Gout is a crystalline inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints. Although it is more common in adults, the prevalence of gout among teenagers is increasing due to obesity, poor diet, and certain medical conditions. It often affects the big toe, causing sudden joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. Repeated flare-ups may lead to joint deformities and, in severe cases, may contribute to kidney dysfunction and other systemic concerns. Risk factors include family history, metabolic disorders, and high consumption of sugary beverages or processed foods. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, manage painful symptoms, and coordinate comprehensive care. If your teenager has symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and relief options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon pain refers to inflammation or injury of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is located at the back of the lower leg just above the heel, and plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. Causes include overuse, sudden increases in activity, exercising on uneven surfaces, obesity, and older age. Symptoms may include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty pushing off the foot. In more serious cases, a partial tear or complete rupture can occur, leading to sharp pain and weakness. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend imaging if needed, and create a personalized treatment plan. If you have sustained an Achilles tenon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot and fungal infections are common skin conditions that affect the feet and thrive in warm, moist environments. They are often caused by exposure to fungi in locker rooms, showers, and tight footwear. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, and cracking, especially between the toes or along the sole of the foot. In some cases, the skin can appear white, scaly, or soggy and may feel tender or painful when walking. Fungal infections can spread to the toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can begin care with a careful examination and may take a small skin sample to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include prescription topical or oral medications, hygiene education, footwear guidance, and follow-up care to prevent recurrence. Early treatment helps reduce discomfort and limits spread of the infection. If you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Corns and callouses on the feet develop when repeated pressure or friction causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. They are commonly caused by tight shoes, foot structure issues, abnormal walking patterns, or activities that place stress on certain areas. Symptoms may include rough, hardened skin, tenderness, and localized pain that worsens with pressure. Corns often look small and raised with a hard central core, while callouses appear broader and flatter. They can feel sore or sensitive, especially when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pressure. Treatment may begin with safe removal of thickened skin and protective padding, followed by custom orthotics, shoe recommendations, and targeted exercises to reduce pressure and prevent recurrence. Ongoing care helps improve comfort and skin health. If you have painful corns or callouses on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

During the winter months, many people turn to treadmill running, but this sudden change can place added stress on the feet. Treadmills increase repetition, meaning the same movement is performed thousands of times in a short period. This can strain foot structures and aggravate existing issues. Incline settings may further increase tension through the heel and arch, raising the risk of heel pain, Achilles discomfort, or nerve irritation in the forefoot. Symptoms may include soreness along the bottom of the heel, stiffness when taking the first steps of the day, or burning or tingling between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, assess treadmill habits, and identify contributing factors like tight calf muscles or altered gait patterns. If you have foot pain after treadmill running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

As people age, their feet often tell the story of a lifetime of movement, showing changes such as thinning skin, thicker nails, and altered shape. Aging feet may look dry, swollen, or slightly misshapen, and they can feel sore, stiff, or tired after even short periods of standing or walking. Common causes include reduced circulation, arthritis, diabetes, and years of repetitive stress on the feet and ankles. Symptoms include aching joints, balance issues, or painful pressure points that affect daily activities. A podiatrist begins with a thorough assessment to understand gait, circulation, and skin health, then develops a personalized plan. Treatment can include nail and skin care, custom orthotics for better support, and exercises to improve strength and balance. With proper care, older adults can maintain comfort and mobility. If you have aging feet causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

A dislocated ankle occurs when the talus, the main ankle bone, is pushed out of place from under the tibia and fibula, which are the bones of the lower leg. This sudden shift causes sharp pain, swelling, and a foot that looks out of alignment. The injury also affects the ligaments that hold the ankle steady, as well as nearby joints where the talus meets the calcaneus, or heel bone. A podiatrist can check the position of the foot, make sure blood flow and feeling in the toes are normal, and use imaging to see if any nearby bones have been damaged. Treatment focuses on gently guiding the talus back into place and keeping the ankle immobile so healing can start. Surgery may be considered when there are fractures or if the ankle remains unstable. If you believe you have dislocated your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.