Items filtered by date: December 2025

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. The pain may be so debilitating that even the weight of a sheet can cause discomfort. Several factors increase the risk of developing gout, including family history, male gender, older age, obesity, and frequent alcohol consumption. These elements can raise uric acid levels and trigger sudden attacks of severe redness, swelling, and intense joint pain. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through examination and testing, provide treatment to reduce inflammation, and offer long-term strategies to prevent future flare ups. Managing foot function and joint health is also essential for comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. 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 office located in Swedesboro, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, as the tip of the toe angles toward the second toe. Over time, bunions can become more noticeable, and the skin over the bump may appear red and inflamed. The area can be painful, especially when pressure is applied, making it difficult to wear certain shoes or walk comfortably. Bunions are common in individuals who wear tight or ill-fitting shoes, particularly women who wear high heels. However, they can also be caused by genetic factors, abnormal foot structure, or conditions like arthritis. The symptoms include pain, swelling, and the appearance of a hard bump at the joint of the big toe. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition and offering treatments such as custom orthotics, padding, or even surgery in severe cases. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Ankita Patel, DPM of All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear. The two main types are inversion sprains, which happen when the foot rolls inward and affect the ligaments on the outer ankle, and eversion sprains, which occur when the foot rolls outward and strain the inner ligaments. These injuries often result from sudden twisting motions, uneven surfaces, sports activities, or missteps. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain, provide targeted treatment, and create a rehabilitation plan to restore strength and stability. If you think you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions to ensure proper healing. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. 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 are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes drainage if an infection develops. Common causes are improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, trauma to the toe, or naturally curved nails. Risk factors include repetitive pressure on the toes, sweaty feet, and certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can provide safe and effective treatment by removing the ingrown portion of the nail, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. They also offer guidance to stop the problem from returning. If you have ongoing toe pain or signs of infection, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for expert guidance and lasting relief. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Ankita Patel, DPM of All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Pain under the foot can interrupt even simple daily movements, and the source is not always obvious. Discomfort in this area may come from irritated ligaments, tight muscles, or pressure on the nerves that run through the arch and heel. Some people feel a sharp pain with their first steps in the morning, while others notice a steady ache after long periods of standing or walking. Footwear that lacks support can add stress to the arch, and increased activity may strain the soft tissues beneath the foot. Although rest and gentle stretching can bring temporary relief, pain that lingers or returns regularly should not be ignored. A podiatrist can examine the foot, identify whether the issue stems from the fascia, joints, or nerves, and recommend treatment that restores comfort and function. If pain under your foot continues or begins affecting daily activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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