The feet are the foundation of the body and carry all our weight. While the feet are one of the most important parts of the body to provide proper care for, they are often overlooked. Everyday foot care begins with washing and drying the feet, followed by applying a good moisturizer. It is important to trim the toenails correctly and this may help to prevent an ingrown toenail from developing. Some patients enjoy soaking their feet in Epsom salt. Soaking the feet can help to exfoliate dead skin, which may aid in the prevention of cracked heels. Additionally, many people avoid taking excessively hot showers to help maintain elasticity in the skin. Foot creams can be beneficial at night to protect the heels and moisturize the skin while sleeping. If you would like more information about effective everyday foot care routines, it is suggested that you speak with 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 care needs.

Taking care of your children’s feet during infancy and early childhood can do a lot to help them have healthy feet as they grow. When a child shows signs of or complains of foot pain, it is wise to take them to a podiatrist to have their feet evaluated for possible problems. While children are born without arches and usually do not experience symptoms from this while they are in development, sometimes having flat feet can cause them to have problems participating in physical activities, impact their gait, or cause them pain or cramping in their feet, legs, or knees. Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the heel growth plate that can cause pain. This condition affects kids between 8 and 14 years of age or until the heel bone fully develops. Ingrown toenails can develop in children from wearing shoes that are too tight, cutting their toenails improperly, or a genetic predisposition. With this, a toenail can grow into the skin and a serious infection can result. These are just some of the problems that parents can encounter with their children’s feet. If you want to be educated on how to best care for growing feet or find that your child has foot issues, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can answer your questions and treat foot problems that arise.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Though its name would imply the skin condition known as athlete’s foot is specific to athletes, that is not the case. Anyone can get this fungal infection. It is said to be more common in specific geographic regions, and tends to impact the elderly who have a weakened immune system or other conditions affecting the lower leg.  Athlete’s foot is also referred to as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot. It is generally characterized by flaking, itching, and a burning sensation between the toes and the skin on the feet. Sometimes the skin will appear to be blistered and may crack. This condition comes from a moist environment combined with a fungus called Trichophyton. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread through physical contact or from sharing towels, sheets, socks, and shoes. It is an infection that can also spread to the toenails causing them to become discolored, brittle, and ragged. If you believe you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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 a type of arthritis most commonly affecting the big toe that can show itself as redness, tenderness, swelling in joints, and severe pain. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a part of purines, an ingredient found in several foods. A process happens when uric acid crystals build up in joints. This condition can limit the range of movement, making it difficult to exercise or walk. Those most prone to gout include obese people, those with a genetic predisposition, and men. To help prevent gout, it is suggested to avoid alcohol, increase water intake, and reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, fish, and red meat. Gout is often diagnosed after an acute attack of symptoms, and a blood test can determine the levels of uric acid. A podiatrist can also perform other tests and provide treatment that will help relieve symptoms of gout. If you suffer from gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist today.

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.