Items filtered by date: June 2022

Ankle pain refers to any kind of discomfort or pain in the ankles. Such discomfort may come from an injury, a sprain, or a medical condition. An ankle sprain is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. A sprain is when the ligaments, or tissues connecting bones, tear or become overstretched. Most of these strains occur when the foot rolls and the outside ankle twists towards the ground. Ankle sprains often swell and bruise. Pain can last for up to 14 days, but it may take several months for the injury to heal fully. Ankle pain can also be a result of a health condition, such as arthritis, gout, or an infection in a joint. Rest can help ankle pain and once the pain subsides, gentle exercise of the ankles can help gain mobility back and reduce swelling. If the pain is from arthritis, there is no cure, but it can be managed by continuing to move, practicing stretching and strengthening exercises, and keeping body weight in a healthy range. If one has broken their ankle, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to see how bad the break is and if the ankle needs to be set or if surgery is necessary. If after giving an injury time to heal, and making lifestyle modifications, the pain worsens, or it becomes impossible to bear weight on the affected foot, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment plan customized for you. 

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.

Healthy toes play a significant role in standing and walking. The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity and can cause difficulty in walking. It is a noticeable condition that causes the second toe to bend downwards. This can overlap other toes, and corns may develop on top of the affected toes as they rub against the shoe. It may become difficult to straighten the toe, and surgery could become necessary. Hammertoe can occur from genetic reasons and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. There may also be existing medical conditions that may lead some patients to develop hammertoe. These include having a high or low arch, arthritis, or bunions. People who are diabetic may also be susceptible and may not feel blisters or calluses that can form. Relief may be found when wearing shoes that fit correctly as well as using protective pads on top of the toes. Hammertoe is a condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation so the correct treatment can begin.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 care needs.

The most common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. It can develop in the feet and ankles and may cause severe pain and discomfort. The big toe is mostly affected by this type of arthritis. Shape and structure may change in addition to possibly causing damage to the cartilage. This can produce swelling as the bones rub against each other. Patients who have sustained an ankle injury may be prone to developing arthritis in the feet which may contribute to the development of other foot conditions including bunions, corns, and calluses. Starting a regular exercise routine may provide mild relief to the foot by strengthening the muscles and tendons. Research has indicated it is beneficial to incorporate three types of exercise into your daily routine. These can consist of aerobic exercises that can increase the heart rate, in addition to stretching and strengthening moves that can improve range of motion. If you are afflicted with arthritis in the feet, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is 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 care needs.

A fracture, which is a break or crack in a bone, can vary greatly in type and level of severity. Symptoms of fractures include redness, swelling, pain, and difficulty/inability to bear weight. If you believe you have sustained a foot or ankle fracture, please seek medical help immediately. Among the types of fractures are displaced bone, stress fracture, pathological fracture, or compound or open fracture. A displaced bone fracture occurs when the broken ends of a bone move away from each other. Conversely, with a stress fracture the bone cracks but stays intact. A pathological fracture may be the result of a disease or condition that weakens the bone. Among the causes are cancer and osteoporosis. A fracture can occur simply as a result of ordinary daily activities, absent any extreme force or trauma. A compound fracture creates an open wound when the bone is pushed through the skin as the result of trauma. These are extremely serious fractures and it is suggested you get immediate attention as soon as possible. A podiatrist can examine, diagnose and treat it properly. 

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, 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.