Gout can cause intense foot pain that appears with little warning. It develops when excess uric acid builds up in the body and forms needle-like crystals inside a joint. Uric acid is produced naturally and also comes from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in many foods. The kidneys normally remove uric acid from the blood. When too much remains, crystals can collect in joints and trigger inflammation. The first gout attack frequently affects the large joint of the big toe. The ankles and heels can also become painful.

A gout attack can begin suddenly, sometimes after a person goes to bed feeling fine. The affected joint can become swollen, stiff, and tender. It can also feel warm or appear red. Pain can last for hours or continue much longer. Several factors can raise the risk of gout, including family history, kidney problems, and excess body weight. Certain medications can also contribute. Foods high in purines and heavy alcohol intake can increase the risk of a flare. Without proper management, repeated gout attacks can damage joints and limit mobility.

A podiatrist can evaluate sudden foot pain and determine whether symptoms are consistent with gout or another foot problem. The examination can focus on the painful joint, swelling, and changes in movement. Because gout can resemble other forms of arthritis or a joint infection, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan to address foot pain and protect joint function. Care can also focus on reducing pressure on painful areas and improving mobility after inflammation settles. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.  

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

A broken fifth metatarsal affects the bone along the outer edge of the foot. This bone connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot. A break can follow a sudden twist, landing, or fall. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also cause a small crack. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising near the outside of the foot. Patients may struggle to put weight on the injured foot. Because a sprain can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Several types of fractures can affect the fifth metatarsal, and the location of the break influences treatment and healing. A break near the base of the bone can occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture. A Jones fracture occurs slightly farther along the bone, in an area with limited blood flow. For this reason, a Jones fracture can be slower to heal. A stress fracture usually starts as a tiny crack caused by repeated force. A podiatrist examines the foot, asks how the injury happened, and checks where it hurts. X-rays usually show the break. Additional imaging tests can help when an early stress fracture does not appear clearly.

Treatment aims to hold the bone steady and protect it while it heals. Your podiatrist may prescribe a boot, cast, or crutches based on the type of break. The doctor will also explain how much weight you can place on the foot and when activity can safely increase. Follow-up X-rays help show whether the bone is joining correctly. Surgery may be needed when the bone pieces have shifted, the fracture is not healing, or the patient is extremely active. A podiatrist can also guide the safe return to work, exercise, and sports. If you have injured the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It can develop when fungi grow in warm, moist environments, including inside damp shoes and socks. The infection commonly begins between the toes but can spread to other areas of the foot. Athlete’s foot can also spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces, shoes, and floors. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection. They can include an itchy rash, scaling skin, or blisters. Some people develop dry skin across the soles and sides of the feet. The infection can affect one foot or both feet.

A podiatrist can examine the skin of the feet and determine whether the symptoms are consistent with athlete’s foot. Other skin conditions can cause similar signs, so an accurate diagnosis is important. The location and appearance of the rash can provide useful information during the examination. A podiatrist can also determine whether the infection has caused additional skin problems. In some cases, athlete’s foot can become more painful, swollen, or red. Open sores, blisters, or drainage can also develop when another infection affects the area. Professional evaluation can help identify these changes and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment for athlete’s foot focuses on clearing the fungal infection and preventing it from causing further skin problems. A podiatrist can recommend an appropriate antifungal treatment based on the severity and location of the infection. Prescription medication can be considered when a stronger treatment is appropriate. A podiatrist can also monitor the skin and determine whether the infection is responding to treatment. Prompt evaluation is especially important when symptoms are painful, spreading, or interfering with daily activities. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions,  which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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 and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that causes a toe to bend downward at the middle joint. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toe. The affected toe may look curled or raised near its base, with the middle joint pointing downward. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Corns or calluses may develop where the bent toe rubs against footwear. Without treatment, hammertoe can become more rigid and uncomfortable.

Hammertoe may develop because of muscle imbalance, inherited foot structure, or shoes that squeeze the toes. Risk factors include family history, aging, previous foot injuries, and wearing narrow footwear for most of the day. High heels can also increase pressure on the front of the foot. Hammertoe in the early stages may remain flexible, allowing the toe to move with pressure. As the deformity progresses, the joint may become stiff and fixed, making walking uncomfortable.

A podiatrist begins by examining the toe, checking its flexibility, and reviewing symptoms and footwear habits. Mild hammertoe may be treated with roomier shoes, padding, or orthotics. When the deformity causes persistent pain or becomes rigid, hammertoe surgery may be considered. Surgical correction depends on the severity and structure of the toe. The podiatrist may straighten the joint, release tight tissues, or remove a small portion of bone. The goal is to improve alignment and reduce painful pressure.

After surgery, the toe is protected with dressing, footwear, or immobilization while healing begins. Weight-bearing instructions depend on the procedure performed. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and monitor alignment. Recovery may also include gentle exercises to restore movement and strength. Do not ignore a toe that gradually becomes curled, painful, or difficult to fit into shoes. If you have hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include surgery for relief and comfort.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.