February 2024

Children, especially young athletes, may experience foot pain for a variety of reasons. Biomechanical issues, like flat feet or high arches, may lead to improper weight distribution and cause foot pain in kids. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes that are too tight or lack proper support, can also contribute to foot pain. Children active in sports and physical activities may experience overuse injuries or strains, and can experience foot injuries that are less common in adults because they are still growing. Structural abnormalities, such as toe deformities or differences in leg length, can also play a role in pediatric foot pain. Additionally, conditions including plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or infections can cause discomfort on specific areas of the foot. If your child is experiencing foot pain or a foot injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common heel condition that primarily affects children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth. Contrary to its name, Sever's disease is not an actual disease but rather an overuse injury that occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed. This growth plate, the calcaneal apophysis, is particularly vulnerable during growth spurts when bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different rates. The repetitive stress on the growth plate from activities such as running or jumping can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness at the back of the heel. Factors such as tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and engaging in high-impact sports contribute to the development of Sever's disease. If your child participates in sporting events and has developed heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.

Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints, often affecting the big toe. Gout is notorious for its intense pain, which frequently flares up at night. Although commonly associated with men over 45, gout can develop in anyone at any age. This arthritic condition stems from the body's inability to adequately process purines, which are natural substances found in the body. This inability results in the formation of uric acid. When uric acid levels become elevated, sharp urate crystals form and deposit in joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and excruciating pain. While the big toe is a frequent target, gout can affect any joint and often strikes suddenly, even disrupting sleep with its severity. Dietary factors play a significant role in gout development, with diets high in red meat, seafood, and fructose-containing beverages increasing the risk. Alcohol consumption and obesity also increase susceptibility to gout. Symptoms can include agonizing pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the affected joint, which may last up to a week before subsiding. Gout is not curable, but it can be managed with the help of lifestyle and dietary changes and treatment from a podiatrist. If you suffer from the symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who is medically trained to manage this ailment.

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.

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition in the foot which causes heel pain, involves an examination from a podiatrist. A podiatrist may first discuss medical history and symptoms with the patient. Then, this foot doctor will perform a physical examination of the feet, checking for signs such as tenderness in the heel and arch areas. They also check for flat feet, high arches, foot swelling, and tight Achilles tendons. The doctor may also order X-rays or ultrasounds to rule out other potential causes of heel pain. Additionally, during the examination, the podiatrist may assess the range of motion and gait for a comprehensive understanding of the foot mechanics. This combination of methods helps the podiatrist diagnose plantar fasciitis and tailor an effective treatment plan to alleviate pain and promote healing. For an accurate diagnosis and successful management of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.