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Understanding Gout Flares

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals in the joints. Gout commonly affects the big toe, but it can also affect the ankle and other foot joints. A gout flare usually begins suddenly causing intense pain and swelling. Redness, warmth, and tenderness may also occur. Even light pressure from a shoe or bed sheet can cause discomfort. Gout flares can last for several days, and may return if the condition is not properly managed. Risk factors include kidney problems, obesity, and alcohol use. Sugary drinks and joint injuries are other factors. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through an exam, imaging studies, and laboratory testing. Treatment includes reducing inflammation, protecting the affected joint, and helping prevent future flare-ups that can damage the joints. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for help in managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry. 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 Dallas, and Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Swimming With Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often appearing as red, itchy, peeling, or cracked areas between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms and around swimming pools. When you swim with athlete's foot, the condition can spread more easily to others and may worsen due to prolonged moisture. You might notice increased burning, itching, or scaling after time in the water. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, rule out similar conditions, and prescribe targeted antifungal treatments such as topical creams or oral medications. They can also monitor healing and help prevent complications like secondary bacterial infections. Ignoring symptoms can lead to the spread across nails or other body areas over time. If you have persistent symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Southwest Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

What Causes Foot Corns?

Foot corns are small areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction. They commonly form on the top and sides of toes or on weight-bearing areas of the foot where shoes may rub. Corns develop as a protective response when the skin tries to shield itself from irritation. Causes include ill-fitting footwear, abnormal foot structure, and repetitive movement that increases pressure on certain areas. Symptoms may include tenderness, pain, and a hardened raised bump that can make walking uncomfortable. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, toe deformities, and prolonged standing. A podiatrist can help by safely removing corns, addressing underlying causes, and recommending proper footwear. If you have a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment, and prevention solutions. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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Hammertoe Surgery and the Role of Podiatric Care

Hammertoe is a foot deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like shape that may cause discomfort and difficulty with footwear. When conservative treatment does not relieve symptoms, hammertoe surgery may be recommended to restore proper toe alignment. The procedure typically involves correcting the affected joint, releasing tight tendons, or removing small portions of bone to allow the toe to return to a more natural position. Benefits of hammertoe surgery include reduced pain, improved foot function, and greater comfort while walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed this condition, and it is interfering with completing daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Southwest Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

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