When an individual breaks their foot, there are two ways in which they can endure a fracture. First, one can suffer a direct injury from a high impact activity or from some kind of blunt force trauma (i.e. falls, collisions, etc.). Second, an individual can endure a stress fracture from repeated overuse in physical activities. Regardless of the cause of the broken foot, medical attention ought to be immediately sought out. Sometimes it may be difficult for an individual to recognize that their foot has been broken. However, if you notice foot pain after a fall or some kind of impact injury, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible. Upon receiving medical attention, your doctor may take an X-ray of the foot, especially if there is tenderness in key areas or if the patient can not bear weight on the affected foot. To detect a stress fracture, a doctor may choose to perform an MRI, as this procedure helps identify bone edema, which develops before a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist today if you believe you have broken your foot. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Many people may not know that there are two pea-shaped bones located under the big toe that are known as the sesamoids. When the tendons that are attached to these bones become inflamed from overuse of the front of the foot, a condition known as sesamoiditis can occur. Individuals with sesamoiditis can experience pain in the ball of their feet where the affected sesamoids are located, and they might find it difficult to point their toes. There are several things that a medical professional might do to diagnose a case of sesamoiditis. First, a physical examination will be performed on the affected area, analyzing the movement and flexibility of the big toe. If sesamoiditis is likely in a patient, then an X-ray might be performed to get a better sense of the state of the patient’s bones. In some cases, bone scans might be even more helpful, as these images make more things visible than X-rays. If you have sesamoiditis, do not hesitate to consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Tendons connect muscles with bones. The Achilles tendon—one of the body’s largest tendons—connects the calf muscles with the heel bone. It is an essential component that facilitates movements, such as walking, jumping and running. Athletes engage the Achilles tendon constantly, which makes them more prone to injuring it through overuse. A common Achilles tendon injury among athletes is Achilles tendonitis. Also known as Achilles tendinopathy, this icondition causes pain and swelling in the tendon above the heel bone and, sometimes, ankle stiffness. Podiatrists are experts at diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis and other sports injuries that affect the Achilles tendon. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis may lead to degeneration and tearing of the tendon.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Hammertoe is a specific kind of foot affliction that primarily impacts the joint of the second, third, or fourth toe. When an imbalance in one of these joints occurs, the toe has a tendency to essentially bend upwards at the joint. As a result, the toe resembles a hammer. Age and gender havs a particularly interesting relationship with this foot condition. Specifically, the incidence of hammertoe is increased in older individuals and women. One possible explanation for this correlation is that women tend to wear shoes that force the toes into awkward contortions, such as high heels. When a toe is forced into tight positions in the toe box against the other toes, hammertoe can develop. Individuals who suffer from hammertoe will tend to experience pain where the hammertoe is located. Additionally, it may become difficult for the individual to walk normally. Swelling is also common for patients living with a hammertoe. If you are a woman or are an older individual that is concerned about developing hammertoe, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. Your podiatrist can help you try to prevent and treat your hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.