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Gout and Managing It Effectively

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. It most often affects the big toe, causing sudden and intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, an overabundance of uric acid, and certain medical conditions. High levels of uric acid can result from diet, poor kidney function, or lifestyle habits. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout, manage painful flare-ups, and recommend changes to reduce recurrence. Gout can be extremely painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have sudden pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this uncomfortable condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Common Running Injuries and How to Protect Your Feet

Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can lead to injuries if the feet and ankles are not properly supported. Common running injuries include Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, and plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from inflammation of the foot’s arch. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, stretching regularly, gradually increasing mileage, and avoiding uneven terrain. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and treat injuries to restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to chronic issues. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing Injury
- Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
- Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
- “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
- Cross-Training is Crucial
- Wear Proper Running Shoes
- Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What Every Active Child and Parent Should Know About Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, common in physically active children and adolescents. It occurs due to repetitive stress and strain on the heel bone during growth spurts. Risk factors include participation in running or jumping sports, tight calf muscles, and wearing improper footwear. This condition typically affects children between 8 and 14 years old. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or running. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease, recommend stretching exercises, supportive footwear, activity modifications, and other things to reduce pain and promote healing. If your active child complains of persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, ensuring a healthy return to activity.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from North Eastern Ohio Podiatry Group LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Willoughby Hills, Euclid, and Beachwood, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.