April 2025

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that is more common in men than in women, and several factors contribute to this difference. Men tend to have higher levels of uric acid in their blood, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. The joints in the big toe are often affected, possibly causing debilitating pain.  Additionally, men are more likely to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of gout, such as consuming large amounts of red meat, alcohol, and sugary beverages. These factors can trigger elevated uric acid levels, especially in the presence of other risk factors like obesity or a family history of the condition. Hormonal differences also play a role, as women’s higher levels of estrogen help to excrete uric acid more efficiently, reducing their risk. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. 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 Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch too far or tear, often due to the sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. Recovery time for a sprained ankle varies depending on its severity. For instance, a mild ankle sprain, involving slight overstretching, may heal in one to three weeks, but a moderate sprain, which includes partial tearing of the ligaments, usually requires three to six weeks of healing. Severe sprains that involve a full tear of the ligament can take up to three months or even longer to recover, especially if surgery is necessary. Healing time can also be affected by a person's age, body weight, activity level, and any previous ankle injuries. Trying to walk on an injured ankle too soon or ignoring symptoms can prolong the recovery timetable and lead to chronic ankle instability. A podiatrist can assess the extent of the sprain, confirm the diagnosis with imaging as needed, and develop a treatment plan that protects the ankle and promotes full healing. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg, and Mcconnellsburg, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Non-diabetic foot neuropathy refers to nerve damage in the feet that occurs without a connection to diabetes. This type of neuropathy can result from vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, infections, and exposure to toxins. Chronic alcohol use, certain medications, and hereditary conditions may also contribute to nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy affects the sensory and motor nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Autonomic neuropathy impacts involuntary functions, sometimes causing abnormal sweating, temperature regulation issues, or changes in blood flow to the feet. Additionally, focal neuropathy occurs suddenly and affects a specific nerve, often leading to sharp pain or weakness in a localized area. If any of the above symptoms affect your feet or ankles, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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