April 2023

The arthritic condition known as gout often causes extreme pain. The foot ailment affects the joints in the big toe, causing redness and swelling. Gout can develop for genetic reasons or from specific types of foods that are consumed, which are laden with purines. These can include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Excess uric acid can be produced from these foods and converted into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. People generally experience a gout attack for approximately one week, but it may resurface if eating habits are not changed. Episodes of gout may be prevented by drinking plenty of fresh water and engaging in a gentle exercise program. It is also beneficial to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and to limit foods that have excess purines. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward management and prevention techniques. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 patients consider having foot surgery when non-invasive options for their particular ailment have not worked. People who have severe bunions may opt for surgery, which is successful in permanently removing the bunion and realigning the toes. Patients who have arthritis may be interested in learning about fusion surgery, which can be helpful in relieving ankle pain. Hammertoe is a foot condition that causes the toes to bend upwards at the middle joint, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Surgery may be performed that can permanently straighten the toes and can be successful in relieving existing pain. A common foot surgery involves the plantar fascia, which may become torn or irritated for various reasons. The type of surgery is helpful in repairing the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. If you have any type of foot condition that may be improved with surgery, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if this is the correct decision for you.

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.

The arch of the foot is absent in people who have flat feet. This condition is noticeable when the foot remains completely flat when standing on the floor. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch generally develops in the teenage years. Existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and arthritis may lead to having flat feet as an adult. Treatment may be necessary if there is pain associated with this ailment. This can consist of wearing custom-made orthotics, performing specific foot stretches, and losing weight if applicable. It is beneficial to measure the feet before purchasing new shoes, in addition to allowing enough room in the top of the shoes. It can also help to wear shoes that have a low heel and to choose shoes that are suited to the activity being performed. It is suggested to people who have flat feet that they are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

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.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes significant bodily changes that could negatively impact the health of her feet. During pregnancy, a woman’s feet can increase in size. Many pregnant women will often wonder whether they ought to wear new shoes during their pregnancy to accommodate this increase in the size of their feet. Some women will wear pregnancy shoes to better support their feet as they bring their baby to term. Pregnancy shoes of this kind can minimize pressure and pain. This type of shoe can also combat twists or sprains because it supports the ankle. Some pregnancy shoes are also designed without straps and laces to minimize the extent to which a pregnant woman would have to bend over to adjust the shoes. If you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.  

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.