Items filtered by date: June 2025

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 00:00

Plantar Fasciitis Facts

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It often causes heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, wearing improper footwear, and high impact activities. Symptoms typically involve sharp heel pain and localized tenderness along the arch. Diagnosis may include a physical exam to identify pain points and assess foot mechanics. A podiatrist can confirm the condition, recommend stretching exercises, prescribe custom orthotics, and guide treatment to relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized plan to help restore foot function and comfort.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025 00:00

Treatment and Complications of Bunions

A bunion is a bony growth that develops at the base of the big toe when the joint becomes misaligned. Bunions are often the result of inherited foot structure problems, such as flat feet or joint looseness. Over time, the top of the toe leans inward, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Bunions can lead to complications, if ignored. Bursitis, which is inflammation of the joint's fluid-filled sac, may develop and cause additional pain and stiffness. Other complications include hammertoes, overlapping toes, metatarsal pain, and thickened skin or calluses. In certain cases, joint damage can limit motion in the big toe or result in permanent deformity. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the bunion and determine the most appropriate care. Treatment options include custom orthotics to relieve pressure or bunion surgery to realign the bones and remove inflamed tissue. If you have painful bunions, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

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

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025 00:00

Managing Flare-Ups of Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly in the big toe. It often develops suddenly, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. Gout attacks can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, with symptoms often peaking within 24 hours. Triggers include a diet high in purines, especially red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Other causes are dehydration, obesity, and certain medical conditions. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, and severe enough to make even light pressure, like a bedsheet, feel unbearable. A podiatrist can diagnose gout with an exam, joint fluid analysis, or imaging. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, dietary guidance, and long-term uric acid management. Preventive care is key to reducing the frequency and severity of future flare-ups. If you have developed gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrist from North Texas Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout

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