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May 2026

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 00:00

Defining Gout and Its Symptoms

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, although it can also involve the ankle or other joints in the foot. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals inside a joint. A gout attack may begin suddenly, often at night, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. The joint may look shiny, swollen, and very tender, and even light pressure from a sheet or shoe can feel severe. Triggers include certain foods, alcohol, dehydration, medical conditions, or a family history of gout. A podiatrist can often recognize the signs of gout during an exam, and may recommend imaging or lab testing to help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, footwear guidance, joint protection, and coordination with your other doctors to help manage uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. 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 one of our offices located in Brighton, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

Two tiny bones under the big toe joint, called sesamoids, help the foot handle pressure while walking and running. When these bones or the surrounding tissue become irritated, inflammation can develop. This often causes pain beneath the base of the big toe, especially when walking, standing for long periods of time, or wearing thin-soled or high-heeled shoes. The area may feel swollen, warm, or tender, and bending the big toe can make the pain worse. Repeated stress from dancing, jogging, or wearing poor-fitting shoes often leads to this problem. A podiatrist can examine the foot, check for swelling, and order X-rays to rule out a fracture or arthritis. Treatment of sesamoiditis includes custom orthotics, offloading pads that reduce pressure, and supportive shoes with thicker soles. Pain also can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medicine taken orally and injections to numb the painful area. If you have pain beneath the big toe joint, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM of Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026 00:00

How Fibromyalgia Affects the Feet

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can affect the feet and make movement difficult. Many people report sharp pain in the soles or tops of the feet. The pain can come and go. It may last for long periods and worsen with standing or walking. This foot pain can change the way a person walks and lead to strain in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. The cause of foot pain is not fully understood, but it may involve sensitive nerves and irritation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, check motion, and identify pressure points. Treatment plans include custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts designed to improve support and reduce strain, along with supportive devices and monitoring. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Brighton, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Friday, 01 May 2026 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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