Gout, Bunions, and Sprains, Strains
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid (a waste product) in your joints. It causes sudden bouts of severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in affected joints, even when you're resting. These attacks usually last a few days at a time, and most often affect the big toe joint. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between gout and a severely inflamed bunion.
Bunions
A bunion is a bony swelling at the base of the big toe that can be painful when wearing shoes and make walking difficult. Bunions are a common foot problem, particularly in women. The big toe points towards the other toes and the big toe joint sticks out, forming a bony lump. They can get worse if they're left untreated, so it's best to book an appointment at the clinic and seek advice. Non-surgical treatments are usually tried first, including wearing comfortable and wide shoes, orthotics (insoles), and bunion pads. If these fail, corrective surgery may be necessary.
Painful Feet!
Contact our foot clinic now, in Romford, Essex, to book an appointment with our specialists.
Sprains, Strains
Sprains and strains are very common injuries that affect muscles and ligaments (strong bands of tissue around joints that connect one bone to another). They often occur if you change direction or speed suddenly, fall and land awkwardly, or collide with an object or person. This often occurs when playing sports.
A sprain means one or more of your ligaments have stretched, twisted, or torn where muscle fibres have at least been stretched. As well as pain, a sprain or strain can cause swelling, bruising, and tenderness, and may result in you being unable to put weight on your foot. These pains may disguise a bone fracture.