October 2020

If you have ever experienced a gout attack, then you are familiar with the sudden pain and swelling that this condition can cause in the joints of the feet. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage gout. Your doctor may prescribe specific medications or injections to minimize the joint pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by gout. Lifestyle factors can also play a role in managing this condition. Avoiding foods that are high in purines, such as organ meats and seafood, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce the frequency of attacks. Immobilizing and elevating the affected foot may also help you find relief, as resting your foot can decrease swelling. For more information on how to best manage gout, consult with a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Half of women who are pregnant often notice changes in their feet. A common ailment can be collapsed arches, and this may be a result of the added weight the feet must endure during pregnancy. The feet generally become more flexible, and this may put strain on the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Relief may be found when comfortable shoes are worn, and this may help to support the overall foot. Many women notice they have general foot pain, and the pain can exist in the arch and heel. This may be indicative of the condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, and may improve when specific foot stretches are performed. If you would like additional information on how your feet can feel better during pregnancy, please consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to 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.

Hammertoes are a foot condition characterized by an abnormal bending of the second, third, fourth, or pinky toes. This deformity of the toes can cause pain and irritation in the toes, as well as corns and calluses. There are many nonsurgical treatment options for hammertoes, including shoe modifications, splinting the toe, padding or trimming corns and calluses, and certain exercises, therapies, and medications. However, sometimes these more conservative treatments fail and surgery may become an option. There are several surgical treatment options. In a joint fusion, the cartilage surfaces of the affected joint are removed and a screw is placed into the area to prevent motion. In a phalangeal head resection, a portion of the phalanx bone is removed and tension in the affected tendon is released. There are also tendon transfers, in which the tendons that are too tight may be cut or transferred to relieve tension and straighten the toes. To find the best treatment for your hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist.

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.