Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. Attacks often begin suddenly and may cause intense pain, redness, and swelling that can become severe within hours. The affected joint may appear shiny, swollen, and extremely tender. Flare-ups make walking or even light pressure from a bedsheet uncomfortable. Gout can develop when the body produces too much uric acid or cannot remove it efficiently. Diet, dehydration, and taking certain medications are risk factors. Obesity and family history may also contribute. Some people experience repeated flares that can eventually damage the joints if left untreated. A podiatrist can evaluate the symptoms, examine the affected joint, and may recommend imaging or laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment often includes medication to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels, along with guidance about long-term prevention strategies. If you suspect you have gout in your big toe or ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. 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, Mansfield, and Midlothian, 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, often starting between the toes. The skin may appear red, flaky, or cracked, and itching or burning sensations can become persistent. In some cases, the area may feel moist or develop small blisters, especially after wearing tight or non-breathable shoes. This condition thrives in warm, damp environments, such as locker rooms, sweaty footwear, or shared surfaces. It can spread easily and may worsen without proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot through a clinical exam and recommend treatment based on severity. Care may include antifungal medications, improved foot hygiene, and guidance on keeping the feet dry and protected. Early treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading to the nails or other areas. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Tingling in the feet is often one of the first signs of diabetic neuropathy, a nerve problem caused by diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and reduce normal blood flow to the feet. This can lead to tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the feet. Sharp shooting pain, weakness, and unusually hot or cold feet are other symptoms. These symptoms often affect both feet and can become worse at night. When feeling in the feet is reduced, it is harder to notice cuts, blisters, or sores that can lead to infection and ulcers. Poor balance and walking problems may also develop. A podiatrist can examine the feet, test nerve sensation, check circulation, and help prevent serious complications. Regular foot exams are important for people with diabetes. If you have tingling sensations in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Chronic ankle instability develops when the outer side of the ankle repeatedly gives out, often after one or more ankle sprains that did not fully heal. The ligaments become stretched or weakened, making it harder for the joint to stay stable during movement. Other common causes include improper rehabilitation after a sprain, weak ankle muscles, and poor balance or coordination. Over time, this can lead to ongoing discomfort, swelling, and a higher risk of future sprains. Treatment usually begins with conservative care such as targeted exercises  to strengthen muscles and improve balance, bracing for added support, and activity modification. Anti-inflammatory measures may also help reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms persist despite these efforts, surgical options like ligament repair or reconstruction may be recommended to restore stability. If your ankle feels unstable or keeps rolling, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to prevent further injury and regain confidence in your movement.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Arlington, Mansfield, and Midlothian, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.