Foot fractures can sometimes be mistaken for ankle sprains because both injuries cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A fracture happens when a bone in the foot breaks, either from a sudden injury or repeated stress over time. An ankle sprain, on the other hand, involves stretched or torn ligaments. Since the symptoms can look very similar, it is easy to miss a fracture without proper evaluation. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the foot for tenderness, bruising, and movement issues. Imaging tests like X-rays are usually needed to confirm whether a bone is broken. Missing a fracture can lead to delayed healing, ongoing pain, or long-term foot problems. If you have an injury that is not improving as expected, or the pain seems worse than a typical sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur suddenly, often at night, causing severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. It happens when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the big toe. This can result from consuming too many purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, or due to kidney issues that prevent uric acid from being excreted properly. Symptoms include intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, which can feel like a throbbing or burning sensation. The pain may be so severe that even the weight of a blanket can be unbearable. Gout attacks can last for days and may recur, if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through a physical exam, blood tests, or joint fluid analysis. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or specific treatments to relieve pain and prevent future attacks. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects blood flow to certain areas of the body, most commonly the fingers and toes. It occurs when small blood vessels narrow in response to cold temperatures or stress, limiting circulation to the affected areas. This can cause the feet to feel cold, numb, or painful, and they may change color from white to blue before returning to normal. The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is not always clear, but it is often linked to autoimmune conditions, vascular disorders, or prolonged exposure to cold environments. Managing symptoms includes keeping the feet warm, avoiding triggers, and improving circulation through exercise and stress management. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jon McCreary, DPM from Fort Worth Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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