Neuropathy in the feet, also called peripheral neuropathy, happens when the nerves that carry messages between the feet and the brain become damaged. This can affect feeling, movement, or both. Symptoms often begin gradually and may include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet. Some people also experience sharp pain or find it difficult to feel heat, cold, or injuries. Because sensation is reduced, cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and become more serious. Neuropathy is commonly linked to diabetes, but it can also have other causes. Early diagnosis is important because nerve damage may worsen if the underlying problem is not identified and managed.

A podiatrist plays an important role in protecting foot health when neuropathy is present. During an examination, the podiatrist checks sensation, circulation, and overall foot function. They also look for skin changes, pressure areas, or wounds that may have developed without being noticed. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. A podiatrist may recommend medical treatments, custom orthotics, or other measures to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas of the feet. Regular evaluations also help identify changes early and lower the risk of complications that could affect mobility.

Professional neuropathy treatment and podiatry care can help protect the feet and reduce the risk of long-term problems. Early care may improve comfort, support safer movement, and help prevent complications caused by reduced feeling in the feet. A podiatrist can also work with your healthcare team to monitor changes and provide treatment as your needs change. Prompt evaluation is especially important if symptoms continue to worsen or begin affecting your balance and walking. If you have numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. They often form on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes, or on weight-bearing areas of the feet. Corns are the body’s way of protecting the skin, but they can become painful when pressure continues. Common causes include tight shoes, toe deformities, abnormal foot mechanics, or areas where bones rub against footwear. Symptoms may include foot pain, tenderness, a raised patch of hard skin, or discomfort when walking.

Although corns may seem like a simple skin problem, they can interfere with daily activities and overall foot health. Painful corns can make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably, stand for long periods of time, or walk normally. Some corns are hard and dry, while others may develop between the toes, where the skin stays softer. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve problems should be especially cautious because even small areas of pressure can lead to more serious complications. Since corns can look similar to other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose corns on the feet and identify what is causing the pressure. During an evaluation, a podiatrist may examine the skin, assess foot structure, and check how the foot moves during walking. Treatment may include professional corn removal, pressure relief, custom orthotics, footwear guidance, or care for related toe problems. Addressing the underlying cause can help reduce pain and lower the chance of recurring corns. Professional podiatry care is especially important when corns are painful, return often, or appear with redness, swelling, or drainage. If you have painful corns on your feet, recurring skin thickening, or difficulty walking due to pressure-related foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Hallux rigidus is a form of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe, causing pain and stiffness that can make walking uncomfortable. Many people first notice difficulty bending the toe, pain during push-off, or swelling around the joint. Treatment depends on how advanced the condition has become and how much it affects daily life. Early care may include shoe changes, custom orthotics, activity adjustments, and anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce pressure on the joint and improve comfort. Some patients benefit from targeted exercises to help maintain movement. When pain becomes more severe, or motion is greatly limited, procedures may be considered to remove damaged tissue, improve joint movement, or address advanced joint damage. Managing symptoms early may help slow progression and keep you active. If you have big toe pain and stiffness, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Drop foot is a condition defined by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking. This issue often results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for ankle dorsiflexion. It is commonly linked to nerve-related conditions and can significantly affect balance, gait, and overall mobility. Individuals with drop foot may develop compensatory walking patterns, such as lifting the knee higher than normal, which can lead to further strain on the lower body.

Several causes contribute to drop foot, including stroke, sciatica, and nerve injury. A stroke may disrupt signals between the brain and muscles, while sciatica can compress nerves that control foot movement. Direct nerve injury, especially involving the peroneal nerve, is another frequent cause. Symptoms include difficulty lifting the foot, frequent tripping, muscle weakness, and an altered walking pattern. Risk factors include underlying neurological conditions, lower back disorders, trauma, and prolonged pressure on the nerves.

Targeted exercises play an important role in improving functional mobility and strength. Calf stretch exercises help maintain flexibility and reduce tightness in the lower leg. Balance exercises are essential for improving stability and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls. Lower back exercises may also support nerve health by reducing pressure and improving alignment. Consistent movement training can strengthen supporting muscles and enhance walking mechanics over time.

It is important to understand that early intervention and structured exercise programs can help manage drop foot and improve daily function. Addressing the underlying cause while focusing on mobility and strength can lead to better outcomes. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for strengthening and management tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.