Items filtered by date: September 2025

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It can lead to sudden pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness that makes walking difficult. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, diets rich in red meat or seafood, obesity, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease or hypertension. Symptoms range from intense joint pain to lingering discomfort and limited mobility. A podiatrist can provide a diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to prevent flare-ups while protecting joint health. If you have intense pain in your big toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is known as Sever’s disease generally affects teenaged children. In active teenagers, tendons and muscles may pull on the growth plate in the heel, and this may cause severe pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when the activity that caused the ailment ceases and when specific stretches are frequently performed. In severe cases, it may be beneficial to use an elastic wrap on the affected foot, and this may help to reduce existing swelling. If you notice your child is limping, it is strongly recommended that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe joint pain is common among pickleball players due to the quick pivots, lunges, and bursts of movement required in the game. One frequent cause is turf toe, which occurs when the big toe is forced upward, straining the ligaments around the joint. Symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and difficulty pushing off while moving. Risk factors include playing on hard surfaces, wearing unsupportive shoes, and repetitive stress on the forefoot. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, provide treatment to relieve pain, and recommend footwear or orthotics to prevent future problems. Do not let toe pain sideline you from the court. If you have toe pain from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, allowing you to resume playing this popular game. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe and mallet toe are deformities that affect the joints of the toes, causing them to bend abnormally. Hammertoe involves a bend in the middle joint, while mallet toe affects the joint closest to the tip. These conditions are often caused by muscle imbalance, arthritis, trauma, or wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, corns or calluses, and difficulty in moving the toe. The affected toe may appear bent downward and feel sore when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe or mallet toe through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays. Treatment options vary based on severity, and may include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or splinting. In more advanced cases, surgical correction may be necessary to realign the joint. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening. If you notice changes in the shape or flexibility of your toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat hammertoe.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics are custom or prefabricated shoe inserts designed to support, align, and improve the function of the feet. They come in different types, including rigid orthotics for control, soft orthotics for cushioning, and semi-rigid devices that combine both benefits. People may need orthotics to relieve pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, or arthritis, as well as to improve posture and prevent injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, diagnose underlying issues, and recommend the right orthotic solution tailored to your needs. If you are experiencing foot or ankle discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics will benefit you and what type of orthotic is right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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