Gout is a painful joint condition that develops when excess uric acid in the body forms sharp crystals inside a joint, most commonly in the big toe. A gout attack often begins suddenly, and may wake a person during the night with intense throbbing pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness. The joint can look red, shiny, and feel hot to the touch, making even the pressure of a bedsheet uncomfortable. Some patients also notice stiffness or difficulty walking during a flare-up. Gout may be linked to kidney function, dehydration, certain medications, family history, or diets high in purines found in foods such as red meat and shellfish. Repeated attacks can lead to lasting joint damage if the condition is not properly managed. A podiatrist can help recognize the signs of gout, evaluate the affected joint, and recommend treatment to reduce inflammation and improve comfort. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of a nerve that runs along the inside of the ankle, leading to discomfort in the foot. Common causes include flat feet or fallen arches, swelling from an ankle sprain, and conditions like arthritis or diabetes that increase pressure in the area. Symptoms include tingling, burning, numbness, or shooting pain that can worsen with activity. Risk factors include poor foot structure, inflammation, and repetitive stress. Wearing compression socks may help reduce swelling and provide support, which can ease symptoms for some individuals. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend treatments, and address underlying causes. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the small bones of the toe, often caused by dropping a heavy object on the foot or forcefully stubbing it. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes a clearly deformed appearance. While it may be tempting to continue normal activities, running with a broken toe is not recommended. The repeated impact places added stress on the injured bone, which can worsen pain, delay healing, and increase the risk of improper alignment. Even if discomfort seems manageable, continuing to run can prolong recovery time, which is typically about six weeks with proper care. Risk factors include sports activities and not wearing protective footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, provide stabilization, and guide safe healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on an appropriate time frame to resume running.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM from Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Broken toes occur when one or more of the small bones in the toes fracture due to trauma or excessive force. Common causes include a direct hit, such as stubbing the toe, or a hard object landing on it. Activities like dance or martial arts where shoes are not worn can also increase the risk of injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty walking, and discoloration where the toe may turn black and blue. Risk factors include high-impact activity, lack of wearing protective footwear, and previous injuries. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture, provide stabilization, and guide proper healing. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Afshin Javaherian, DPM of Dr. Java Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.