Items filtered by date: November 2025
Causes of Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Pain in the ball of the foot, also known as metatarsalgia, occurs when the tissues in this area become irritated or strained. This discomfort can develop from a sprain, Morton’s neuroma, bursitis, arthritis, or a bunion that changes pressure on the front of the foot. People may feel aching, burning, or sharp sensations that worsen when walking or standing. These issues often result from improper footwear, high impact activity, or changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can identify the exact cause, reduce inflammation, improve foot alignment, and recommend supportive footwear or custom inserts to ease pressure. If you have ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Understanding Gout and Finding Relief

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. Causes include an overproduction of uric acid or the body’s inability to eliminate it properly. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, high blood pressure, and certain medications. The pain from gout is often severe, sudden, and may be accompanied by swelling and redness. Dietary changes, such as reducing alcohol and limiting foods high in purines, can help manage symptoms. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, provide pain relief strategies, and guide long-term management. If you are experiencing intense foot pain from gout, 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 painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Symptoms and Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet collapse and allow the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be present at birth or develop later in life due to aging, injury, obesity, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, but others may develop pain in the midfoot, arch, or inner ankle, often made worse by activity. Swelling along the inside of the foot or ankle is common, and over time the instability can affect gait and make standing on the toes difficult. Flat feet are often linked to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively, placing strain on the tendons and ligaments of the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam, order imaging, if needed, and recommend treatment options that may include orthotics or, in severe cases, surgery. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and management tips.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Is My Ankle Sprained or Broken?
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between an ankle sprain and a broken or fractured ankle. A sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn, while a fracture occurs when a bone in the ankle is broken. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the affected ankle, although an ankle fracture is usually more painful than a sprain. Those who have sprained their ankle may feel a popping sensation at the time of injury and experience ankle instability and a reduced range of motion. Those who have broken their ankle can have trouble bearing weight on the foot and may notice a visible deformity in the ankle, especially in cases where the ankle is also dislocated. If you have symptoms of an ankle sprain or an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist, who can diagnose and treat your condition.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.


