Gout and pseudogout are forms of inflammatory arthritis caused by crystal buildup in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. Gout develops from uric acid crystals, often affecting the big toe and causing sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth. Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals and more commonly affects larger joints, such as the ankle or knee, with symptoms that include stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. While both conditions share similar signs, they differ in the type of crystals and underlying causes. Risk factors include aging, joint damage, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can help by identifying the condition, managing symptoms, and recommending treatment. If you have pain or swelling in your big toe joint or surrounding areas, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to find relief and prevent future flare-ups.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. 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 offices located in Piscataway and Branchburg, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can come from different injuries, and two of the most important to understand are sprains and fractures. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the strong bands that hold bones together, are stretched or torn. This often happens after the ankle twists, leading to swelling, bruising, and pain with movement. A fracture means a break in one or more bones of the ankle joint. Fractures usually cause sudden, severe pain, visible swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. In some cases, the ankle may appear misshapen. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam to assess joint stability and order X-rays and other imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include bracing, immobilization, or surgery, depending on the type of injury and severity. Early evaluation helps prevent long-term joint damage and instability. If you are experiencing severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for medical treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Piscataway and Branchburg, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic limb salvage is a set of treatments aimed at preventing limb loss in people with severe foot complications from diabetes. It is often necessary due to conditions such as a severe form of peripheral artery disease, foot ulcers, or gangrene caused by poor circulation and nerve damage. Risk factors include long-standing diabetes, infection, and delayed wound care. The process involves restoring blood flow, removing infected tissue, and promoting healing through advanced medical care. A podiatrist plays an essential role by identifying problems early, managing wounds, and coordinating care to improve outcomes. If you have diabetes and notice non-healing wounds, discoloration, or severe pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek prompt professional care from a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management solutions.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Ingrown toenails can occur even in very young babies. In some infants, both big toenails grow into the surrounding skin, a condition called infantile bilateral ingrown toenails. Parents may notice redness, swelling, or tenderness along the sides of the nail. Sometimes the skin looks puffy or slightly inflamed, and the baby may cry when the toe is touched. This often happens because a baby’s nails are soft and curved, and the skin around them is delicate. Wearing tight socks, pressure, or the natural shape of the nail can cause the edge to press into the skin. In many cases, gentle care such as keeping the feet clean, trimming nails straight across, and avoiding tight footwear can help. However, if the toe becomes very red, swollen, or shows drainage, surgery might be recommended. it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted to evaluate the toe, ease discomfort, and recommend the safest treatment to keep your baby’s feet healthy.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Brandon M. Zuklie, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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