Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common and bothersome condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This fungal infection occurs when microscopic fungi, such as dermatophytes or yeast, penetrate the nail bed through small cuts or openings. The warm and damp environment inside closed-toe shoes provides an ideal breeding ground for the fungi to thrive. The infection often starts with a white or yellow spot under the nail and gradually spreads, causing the nail to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. Individuals with compromised immune systems, or who have diabetes or poor circulation are generally at a higher risk. Additionally, frequent exposure to moist environments, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or walking barefoot in public places may also increase the likelihood of developing toenail fungus. Early detection and proper treatment are essential in preventing the spread of the infection and can help restore healthy toenails. Toenail fungus can be treated by a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor for relief options that are correct for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Running is a fantastic way to stay fit and connect with the outdoors, but it's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid injuries that are related to running. First and foremost, start with a proper warm-up before each run to prepare your muscles and joints. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs to allow your body to adapt. Invest in well-fitting, supportive running shoes to minimize impact on your feet and joints. Listen to your body, and if you experience any pain or discomfort, don't push through it. Cross-training can also be beneficial, as it helps to strengthen different muscle groups and prevents overuse injuries. Regularly incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises into your routine can improve overall body mobility. Lastly, It is helpful to recover and rest which can give your body ample time to heal and rejuvenate. If you would like additional information on how running injuries can affect the feet and how to prevent them, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is an inflammatory condition that causes extreme pain in the joints and is particularly common in the big toe. Patients with gout suffer from hyperuricemia, an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid then crystallizes, forming sharp, short needles that settle in the joint and cause extreme pain. Anyone can suffer from gout, but it is more common among men over the age of 30. Risk factors for gout are genetics, alcohol use, and a diet rich in foods that contain a high level of purines. These include red meat, seafood, and beverages made with alcohol or large amounts of sugar. The top indicator of gout in the big toe is severe pain. This may come on suddenly and typically occurs at night. The intense pain can linger for days. Swelling, tenderness, and redness are also hallmarks of gout. The skin on the toe may begin to peel and then become itchy and flaky. It also may begin to feel hot to the touch. In some cases, a low-grade fever develops, along with flu-like symptoms. If you believe you may have gout in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options.  

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain can affect the ability to complete your daily activities and in some cases, if left untreated can develop into a chronic condition. The main causes of ankle pain include sprains, arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis. Other causes are gout, damage to cartilage, and fractures. If you have broken an ankle bone, seeking immediate medical attention is a must. Other symptoms that indicate a trip to the podiatrist include the inability to bear weight, a deformity developing on the ankle, and pain occurring at night or while the ankle is at rest. Further indicators are pain that persists over a few days, trouble bending the ankle joint, swelling into the calf area, or signs of infection. Treatment options for ankle pain are dependent on the cause and can range from rest to surgery. In many cases, changes in footwear and wearing a brace or other orthotic device will be necessary. Specific stretching exercises and types of medication can help to relieve the pain. If you believe you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

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 Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are considered to be overuse injuries that are common among runners, as well as other athletes. Football players, basketball players, and dancers are at risk for stress fractures over time. A stress fracture is a hairline crack in the bone as a result of repetitive pounding of the feet. People with poor nutritional habits and who smoke or drink excess alcohol are also susceptible to incurring stress fractures. The most common causes of these painful stress fractures are repetitive force, overtraining, and running on hard surfaces. A stress fracture often develops as the result of a sudden change in physical activity, such as increasing running speed too quickly or starting to participate in a sport after being sedentary for a long time. Furthermore, a vitamin D deficiency can cause the bones to weaken, possibly making them more vulnerable to this type of injury. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or provide inadequate support is another common cause of stress fractures. If you believe you have developed stress fractures in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full examination and correct treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.