March 2019

Ankle pain is the general term that encompasses several types of chronic foot conditions and injuries. These may include ankle arthritis, stress fractures, and sprains. There are various symptoms that are associated with different types of ankle injuries, which may consist of pain, throbbing, or burning. If your ankle is sprained, it generally means that an injury has occurred to the ligaments that connect the bones together. This may happen from unexpectedly stepping off a curb, falling, or participating in running and jumping activities. This type of injury may often be accompanied by pain, bruising, or swelling. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune condition, and may attack the joints in the ankle. If you have any type of ankle pain, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine the cause and begin proper treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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
• Bursitis
• 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 and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Contracting athlete’s foot can happen to anyone, but there are some risk factors that increase the chance of contracting this inconvenient condition. Public places like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools are breeding grounds for bacteria, so exposing your bare feet to surfaces in these environments could easily lead to athlete’s foot. Sharing footwear or towels with someone who has been infected can spread the infection, so it’s best to avoid sharing these items. Wet or sweaty feet are also at a higher risk than feet that are kept dry and clean, because bacteria thrive in moist environments. Minor skin or nail injuries, especially in tight closed-toe shoes are also a risk factor. If you think you might have athlete’s foot or would like additional information on how to prevent it, then it is suggested you speak 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 and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that one billion adults are overweight in the world. This may cause stress on the bones in the foot, which may cause unwanted foot conditions. These may include arthritis, heel pain, or tendonitis. Additionally, any excess weight is typically gained before foot pain is noticed. The structure of the foot may change as a result of becoming overweight, which may cause stress fractures, flat feet, and poor circulation. It is important to wear shoes that fit correctly, and it may be difficult to find shoes that will properly accommodate the foot. The feet may feel better if excess weight is lost, and this may be accomplished by implementing healthy dietary changes and incorporating an exercise program into your daily routine. If you would like additional information about how obesity affects the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Falling is a common fear for older adults due to the serious complications that can accompany a fall. Annually, there are a large number of severe falls that result in injury. There is evidence that exercise routines can help to reduce the risk of falling for those over the age of sixty. Standing exercises help to enhance balance, which can positively affect the ability to perform daily activities as well. Strengthening the muscles and increasing coordination make activities like standing up from a low chair and walking up steps easier. Exercises can also increase one’s confidence and lessen one’s fear surrounding falling. If you would like more information about how to reduce the risk of falling, it is recommended you speak with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.