Items filtered by date: October 2025

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden pain and inflammation. Common symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often beginning in the big toe. The big toe is frequently affected because it is the coolest part of the body, allowing uric acid crystals to form more easily. Over time, untreated gout can cause persistent arthritis and limit joint movement. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide pain relief, and create a treatment plan to prevent flare-ups. If you have pain in your big toe it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer you effective relief and management tips. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For those who work on their feet all day, wearing the right shoes is essential for comfort, safety, and overall health. Proper footwear offers stability and cushioning while providing the only interaction between your body and the ground. Shoes with safety features, such as slip-resistant soles and arch support, help prevent injuries and fatigue. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to foot problems like plantar fasciitis, calluses, and lower back pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics for added relief. If you have developed foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the proper shoes to wear for optimum foot health.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Gymnastics places intense demands on the feet and ankles, often leading to injuries from repetitive landings, twisting motions, or sudden impact. Common injuries include sprains from overstretched ligaments, fractures caused by high force landings, and tendonitis from overuse. Stress fractures can also develop when training is intense without adequate recovery time. These injuries may limit performance and cause long-term problems, if not treated properly. A podiatrist can diagnose the specific type of injury, recommend customized treatment, and guide rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability. This type of doctor also provides guidance on proper footwear and preventative care. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain from gymnastics, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat these types of injuries, and further guide you on injury prevention.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that commonly form along tendons or joints, including on the feet. These non-cancerous cysts vary in size and can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if located in areas that bear weight or experience friction from shoes. While the exact cause of ganglion cysts remains unclear, repetitive stress on the foot joints or trauma may contribute to their development. Symptoms range from a visible lump to pain, limited movement, and, in some cases, numbness if the cyst presses on nearby nerves. While ganglion cysts are generally harmless, treatment may be necessary if they cause discomfort or impede movement. Treatment options include draining the fluid, or, in more persistent cases, surgical removal. If you have this type of cyst, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an exam and monitoring.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.