As people age, their feet become more vulnerable to a range of issues, including fractures, gout, toenail disorders, and peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Fractures can occur from falls or weakened bones, and may cause swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Gout, often affecting the big toe, causes sudden, intense pain, redness, and warmth due to uric acid buildup. Thick, discolored, or ingrown toenails can lead to pain and infection, while PAD, a circulation problem, can cause leg cramping, cold feet, and slow-healing wounds. These conditions may make walking difficult and affect overall mobility and independence. A podiatrist can diagnose these issues through exams and imaging. Treatment options include medications, custom orthotics, nail care, wound management, and footwear changes to reduce pain and improve function. If you have any of these issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves responsible for sending signals between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are affected, people may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the feet and ankles. This damage can interfere with balance by reducing the ability to feel pressure, detect joint position, or sense vibrations in the feet. As a result, people with peripheral neuropathy may have difficulty sensing uneven surfaces or adjusting their posture quickly, which increases the risk of falling. Muscle weakness in the feet and ankles can also make it harder to maintain stability when walking or standing. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, recommend footwear designed for stability, and discuss whether custom orthotics may help to reduce fall risk. If you have fallen or are at risk of doing so because of neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within the ankle joint. Through small incisions, a camera and specialized instruments allow a podiatric surgeon to view and repair damaged tissue. Common causes for this procedure include ankle pain, instability, cartilage damage, loose bone fragments, or scar tissue. Reasons to have ankle arthroscopy include unresolved pain, limited movement, or repeated injuries that do not improve with conservative care. A podiatrist can determine if this procedure is right for you by conducting a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. If ankle discomfort is affecting your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to explore whether arthroscopy can help restore mobility and comfort.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Foot pain is a common issue that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from twisting injuries. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, leading to sudden, intense joint pain, often in the big toe. Blisters form from friction, creating fluid-filled sacs, while corns are hardened skin caused by pressure or rubbing. Blisters appear as raised bumps, and corns look like thick, rough patches of skin. Symptoms vary, but may include swelling, redness, sharp or throbbing pain, tenderness, and difficulty walking. Sprains may cause bruising and gout results in hot, swollen joints.  Podiatrists can offer treatments such as targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, drainage of blisters, or corn removal. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule  an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and effective treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle 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 office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.