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(972) 335-9071


Southwestern Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C
11500 Highway 121, Building 700, Suite 710
Frisco, TX 75035

Tuesday, 14 April 2026 00:00

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the foot, most commonly the joint at the base of the big toe. It develops when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream and forms sharp crystals within the joint. An attack may begin suddenly, often at night, with intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The joint can appear shiny, swollen, and extremely tender to the touch. Even the weight of a bedsheet may feel unbearable. Risk factors include a diet high in red meat or seafood, alcohol intake, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Without proper care, repeated attacks can lead to joint damage and chronic discomfort. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through clinical evaluation and imaging or laboratory testing when needed. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, guidance on dietary changes, supportive footwear, and strategies to reduce future flare ups. If you have gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026 00:00

Soft tissue in the feet includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue that allow movement and absorb daily stress. Injury, surgery, repetitive strain, or long-standing inflammation can lead to scar formation within these tissues. Scar tissue is less flexible than healthy tissue, which may cause stiffness, aching, or sharp discomfort with walking or standing. Inflammation often accompanies this process, contributing to swelling, warmth, and limited motion. Over time, altered gait patterns may place extra stress on surrounding areas, increasing the risk of ongoing pain or secondary problems. Early care can help reduce irritation and improve mobility through proper footwear, activity modification, and targeted treatments. Persistent symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they interfere with daily activities. If foot pain, stiffness, or swelling continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Sunday, 05 April 2026 00:00

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 00:00

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. A fibroma typically appears as a small, noticeable lump in the arch that may gradually increase in size. The exact cause is not always clear, but genetic factors are believed to play a role, and repeated foot strain or trauma may contribute to its development. Symptoms can include localized tenderness, discomfort while walking, and a sensation of pressure when standing for long periods of time. Although some fibromas remain painless, others may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the growth and recommend supportive care or advanced treatment options. If you have signs of a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

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