A toddler’s flat feet can worry parents, especially when their footprints show little or no arch. In many cases, a toddler’s feet still contain soft tissue that hides the arch while the bones, muscles, and ligaments continue to develop. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that support the joints. As children grow, the arch becomes easier to see. Even so, some toddlers develop symptoms that deserve professional attention. Warning signs include foot pain, frequent tripping, or difficulty keeping up with other children. Some toddlers also show uneven shoe wear or seem tired after short periods of play. A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are part of normal development or whether another condition is affecting the way the feet function.

A podiatrist begins with a thorough medical history and a careful examination while the child is sitting, standing, and walking. Watching a toddler walk helps reveal whether the foot remains flexible or appears stiff. The podiatrist also checks foot alignment, ankle movement, and the position of the heel. Parents can describe pain, changes in activity, or repeated ankle sprains that help guide the evaluation. Imaging, like an X-ray, is not necessary for every child. It is used when pain is unusual, movement is limited, or the podiatrist suspects an underlying bone problem. This careful approach helps identify toddlers who need closer monitoring and those who could benefit from further treatment.

Most toddlers with flexible flat feet do not require surgery. However, children with ongoing pain, reduced function, or a rigid foot shape benefit from prompt evaluation. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes or inserts, monitor changes in foot development, and determine whether additional testing is needed. If surgery becomes necessary, it is reserved for carefully selected cases after a thorough examination and accompanying imaging studies. The goal is to improve foot function, relieve pain, and support healthy growth. If your child has problems related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The big toe plays an important role in balance and forward motion when walking. If the joint at the base of the toe becomes stiff, bending the toe normally can be challenging. This condition is sometimes called hallux rigidus, which means stiff big toe. It develops when the joint gradually loses flexibility and movement. In many cases, the cartilage that cushions the joint begins to wear down, causing the bones to move less smoothly. Bone spurs, which are extra areas of bone growth, can also form around the joint and further restrict movement. People with big toe stiffness often notice pain when walking, climbing stairs, or participating in sports activities.

Several factors contribute to big toe stiffness. Previous injuries to the toe can damage the joint and lead to long-term problems. Repeated stress from sports or physically demanding activities can also affect the joint. Certain foot structures, including flat feet or very high arches, can place extra pressure on the big toe joint. Arthritis is another important cause. Symptoms typically include stiffness, pain, and swelling surrounding the joint. Some people develop a noticeable bump on top of the joint due to bone spur formation. As movement becomes more limited, walking patterns can change. This sometimes causes discomfort in other areas of the foot. Shoes that fit poorly or footwear that lacks adequate support can increase irritation around the affected joint.

A podiatrist can evaluate big toe stiffness through a physical examination and X-rays or other imaging scans. Identifying the exact cause is important because several conditions can create similar symptoms. After diagnosis, treatment can focus on reducing pain, improving joint function, and slowing further joint damage. Treatment options include custom orthotics, specialized shoe recommendations, and medication to reduce inflammation. In more advanced cases, surgery can improve movement or relieve pain. If you have stiffness in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic injury. These injuries are common in athletes, runners, and others who suddenly increase their physical activity. In podiatry, stress fractures are considered overuse injuries that most often affect the metatarsal bones, although they can also occur in the heel, navicular bone, or other areas of the foot. Because these fractures develop gradually, they are sometimes mistaken for simple muscle strain or foot fatigue in the early stages.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture typically begin with mild pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest. The pain may become more persistent and localized to a specific area of the foot. Swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity to pressure are also common signs. Some individuals notice pain when walking or standing for long periods, even without intense physical activity. In more advanced cases, the discomfort may become severe enough to limit daily movement and athletic participation. Early recognition of these symptoms is important to prevent the injury from worsening.

Risk factors for foot stress fractures include high-impact activities like running, basketball, and dance. Sudden increases in training intensity, frequency, or duration can place excessive stress on the bones of the foot. Footwear that lacks support or adequate cushioning also increases risk. Additional factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and vitamin D deficiency. Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches, are other factors. People who have had previous stress fractures are also at higher risk of recurrence.

The primary causes of foot stress fractures involve repetitive mechanical loading on the bones without adequate recovery time. This repetitive stress leads to tiny cracks that gradually worsen if activity continues without rest or treatment. Poor training techniques, hard training surfaces, and improper biomechanics can all contribute to excessive bone stress. Without proper care, a stress fracture may progress and lead to a complete fracture. This may require longer recovery time and more restrictive treatment. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the feet, particularly the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when excess uric acid in the body forms tiny crystals that collect in a joint, leading to sudden episodes of pain and inflammation. A gout flare can occur without warning, and may cause intense discomfort, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Many people describe the pain as severe enough to make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Although the big toe is the most common location, gout can also affect the ankles and other joints of the foot.

Symptoms of gout often develop quickly and may become severe within a short period of time. During a flare-up, the affected joint may become extremely tender and swollen. While symptoms can improve between episodes, recurring gout attacks may lead to ongoing joint problems, if left untreated. Certain health conditions and elevated uric acid levels can increase the likelihood of developing gout. Because several foot conditions can cause pain and swelling, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important. Early identification of gout may help reduce the risk of joint damage and support better long-term foot health.

A podiatrist can play an important role in diagnosing and managing gout-related foot pain. After a thorough examination and diagnostic evaluation, a podiatrist can determine whether gout is the cause of symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. Professional care focuses on reducing the impact of gout on foot function and helping patients maintain mobility. Because gout often affects weight-bearing joints in the feet, timely treatment can help prevent symptoms from interfering with daily activities. Addressing gout early may also help reduce the risk of future complications involving the joints. If you have gout-related foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options, helping you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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 Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.