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What Can Cause Gout?

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness, often disrupting daily activity and mobility. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, high-purine diets, and certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or high blood pressure. Causes involve an imbalance between uric acid production and elimination, leading to crystal formation in the joints. If left untreated, gout can result in chronic pain and joint damage. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and develop a personalized treatment plan including medication guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and foot care strategies. If you have pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

When Your Child Has Clubfoot

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

Clubfoot causes a baby’s foot to point downward and inward, and the tightness surrounding the ankle can make the foot feel stiff when gently moved. A podiatrist evaluates the structure of the feet soon after birth and can guide each step of care. Clubfoot is often diagnosed when the baby is born, and the podiatrist checks foot position, flexibility, and overall alignment before creating a treatment plan. This often follows a staged approach that improves the shape of the foot, over time. At first, casts are used to gradually shift the foot into a healthier position, and the child may then need surgery to release tight tissue. Next, a brace with boots and a bar works to keep the foot aligned during the baby's long-term growth. If your baby has clubfoot or other congenital foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Sunday, 04 January 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Children and Walking Barefoot

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

When babies are born, the bones in their feet are not fully formed. They will become solid as the aging process occurs, and it is beneficial to refrain from wearing shoes at this time. When children walk barefoot, their overall foot may become stronger as the toes grasp the floor. When it is time for the first pair of shoes to be purchased, it is important to choose shoes that fit properly. It is suggested that the shoes are made with fully adjustable fastenings, the toe area is naturally shaped, and the shoes are constructed from breathable materials. If you would like more information about children’s foot health, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg of Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Why Strengthening the Plantar Flexors Matters for Active Feet

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Exercising the feet is essential for anyone who wants to move with power and stability. The plantar flexors, located in the calves and ankles, play a major role in pushing the body forward. These muscles help you sprint with speed, cut quickly during sports, and jump with greater force. When the plantar flexors are strong and flexible, they improve balance, reduce fatigue, and protect the feet and ankles from injury. Weakness in this area can limit performance and increase strain on surrounding joints. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics, identify muscle imbalances, and recommend targeted strengthening exercises tailored to your activity level. If you want to improve strength, agility, and overall foot health, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to learn how focused training can support your goals.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Todd Goldberg from Complete Family Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

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