What Causes Gout?

Of the many kinds of arthritis that affect the feet, the most identifiable is gout. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in a variety of treatments to provide pain relief to gout patients. However, long-term solutions are likely to require some changes in lifestyle. It is our hope that if more people know what causes gout, they’ll be able to avoid it or seek treatment as soon as they recognize symptoms.

 

Gout is caused by the accumulation of spiky crystals made from uric acids. Alcohol, meat, and sugar contain substances called purines that break down into uric acid. If something prevents the kidneys from filtering uric acid, they form crystals that get stuck in your joints. The base joint of the big toe is the most commonly affected location, but crystals can also build up in the ankles, fingers, or elbows too. If the crystals have been building up for a while, a sudden influx of purines can trigger a gout attack. During an attack, the joint swells noticeably, turns red, and is extremely painful or sensitive. Gout attacks often last for hours and could go on for days.

 

Unfortunately, there are some medications that put people at a higher risk for gout. You can decrease your risk by staying hydrated and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol, soda, and meat (particularly organ meat and seafood). Your trusted Lorain, OH podiatrists perform tests on your joint fluid to determine whether you have a dangerously high amount of uric acid crystals. If a patient is at risk, we provide them with anti-inflammatory medications and discuss dietary changes.

Do you think you could be suffering from gout? Come in for a visit so we can see what’s going on. We will get you started on a treatment plan unique to your problem! Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about gout, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

 

Xerosis 101

You’ve probably never heard of Xerosis, but chances are you’ve come across it before. Xerosis is the medical term for dry skin. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. David Hintz and Michael Wenowitz specialize in treating conditions like severe dry skin or Xerosis. Here’s everything you need to know about this condition. 

Causes

Xerosis is typically caused by a change in the environment. This is why it’s more common to experience Xerosis in the cold winter months, where your skin is increasingly prone to losing water.

 

Other causes include:

-Dehydration

-Overdrying the skin

-Bathing or showering frequently

-Bathing or showering with hot water excessively

-Sun exposure

-Living in areas of low humidity

Symptoms

-Itchy, dry, and even scaly skin

-Flaky skin

-Skin that’s tight, especially after bathing

-Irritated skin or skin with cracks

Risk Factors
Older people are more susceptible to Xerosis than younger people. Aging skin is more prone to dryness because of the less active sweat glands. With higher levels of blood glucose, diabetic patients are also at a higher risk for dry skin and Xerosis.

Treatment

Xerosis is a fairly common ailment, so treatment is simple as well. If you’re experiencing severe dryness, your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend using a moisture-rich lotion to apply to the area. However, if you’re Xerosis persists for more than two weeks, it may be a viral infection. Contact Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates right away for an appointment.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Xerosis, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Aging Feet

As you grow older, your body may not work the same as it used to. Some of your body parts will deteriorate in function and lose strength. Your feet are no different. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz specialize in treating aging feet. Here are three feet conditions you may face as you age.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects the joints of the hips, spine, knees, and even large toe. Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis develops more commonly in older people. Your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend proper footwear and special shoe inserts to reduce pain and inflammation. 

Bunions

Bunions are pesky not to mention painful bumps formed on the joint of the large toe. This condition is caused by the inflammation of the bursa or tiny fluid-filled sacs that serve as cushions in the joints. Common symptoms of bunions besides pain include stiffness, bone deformity, and swelling. Surgery is rare, but the last resort if bunions are not taken care of immediately.

Heel Pain

Let’s face it, aging is a real pain in the neck. But at Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates located in Lorain, OH, you don’t have to suffer in aching gloom, especially if you’re experiencing heel pain. Heel pain or fasciitis develops from irritated nerves, arthritis, stress fractures, tendonitis, and much more. Drs. Wenowitz and Hintz will prescribe medications, walking casts, or physical therapy to promote healing of this condition. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about how aging affects foot health, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

How to Stay Safe in High Heels

Are you head over heels in love….with high heels? The American Podiatrist Medical Association revealed that nearly half of all women strut into life with high heels. While definitely in style, research shows this footwear isn’t the best for your feet. From ankle injuries, stiffened Achilles’ tendon, back and knee pain to restricted blood flow, bunions, and hammertoes, high heels can result in many long-term health issues. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz provide expert podiatrist treatment for heel pain and other shoe-induced ailments. 

Get the Right Size

Most foot problems stem from ill-fitted shoes and high heels are no different. Measure your feet before shopping for shoes. Many shoppers tend to buy heels that are narrow around the toes. Instead, buy a wider size that allows your toes to breathe and wiggle. Your feet will thank you!

Ditch the Pointy-Toed Heels

We know you love your Louboutins but pointy-toes and high heels are one of the worst combinations for your feet. The double pressure on your toes and heels are not a look. When buying high heels, stick with a round-toed heel or chunky high heels like wedges or platforms

Maintain a Consistent Heel Height
When buying heels, make sure all your high heels are at a consistent height. A constant up and down injures the Achilles tendon, not to mention stiffness and pain.

Count Your Hours

Like most aspects of life, too much of anything is bad for you. High heels have the same principle. Avoid wearing heels for long hours, especially all day. Your Lorain, OH podiatrists recommend wearing high heels for no more than two to three hours. 

Opt for Sneakers

Going for a walk during lunch? Anticipate a mad dash to catch the train home? Opt for sneakers or any other comfortable shoes whenever possible. If you’re doing a lot of walking or even running, know high heels are not only a poor choice for your feet, but also for moving around. Plan for emergencies and keep a pair of sneakers on hand.

Exercise
After a long day in heels, it’s important to stretch your toes and muscles so they can finally relax.  At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates, we recommend toe stretching exercises to relieve stiffness and strengthen your muscles.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Heel Spurs 101

Do you have heel spurs? Heel spurs are a condition caused by an overgrowth of calcium deposits in the heel. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz treat all types of foot-related health conditions, including heel spurs. Here’s everything you need to know about heel spurs. 

What Causes Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are formed when there is bony-like growth or calcium deposit in the heel. One of the most common reasons why heel spurs occur is because of incorrect footwear, from wearing worn shoes to flat shoes like flip-flops. People with arthritis and diabetes are also at risk for heel spurs. Other groups who are at risk include:

-Athletes

-People who are on their feet frequently

-Elderly people

-Overweight individuals

-People with injuries such as  bruised heels and gait issues

Symptoms

Heel spurs are not visible to the human eye and usually painless. However, some people still experience heel pain as a symptom. Other symptoms include:

-Inflammation

-Pain in other parts of your feet

-Swelling of the heel

Treatment

Treating heel spurs requires several lifestyle changes such as wearing proper footwear with good support for your feet and including more rest into your routine. Your Lorain, OH podiatrists also recommend physical therapy and exercise to prevent long-term pain. 

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Stinky Feet

Yikes! What stinks? 

Whether you’re simply lounging your legs on the couch or wriggling your toes on a moist sandy beach, it’s clear that feet have a reputation to reek. At Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, OH, Drs. Michael Wenowitz and David Hintz treat all types of foot-related health conditions, including bromodosis, or stinky feet. Here’s everything you need to know about stinky feet. 

What Causes Stinky Feet?

Bromodosis is caused by a build-up of bacteria and sweat on your feet. It’s normal for your feet to sweat, especially when this area of the body contains more sweat glands than any other region. When we sweat, our body is cooled down and our skin is moistened. Bacteria that naturally occur on the feet help break down sweat. However, if there’s too much sweat build-up, the bacteria will release a foul odor, a smell we relate to as stinky feet. Bromodosis is also caused by fungal infections like athlete’s foot which starts between the toes. 

Ways Sweat Builds-up

-Not changing socks each day

-Not washing or drying feet

-Poor hygiene

-Wearing wet shoes

-Sweating and wearing socks or shoes before the sweat dries.

-Wearing tight-fitting socks or shoes

Treatments

Stinky feet is not a major medical issue, in fact, it can easily be treated at home. Start by creating a foot hygiene routine, such as washing your feet with mild antibacterial soap and drying them after. Another step is to change socks each day and wear dry shoes. Keep your toenails trimmed and clean between the toes. If you’re experiencing something more serious, such as bromodosis from an infection, contact our Lorain, OH office today to book an appointment.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.

Introduction to Foot Cramps

Foot cramps are terrible; there’s no doubt about it. But it may be within a person’s power to decrease their frequency. At the Integrity Foot and Ankle Associates in Lorain, our podiatrists are specially trained in sports medicine, and foot cramps are the most common foot problem among athletes. Therefore, we wanted to pass along some guidance on getting through a cramp and what may cause one.

A foot cramp is a muscle spasm in which the muscle suddenly tightens. When one happens, a person may be able to relieve their pain by putting pressure on the foot and stretching it out, using their hands to massage the muscles, if necessary. The cramps may be occurring because a person is overexercising, in which case they would need to change to a more balanced work-out routine. Another common cause is overly tight shoes, which compress muscles and restrict circulation. Shoes shouldn’t chafe the heels or be too tight for someone to wiggle their toes.

Muscles are also prone to cramping when they aren’t getting enough nutrition. People who are dehydrated or lacking in potassium tend to get a lot of foot cramps, so they need to make sure they’re replenishing their electrolytes. It’s also important to keep in mind that some problems, such as nerve damage, may feel similar to foot cramps, so it may be necessary to seek a professional opinion if self-management of foot cramps is unsuccessful.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.