The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the build-up of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint. In a acute condition the toe will be very red, swollen, painful to touch and there may be a discharge of pus or a watery discharge with a hint of blood. Heel spurs are bony growths that protrude from the bottom of the heel bone, and they are parallel to the ground. They are not like a needle sticking down into the foot. The spur occurs where the plantar fascia attaches, and the pain in that area is really due to the plantar fascia attachment being irritated. There is a nerve that runs very close to this area and may contribute to the pain which occurs. However, there are many people with heel spurs who have no symptoms at all. Haglund's Deformity (Pump Bump) If you have diabetes , you need to take scrupulous care of your feet on a daily basis. Half of all lower limb amputations in the United States are done on people with diabetes. Most of them can be prevented with vigilant foot care. You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or your experience with foot pain. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care. General Tips for Gathering Information Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel Some foot pain is just an annoyance, but foot pain can also be more serious, especially if it?s the result of an injury or certain chronic conditions. Minor foot pain usually responds well to home treatment but more severe foot pain needs medical attention. If not treated, some types of foot pain can lead to long-term damage or disability. Injury to the toenail can cause pooling of blood under the nail and the permanent or temporary loss of a toenail. ?EUR?Runners have a high risk of developing metatarsalgia because of the repetitive forefoot impact, but any sport which involves push off at the forefoot can be a potential problem. When an athlete changes their training regimen by adding hills or sprints, excess pressure can cause pain and inflammation at the joints in the forefoot. Poor quality shoes, lacking support and shock absorption can contribute to the development. Metatarsalgia is a condition involving pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot. Technically called the metatarsal region of the foot is the part of the sole just before the toes. Doctors diagnose the condition by considering the history of the problem and examining the foot. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography cannot accurately identify this disorder but may be helpful in ruling out other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. Treatment Metatarsophalangeal joint pain can also result from osteoarthritis or stiffening of the joints of the ball of the foot, often at the big toe joint. Most people with these disorders have an abnormal motion of the foot when bearing weight and walking. Symptoms and Diagnosis Sesamoiditis is pain around a small bone (the sesamoid) below the metatarsal head where it adjoins the big toe (first metatarsal head). Moisturizers dedicated to the feet are often best, as the skin of the bottom of the foot is thicker and actually has an additional layer of skin compared to skin elsewhere. Urea based creams are most commonly known for moisturizing. Also I often recommend moisturizers that are made with Jojoba oil, a liquid wax from a seed extract. Jojoba oil has anti-fungal properties (a benefit for feet) and has been studied for anti-inflammatory properties as well. Of course, moisturizing creams should be applied after a foot bath for maximal penetration. Claw toes or hammertoes can press the metatarsals toward the ground and cause stress on the ball of the foot. When choosing shoes, take a tip from Kirsten Flagstad and think about how fully they allow your feet to function when you wear them. Look for shoes that provide arch support and enough width in the toe boxes for your toes to move around in. Flip flops and ballet flats are adorable but notorious for lacking the necessary support for your feet. Look for brands that have some insole support. Indoors, go without shoes sometimes, so that you can practice plugging in and engaging your feet. If you experience severe foot pain or any prolonged foot problem, don?t ignore it. Visit your doctor or podiatrist to have it treated properly.