Items filtered by date: June 2025

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming and cutting nails too short or rounded. Tight-fitting shoes, injury, or genetic predisposition are other factors. Symptoms typically begin with redness, tenderness, and swelling along the nail edge. As the condition progresses, the area may become warm, painful, and drain pus if infected. It may be difficult to wear shoes or walk comfortably. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail through a physical exam. Treatment depends on the severity and may include soaking, proper trimming, and antibiotic ointments. In more advanced cases, a minor procedure, called nail avulsion, may be performed to remove part or all of the affected nail. This helps relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you are dealing with a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, often caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They typically develop in areas of pressure, such as the heels or balls of the feet, where the virus enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. Symptoms include a rough, grainy texture on the bottom of the foot, pain or tenderness when walking, and tiny black dots in the wart, which are blood vessels. The wart may grow larger or multiply over time, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical exam and may remove a small sample for testing, if needed. Treatment options include topical medication, cryotherapy, or minor surgical removal. In some cases, mild treatments may also help, but professional care ensures the most effective and thorough removal. If you have a painful plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the feet. It progresses through four stages known as asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gout, intercritical gout, and chronic tophaceous gout. Risk factors include a diet high in purines, obesity, alcohol use, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms involve sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, usually in the big toe. A podiatrist can help manage gout through joint evaluation, medication recommendations, and dietary guidance. They can also treat complications such as joint damage and tophi, helping to relieve pain, prevent flare-ups, and maintain foot function and mobility. If you have had one or more gout flare ups, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage 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 Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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 Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma affects the nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It usually develops from repeated pressure or irritation, leading to thickening of the nerve tissue. People with this condition often describe a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot, sometimes with numbness in the toes. Many say it feels like a pebble is stuck in their shoe or that their sock is bunched up. The pain may come and go, becoming worse with wearing tight shoes or long periods of walking. In early stages, removing the pressure may help, but in more advanced cases, help from a podiatrist is often needed. If you have persistent forefoot pain or unusual sensations between your toes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.