Items filtered by date: November 2024

Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease that causes skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten, often impacting the feet. This condition affects blood vessels and internal organs as well, leading to complications in various body areas. When systemic sclerosis targets the feet, it can lead to thickened skin, limited mobility, and poor circulation, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. Although it primarily affects women, typically between the ages of 30 and 50, anyone can develop systemic sclerosis. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and certain infections. Foot care for those with systemic sclerosis includes moisturizing, wearing proper footwear, and regular foot inspections. If you have this condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for tailored care. This type of specialist can help with custom orthotics, ulcer prevention, and circulation support, improving foot comfort and preventing complications related to this challenging condition.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the 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 and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a downward curve resembling a hammer. This misalignment often affects the second, third, or fourth toes and is caused by muscle or tendon imbalances, often due to genetics, wearing poorly fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis. The bent toe can cause pain, swelling, corns, and calluses as it rubs against footwear, making daily activities uncomfortable. A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating hammertoe. For mild cases, they may recommend conservative treatments like stretching exercises, wearing shoes with a spacious toe box, and using custom orthotics to relieve pressure. Toe splints or pads may also help realign the joint. In advanced cases, when pain persists or limits mobility, a podiatrist might suggest surgical correction to straighten the toe and restore function, offering lasting relief. If you have discomfort from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Foot care in the elderly is critical, but it is often complicated by several factors. Physically, age-related changes like thicker, more brittle nails and dry skin can make basic care challenging, increasing the risk of fungal infections and corns. Declining vision, limited flexibility, and reduced hand strength may also impair self-care. Externally, seniors often need assistance from various healthcare providers, including podiatrists for nail and skin issues, mobility, and pain management. Navigating appointments and coordinating care can be difficult, especially for those with limited support. Internally, age-related circulatory issues, arthritis, and diabetes can further complicate foot problems, heightening the need for attentive care. Together, these factors can lead to neglected foot health, increasing the risk of infections, mobility issues, and overall quality-of-life reductions. If you are elderly or involved in the care of an elderly person, it is suggested that you have a supportive podiatrist on your team of healthcare professionals to help you manage foot problems.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury to the toe. Symptoms typically include localized pain, tenderness, and, in some cases, drainage of pus, indicating an infection. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to more serious complications. Initial relief options include soaking the affected foot in warm water, gently lifting the nail edge, and wearing properly fitting shoes to relieve pressure. However, if the ingrown toenail persists, becomes infected, or causes severe pain, it is important to see a podiatrist. This type of doctor may recommend antibiotics or a minor surgical procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. If you are experiencing discomfort from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.