Items filtered by date: July 2025

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often caused by sudden twisting or rolling of the foot. This injury is common during sports, walking on uneven ground, or footwear that lacks adequate support. Causes include awkward landings or falls, while risk factors involve weak ankles, previous injuries, and poor balance. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the sprain through examination and imaging, then develop a treatment plan that may include rest strategies, bracing, and custom orthotics. If you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly schedule a podiatry appointment to begin an effective treatment plan.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Webbed toes, also known as syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are joined by skin, soft tissue, or bone. This condition develops during fetal growth when the toes fail to separate completely. The exact cause is often unknown, though genetic factors or certain medical syndromes may contribute. Risk factors include a family history of syndactyly and genetic conditions affecting limb development. While webbed toes may not cause pain or limit function, some individuals seek treatment for cosmetic or functional reasons. A podiatrist can assess the condition and recommend options such as surgery. If you or your child have webbed toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore personalized and professional treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain from running often results from repeated stress on the foot. One frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which involves strain on the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects to the heel. Other causes of heel pain include Achilles tendonitis, heel stress fractures, or joint and nerve irritation. People with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to heel pain, especially if they wear shoes without proper support. Running on hard surfaces, increasing mileage too quickly, or having poor foot alignment can also add pressure to the heel. A podiatrist can examine the foot and determine the exact source of pain. Based on the diagnosis,  this type of doctor may recommend a gait analysis, custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or surgery, in severe cases. Early attention to heel pain can help prevent long-term damage. If you experience heel pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The health of your feet can often reflect what is happening elsewhere in the body. Certain medical conditions that affect multiple systems can also cause foot-related symptoms. Diabetes is one of the most well-known, often leading to nerve damage, circulation problems, and delayed healing. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, and changes in foot structure. Kidney or liver disease may lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet and ankles. Additionally, neurological disorders can affect muscle control and sensation, sometimes leading to imbalance or unusual wear on the feet. Even conditions like peripheral artery disease or thyroid dysfunction may contribute to discomfort or changes in the appearance of the feet. Paying attention to new or ongoing symptoms can help with early detection of a broader issue. If your feet are showing signs of an underlying condition, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for further guidance and care.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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 contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction, often on the toes or soles. They are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include a rough, raised bump surrounded by inflamed skin and tenderness when pressure is applied. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, having foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can identify the root cause, safely remove the corn, and recommend footwear changes or custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. For relief from painful corns and long-term prevention, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist trained in treating common and complex foot conditions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.