Gout is widely known for causing sudden pain in the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle joint. This inflammatory arthritis develops when excess uric acid forms sharp crystals inside the joint lining, triggering intense irritation. An ankle gout attack often begins abruptly, with redness, warmth, swelling, and extreme tenderness, sometimes so sensitive that even light contact is uncomfortable. Stiffness quickly follows, making walking and climbing stairs difficult. Symptoms typically peak within a day and may return in repeated episodes if the condition is not medically managed. Because ankle pain has many possible causes, proper evaluation is important. A podiatrist can review medical history, examine joint motion, order imaging, and perform diagnostic testing to confirm gout. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, protecting joint function, and preventing long-term joint damage. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation. The feet and ankles are commonly affected because they contain many small joints that bear body weight. Persistent swelling, pain, warmth, and stiffness may develop, especially in the morning or after rest. In the midfoot, inflammation can lead to collapse of the arch and difficulty walking. In the hindfoot and ankle, joint damage may cause instability, limited motion, and progressive deformity. Over time, untreated inflammation can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor joint health, provide supportive orthotics, and recommend appropriate treatment.  

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Hammertoe surgery is considered when a bent toe causes ongoing pain, pressure points, or difficulty wearing shoes despite conservative care. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the affected toe by correcting tight tendons, ligaments, or joint alignment that pull it into an abnormal fixed position. Depending on severity, surgery may involve tendon release or joint resection. In some cases, fusion is performed to improve stability and reduce friction against footwear. Recovery time varies, but swelling and stiffness are common during early healing as the toe adjusts to its new position. A podiatrist plays an important role by confirming the diagnosis and determining whether surgery is appropriate. They also explain risks and expectations, select the most effective surgical approach, and guide post-procedure care to support healing and restore walking comfort. For help with foot pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing the right running shoes plays an important role in comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Arch type influences how the foot absorbs shock and transfers force during movement. People with low arches often overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward excessively. Stability or motion control shoes can help provide support and improve alignment. High arches tend to absorb less shock, placing more stress on the heel and forefoot. Cushioned shoes with flexible soles often work better for this foot type. Neutral arches usually function efficiently and benefit from balanced shoes that offer moderate support and cushioning. Fit, activity level, and running surface also matter when choosing footwear. A proper evaluation helps match shoe design to individual mechanics. Wearing the wrong shoe can contribute to pain or overuse injuries. If running causes foot discomfort or repeated problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment and guidance on proper footwear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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