Items filtered by date: May 2025

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. The big toe is often affected, and may be so painful that even the weight of a bed sheet can be unbearable. Acute gout refers to the sudden onset of intense symptoms, usually affecting one joint, most commonly the big toe. These episodes may last several days before subsiding. Chronic gout develops when uric acid levels remain elevated over time, leading to frequent flare-ups, joint damage, and the formation of hard deposits called tophi. Kidney disease is closely connected to gout because the kidneys are responsible for filtering uric acid from the blood. When kidney function declines, uric acid can accumulate, increasing the risk of gout. Similarly, chronic gout may contribute to kidney damage over time, creating a cycle that worsens both conditions. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your care team 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. 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 Herkimer, and New Hartford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Cracked heels can be more than just a cosmetic concern. They may signal an underlying nutritional issue, particularly a vitamin deficiency. Vitamins play an essential role in maintaining skin health and elasticity. When the body lacks essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and certain B vitamins, the skin may become dry, rough, and prone to cracking. These deficiencies affect the skin's ability to repair itself and retain moisture, which leads to fissures around the heels. People with poor diets or malabsorption issues are at greater risk. In addition to moisturizing and wearing supportive footwear, addressing any nutritional shortfalls through diet or supplements may help improve the condition of the heels. Cracked heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Heel ulcers can start small but often grow into serious wounds that are slow to recover. These open sores usually appear on the back of the heel and may begin with redness, dryness or thickened skin. People with diabetes or poor circulation are especially at risk, as the skin on their feet can break down more easily. Pressure from walking or shoes that do not fit well can make the problem worse. Over time, the skin may crack, drain or develop a scab that never quite closes. Treatment involves relieving pressure, cleaning the area carefully and often using special dressings or prescribed medications. In more advanced cases, a podiatrist may need to remove dead tissue to encourage healing. If you notice a sore on your heel that does not improve, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

A hammertoe develops when the middle joint of one of the smaller toes bends downward, often due to muscle and tendon imbalances in the foot. It is commonly linked to wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes. People with long toes, flat feet, bunions, or a family history of foot deformities may also be more likely to have a hammertoe. Early symptoms include discomfort, swelling, and the formation of corns where the toe rubs against footwear. A podiatrist can examine the foot and use imaging tests to determine if the toe is still flexible or has become rigid. For flexible hammertoes, medical treatment may include switching to shoes with a wide toe box or using custom orthotic devices to support the foot and relieve pressure. When the deformity becomes fixed or painful, surgery may be recommended. Procedures to restore alignment include tendon lengthening, tendon transfer, or arthrodesis, which involves removing part of the joint to fuse the bones and straighten the toe. If you experience pain from a hammertoe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for regular treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Doctors of Utica. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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