Items filtered by date: August 2025

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, leading to sharp crystals forming in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. This condition often results from diets high in purines, which are found in red meat, shellfish, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint, which may feel tender even to a light touch. Attacks can come on quickly, often at night, and can last for days or weeks. The affected area may appear shiny or purplish, and feel stiff or hot. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging to detect joint inflammation or uric acid crystals. Managing gout often requires changes in diet and lifestyle, along with medications to reduce uric acid levels and inflammation. This type of doctor can offer guidance on foot care, proper footwear, and prevention strategies. If you are dealing with painful gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, their feet become more vulnerable to a range of issues, including fractures, gout, toenail disorders, and peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Fractures can occur from falls or weakened bones, and may cause swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Gout, often affecting the big toe, causes sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth due to uric acid buildup. Thick, discolored, or ingrown toenails can lead to pain and infection, while PAD, a circulation problem, can cause leg cramping, cold feet, and slow-healing wounds. These conditions may make walking difficult and affect overall mobility and independence. A podiatrist can diagnose these issues through exams and imaging. Treatment options include medications, custom orthotics, nail care, wound management, and footwear changes to reduce pain and improve function. If you have any of these issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes strained or irritated. This often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after standing for long periods. of time. To help relieve discomfort and support recovery, a podiatrist may prescribe certain exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while improving flexibility. Movements like scrunching a towel with the toes or picking up small objects with the foot can help strengthen the muscles that support the arch. Lifting the arch without lifting the toes or heel may also improve control. Additionally. strengthening the calf muscles with heel raises and walking on tiptoes can support the ankle and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options, which may include a series of exercises.

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 Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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 offices located in Princeton, Peru, and Mendota, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.