Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain, often affecting the joints, particularly the big toe joint. The condition occurs when excess uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints. The most common sign of gout is intense pain, typically starting in the middle of the night, along with swelling and redness in the affected area. The joint may become warm to the touch and feel tender, making movement difficult. In some cases, gout attacks can recur, leading to joint damage over time. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can result from factors such as diet, dehydration, obesity, or kidney problems. Excessive consumption of purine-rich foods like red meat, seafood, or alcohol can trigger or worsen gout attacks. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are specially designed devices that help rehabilitate foot and ankle conditions by providing support, alignment, and pressure relief. Orthotics can help by redistributing weight, improving posture, and correcting abnormal foot mechanics. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and Achilles tendonitis can benefit from orthotics as they help to reduce pain and prevent further injury. Orthotics can also aid in recovery after ankle sprains by stabilizing the joint and supporting proper movement. By promoting better foot alignment, orthotics can relieve strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, allowing them to heal more effectively. It is essential to consult with a podiatrist to ensure the right type of orthotic is chosen for specific conditions. With consistent use, orthotics can help restore function, alleviate discomfort, and prevent long-term damage to the foot and ankle. If you are suffering from a foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if custom orthotics can help you.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . 

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in growing children, particularly those active in sports. The growth plate in the heel bone, known as the calcaneus, becomes irritated due to repetitive stress. This condition typically affects children between the ages of eight and fourteen during rapid growth. The primary symptom of Sever's disease is pain in the heel that can worsen with activity and improve with rest. Swelling or tenderness may also be present surrounding the heel area. Risk factors of Sever's disease include participating in high-impact sports like soccer and basketball and having tight calf muscles or flat feet. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear may help alleviate symptoms. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes, a deformity where the toe bends upward at the middle toe joint, can cause significant discomfort. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may provide lasting relief. Several surgical options are based on the flexibility of the affected joint, often in the second toe. Tendon transfer surgery is often used for a flexible hammertoe, where tendons are repositioned to straighten the toe and restore balance. For rigid hammertoes, surgery involves cutting tendons and ligaments, sometimes removing part of the bone, and stabilizing the toe with temporary pins. Fusion surgery may also be performed, which removes parts of the joint to allow bones to fuse together, resulting in a straighter, more stable toe. In severe cases, amputation may be considered, but this is rare and typically reserved for extreme pain when no other treatments work. A podiatrist can assess the type and severity of a hammertoe to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to relieve pain and restore foot function. If you are experiencing pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.