Items filtered by date: March 2025

Although gout is often associated with men, it also affects women, particularly after menopause. Estrogen helps regulate uric acid levels, so its decline increases the risk of developing gout. The condition occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming painful crystals in the joints, including in the big toe. Risk factors include a diet high in purines, obesity, kidney disease, and certain medications that affect uric acid levels. Women with gout often experience symptoms in the toes, ankles, and knees, leading to swelling, redness, and severe pain. If left untreated, gout can cause joint damage and chronic pain, affecting mobility and quality of life. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. 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 offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort and possible infection. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can worsen if not treated properly. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetic predisposition, or trauma to the toe. Repeated pressure on the toenail from activities such as running or kicking sports can also contribute to the problem. Symptoms often include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. If an infection develops, pus or increased warmth may be present. An ingrown toenail can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this uncomfortable foot ailment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Judson Siegel, DPM of Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain during pickleball is a common complaint due to the intense movements involved in the sport. One of the leading causes is overuse, as frequent lateral movements, quick starts, and sudden stops place stress on the ankle joint. Another cause is improper footwear, which may not provide the necessary support or cushioning for the specific demands of pickleball. Ankle sprains, where the ligaments are stretched or torn, can also occur from twisting or rolling the ankle while trying to return a fast ball or change direction quickly. Poor technique or lack of warm-up exercises can contribute to muscle strains and joint stiffness, further increasing the risk of injury. Players with previous ankle injuries may experience recurring pain as well. If you enjoy playing pickleball and have endured an ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment so you can return to this popular sport.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Judson Siegel, DPM from Assabet Family Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plainville, Marlborough, and Somerset, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.