A foot stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture. When it is first noticed, the pain is often subtle. It can occur as a result of repetitive use, and is a common injury among runners. There are two treatment methods, and the correct one is chosen depending on the severity of the fracture. For mild stress fractures, effective treatment often begins with resting and elevating the foot, in addition to keeping weight off of it. Performing low-impact activities, such as swimming, is recommended for cardiovascular purposes. Keeping a compression bandage around the foot can help to stabilize it as the healing process occurs. For more severe fractures, surgery may be necessary for complete healing. An effective outpatient procedure is called internal fixation surgery, and pins, screws, and wires may be used to secure the affected bone in place. If you have endured a stress fracture, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best form of treatment is for you.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.

The feet take us wherever we want to go, all day, every day. But the feet are often neglected when it comes to caring for them. For many people, getting a pedicure is the extent of their foot care routine. However, if your feet are not also strong and healthy, the rest of your body can pay the price. A foot problem or disorder may affect the way you walk and that may cause pain in your knees, hip, back, and neck. Furthermore, other conditions may develop in the feet, such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Painful feet may cause you to avoid movement and exercise, which reduces the strength of the feet, and increases the risk of falling. One of the best ways to take care of your feet is by wearing shoes that provide the correct balance of flexibility and support. Shoes that are too stiff may put the ankles at risk. Another way to practice foot fitness is by doing simple strength and mobility exercises on a regular basis. Among these are toe lifts, rolling your foot over a ball, and scrunching a towel or blanket with the toes. For more information on how to best take care of your feet, please consult a podiatrist.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

The possibility of breaking a toe can increase if a heavy object drops on it. People can also get a broken toe if it is stubbed into a piece of furniture, and this generally causes severe pain and discomfort. Some people feel a dull pain and throbbing in their toe, which may indicate a stress fracture has occurred. Common symptoms of a broken toe include immediate swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the toe. Severe fractures may cause the bone to snap and protrude through the skin, and surgery may be necessary to ensure a proper healing. Mildly broken toes can heal by using the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is generally successful in providing the necessary stability as it heals. An X-ray is typically done that can provide an accurate diagnosis, and this can determine what type of treatment is needed. If you have broken your toe, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help you with correct relief options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Foot problems may increase among the senior population. This is often a result of thinning fat pads in the heel, and the foot structure may change as the aging process occurs. The circulation may diminish, and this can affect the healing of cuts and scrapes that are on the feet. Many people wear shoes that do not fit correctly, and they may gradually develop specific foot conditions that can worsen during their senior years. These can include bunions, corns, and hammertoes, and medical attention from a podiatrist is often sought. Toenail fungus may be common among elderly people, which may happen when the blood flow is reduced to the feet, possibly resulting in dry and brittle nails. It is strongly advised that older people are regularly seen by a podiatrist, who can diagnose and provide the correct treatment for any foot condition.

If you need your feet checked, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a widespread and important kind of foot affliction to be aware of. It is primarily developed when an individual’s plantar fascia, or band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed and aggravated. Pain can be felt in the feet as a result. Importantly, this condition is distinctly different from sciatica, although they each cause some kind of foot pain. Sciatica, by contrast, can occur in an individual when certain nerves that are located in the back can become compressed. Due to the compression, sensations of pain and numbness can travel down the body into the feet. For more information about what makes plantar fasciitis different from sciatica, please contact a podiatrist today. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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 individuals might be candidates for different kinds of surgical procedures for the feet. These procedures can treat a wide variety of foot afflictions and might be necessary for some patients to heal from their condition. After you undergo a foot surgery, your podiatrist might recommend a variety of things that you can do post-surgery to help facilitate the healing and recovery process. For example, they might recommend performing certain physical exercises after foot surgery. They may also recommend exercising underwater, which reduces the amount of weight one puts on their feet. They might also recommend exercising your abdominals, which can ultimately increase stability and make walking easier. However, it is important to note that each person is uniquely different and one ought to closely follow the advice given by their podiatrist.

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.

Having flat feet is when one stands on a flat surface and their entire foot is in contact with that surface, with no visible arch. This condition used to be considered a problem and even used to bar one from military service. While flat feet can be an indicator of poor biomechanics or walking style, they do not always cause problems. Babies are born with flat feet and do not have a foot arch until it is filled with fat as they develop. If the arch drops later in life, it is known as acquired flat foot.  This is sometimes associated with problems, like excessive pronation or the foot rolling inward and lowering the arch closer to the ground. Problems with the feet can lead to problems elsewhere in the body, such as knees, hips, and the back. If you have flat feet and they cause you pain, see a podiatrist for an examination and guidance.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle 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 office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has indicated that wearing high heels is one of the most common reasons that women develop foot pain. Many women choose to wear high heels, despite knowing unwanted foot conditions may arise and could cause the need for lower heels. A bunion is a bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe which can result from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels often fall into this category and bunions may be prevented by wearing shoes that have more room. Additionally, the calf may become painful which may be a gradual Achilles tendon injury developing. This tendon may become shortened when high heels are frequently worn and relief may be found when the calf muscles are stretched. High heels may cause permanent damage to the feet so it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if you would like more information about tips on how to possibly avoid this.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.