the most common parts of the foot to develop osteoarthritis. For Boomers with early stage arthritis in this joint, modern surgical procedures may provide more pain relief and increased joint movement, allowing continued activity.  

Boomers with advanced and severe arthritis may need to have the joint fused or replaced. Stronger screws and hardware are helping fusions last longer, while slashing recovery times. A new generation of big toe joint replacements also shows promise.

Custom orthotics can help stabilize the foot and minimize discomfort from arthritis.

If you're not ready to give up the running shoes or hiking boots, ask our office for more information on osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle.