Complications of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a frequent fungal infection that usually begins between the toes but can spread if left untreated. When the skin cracks or peels, bacteria can enter, leading to secondary infections that may cause redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, these infections can spread to the toenails, resulting in thickened, discolored nails that are difficult to treat. For people with diabetes or poor circulation, untreated athlete’s foot can cause serious complications, including ulcers or cellulitis, a deep skin infection that may require antibiotics. The condition can also spread to the hands or other areas of the body through scratching or contaminated surfaces. Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and using antifungal treatments early can help prevent these complications. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Accent Podiatry Associates.  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 and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Children and Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is a common condition that affects the heel of growing children, typically between the ages of 8 and fourteen. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stress from running, jumping, or participating in sports. Symptoms may include heel pain, walking on tip toes to avoid pressure, and difficulty engaging in sporting activities. Children may also experience swelling or tenderness at the back of the heel, which can worsen during physical activity. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose Sever’s disease, provide treatment to relieve pain, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, and design stretching or strengthening exercises to reduce strain on the heel. If your child is experiencing heel discomfort or is having difficulty with sports, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

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Symptoms and Treatment of Bunions

A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing a noticeable bump on the side of the foot and irritation around the big toe joint. This change, known medically as hallux valgus, often leads to soreness in the toes, redness around the joint, and areas of thickened skin under the ball of the foot. Some people experience numbness if nearby nerves become irritated, and stiffness in the big toe can make walking uncomfortable. Shoes that lack adequate support or have narrow designs often increase pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment of the toes, check joint movement, and recommend a treatment plan. Supportive footwear with a wide toe box, custom orthotics, and padding can ease pressure on the joint, while surgery corrects the underlying misalignment when pain is severe. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

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Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles

Swollen feet and ankles can occur for many reasons and may signal an underlying health issue. Common causes include eating too much salt, pregnancy, hormonal changes, insect bites, or reactions to certain medications. Swelling can also indicate poor circulation, injury, or inflammation. While mild swelling may resolve with rest and elevation, persistent or painful swelling should not be ignored. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, perform diagnostic tests, and recommend treatments to reduce discomfort and improve circulation. If your feet or ankles are frequently swollen or painful, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment remedies.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

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