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Foot Notes

Posts for tag: gout

By Clark Podiatry Center
December 05, 2018
Tags: diabetes   arthritis   gout   ulcer   supportive shoes  

If you have recently begun to live with older loved ones or if they plan to move in with you soon, there are a few things to consider for their foot care. Seniors need a little bit more care because of the many problems they can experience in their feet. From arthritis and gout to osteoporosis and hip problems, the risk of injury or pain is higher.

Here are some ways you can make their feet (and their overall person) more comfortable as they live with you:

Around the Home

  • Mats: Anywhere your older loved one might spend time standing for a while, you should install some standing mats. It will reduce the impact on their feet and bones as they walk and stand. Think about locations such as in front of sinks!
  • Rugs/Carpeting: If your older loved one needs cushioning due to bone or joint issues, consider installing carpet in areas they will spend time (i.e., their bedroom). You may want some plush carpeting for the living room if they spend time with you there.
  • Safety bars: If they need some help using the bathroom, you may want to install safety bars along the wall near the toilet, as well as for getting in and out of the shower. They will help reduce the risk of falls that could be potentially life-threatening!
  • Grippy material on stairs: Do your older loved ones have to use the stairs? Reduce the risk of slipping and falling on hardwood stairs by adding grip tape to each step.
  • Trip hazards: Always keep trip hazards out of the way. Seniors using walkers or canes will need a clear path to the rooms they walk in and out of the most.

On their feet

  • Supportive shoes – Make sure when they are wearing shoes, the feet are well supported.  Cushioning, arch support, and heel cups will help them keep their feet stable and healthy.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Shoes/Slippers – Depending on the floors you have in the house, you might want to alter their footwear indoors. If you have hardwood floors, and your loved one is diabetic, you may want to make sure that they wear protective shoes with grippy rubber soles while indoors. However, if you have carpet, the grippy shoes would not work because they can trip on the piles. The same goes for the types of soles on any slippers they might wear indoors.

Daily foot care

  • Wash and inspect the feet every day. It is especially crucial for those who have neuropathy, such as diabetes. Because wounds can go unnoticed when they have loss of sensation, there is a chance that it can become an ulcer.

These tips can help your older loved one be more comfortable as they stay with you. If you have a concern about their foot health, come to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy. He can assess your feet, and find a solution to treat your pain. Come to see him at Clark Podiatry Center. Make an appointment at our Clark, NJ office so we can keep you and your family walking. 

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By Clark Podiatry Center
July 18, 2018
Category: Foot Conditions
Tags: arthritis   swelling   RICE method   gout   healthy diet  

If you or a loved one suffers from gout, you know that it can be a crippling condition. This intense form of arthritis can suddenly cause pain, swelling, and redness in a joint – most commonly in the big toe joint. It can cause pain to most of the forefoot and even in the ankles and/or knees as well.

NOTE: If you feel that you might have gout, make sure that you have made an appointment with your doctor and received a proper diagnosis.

After some time, gout patients may get really good at recognizing symptoms of an oncoming attack. You may feel sensations of burning or tingling, stiff or sore joints, and eventually, redness, swelling, and pain. For some, the pain can come suddenly in the middle of the night, causing you to wake up.

Gout attacks generally occur after drinking more than usual, eating foods that are high in purine (like liver or mussels), being dehydrated, ingesting a lot of sugar, or as a side effect of taking certain medications.

When you feel an attack coming on, try the following:

  • RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression*, Elevation to reduce symptoms. *If even the littlest bit of contact with the gout joint causes you pain, you may not want to use compression.
  • Drink a LOT of water. Hydration will help you flush out the buildup of uric acid in your joints.
  • Take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • If possible, get moving. Low-impact exercise can help to get blood and fluids circulating to reduce the uric acid build up. Even doing some exercises while resting the affected foot/feet in bed can help your symptoms.

When a gout attack is in full swing, you may be in too much pain to do much. You’ll want to have friends or family members help you with daily tasks and take it easy in general. Eat a nutritious and healthy diet and drink lots of water. Additionally, use cushiony, soft slippers when you do need to walk around (like going to the bathroom) to alleviate pain.

If you experience more than 2 or 3 attacks per year, you’ll probably want to take prescription gout medications. Make an appointment today at Clark Podiatry Center. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy will assess your feet to find the best treatments or solutions for your feet. We are located in Clark, NJ and serve patients in all the surrounding Union County towns!

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By Clark Podiatry Center
November 21, 2017
Category: Foot Care

Your feet carry you everywhere. They work hard to support you in all that you do and move you forward in life, literally. And sometimes backward, if you wish! So during this time of remembering all of the things you are thankful for, give thanks for your hard-working feet and thank them through some of the following ways:

1. Lead a healthy lifestyle including nutritious food and regular physical activity.

  • It’s important that you take care of your whole body, including your feet. Eat the right foods, taking into account any conditions you have (i.e. gout, diabetes), so that your feet do not suffer from overindulgence or lack of nutrition.
  • Regular exercise does your body good. Include exercises to strengthen and stretch your toes, feet, and ankles to promote circulation and relieve tension.

2. Home or Salon Pedicure

  • This is another way to give your feet some pampering. You can buy a simple pedicure kit, or use what you have (paper towels wrapped around the toes work well as toe separators). This activity can range from a simple cleanup and grooming to a full treatment with strengthening polish and skin exfoliation.
  • Just remember to be gentle and sanitize your tools. Do not do anything that causes you pain, as this could lead to injury or infection.

3. Foot massage

  • Place one foot on the other knee, so that the bottom of your foot faces you. Give your foot a nice rub, using lotion or oil if you wish, but be careful of slipping after! You’ll feel some pressure points that feel tight, but wonderful! If you cannot reach your feet, use a small golf ball or lacrosse ball on the ground to massage the soles of your feet.
  • Grab a partner and take turns massaging each other’s feet. Try using the thumbs in circular motions to get relief.
  • Don’t have a partner? Do you have a nearby mall? There’s a good chance you can “test” out foot massage or chair massage machines. Kick off your shoes and relax – just don’t forget to wash your feet when you get home!
  • Get a professional foot massage. This is a luxury, but they know just the right spots to give you ultimate relaxation and pain relief!

4. Get yourself comfortable, supportive shoes that fit.

  • Give your feet a rest from high heels (which can cause a number of problems and pain), and instead find some supportive casual shoes.
  • Invest in a bag that will fit your comfortable shoes. If you walk to work or spend long times standing, you may want to switch your feet out of uncomfortable business shoes and into comfortable walking shoes.

5. Finally, schedule your annual podiatry exam. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brandon Macy can assess your feet and give them the treatment they need. The earlier problems are detected, the more likely you can prevent them from getting worse! Come see him at Clark Podiatry Center. Make an appointment to see us today at our Clark, NJ office

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Podiatrist - Clark, Dr. Brandon Macy, 1114 Raritan Road, Clark NJ, 07066 732-382-3470