Jacques Chirac, previous president of France, is currently in the hospital because of gout in his leg. Chirac was experiencing pain intense enough to require professional attention, but a source close to his family says there is little cause for concern. “It’s not serious at all,” the source said. “His leg has been hurting for two days, which is apparently related to an episode of gout that has caused him a lot of pain.”

His gout and other health concerns, such as the kidney operation he had in December, have caused the 81-year-old Chirac to retreat from the public attention. The retired president is being examined at the American Hospital in Neuilly.

Gout typically occurs in older individuals who eat too many foods that contain uric acid. It’s a painful and uncomfortable disease that often requires professional medical treatment. If you’re looking for this kind of treatment, consult with podiatrist Dr. Henry Slomowitz of Paramus and Paterson. Dr. Slomowitz will help you identify the habits that caused you to get this disease and suggest adequate care options.

What is gout?

Diseases of the feet can affect the whole body, and symptoms usually arise within the feet. A condition like gout can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  The pain caused by this disease is often so agonizing that it requires elevation of the feet and some time off for them to fully recover.

Known in the past as “the disease of kings”, Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. This buildup of acid is typically seen on the big toe of the foot and can cause inflammation, redness and swelling. Although these are common symptoms of the diseases others include joint pain, extreme fatigue and a high fever. 

Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

For more information about Gout, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our offices in Paramus, NJ and Paterson, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.

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Elderly reverend Grahame Stephens was taken to emergency care recently for complications rising from ulcers on his ankle. In the beginning, doctors thought a simple solution to the problem was Stephens high blood pressure.

However, the sores got worse. Doctors observed their diagnosis a second time and discovered that the reverend’s troubles were really produced by major blockage in his leg’s main vein. Stephens had to experience an extreme quantity of surgery before the ulcers were able to be re-treated, this time with procedures normal for ulcers triggered by blood vessel obstruction.

Your feet are an important part of your body. If you believe you are suffering from a systemic disease, you should seek out the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Henry Slomowitz of New Jersey. Dr. Slomowitz can diagnose your condition as well as provide you with treatment options that work for you.  

Systemic Diseases of the Foot

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet:

●Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

●Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

For more information on systemic diseases of the foot, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Paterson and Paramus, NJ.  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Systematic Diseases of the Foot.

Gout is a condition where small crystals of uric acid begin to form in the joints and cause inflammation and pain.  Once known as the “Rich Man’s Disease” as it affected monarchs including King Henry VIII and Christopher Columbus, gout is now affecting more everyday people, like 82-year-old Glen Bonin. It is a type of arthritis and typically affects the big toe. Experts on this blame excessive eating and drinking for the increase in those prone to obesity.

Your feet are an important part of your body, and if you think you may have sustained a foot injury or developed a foot illness due to weight you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as Dr. Henry Slomowitz of New Jersey.  Dr. Slomowitz can diagnose your injury as well as provide you with treatment options that work for you.

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, additional weight can result in pain and swelling and contribute to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even a few extra pounds could create serious complications.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has an impact on the health of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis.

Solutions 

Footwear – Specialty footwear that supports your joints, arches, and ankles, and allows room for good circulation is an option to mitigate pressure and pain.

Orthotics – These special inserts are inserted into shoes to absorb shock and also support your arches and keep feet properly aligned.

Exercise – Exercise will help alleviate the pain and give your feet the strength they need to support your body.

For more information please follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Paterson and Paramus, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment services for all your podiatric needs.

Read more on Obesity & Your Feet.