July 2024

Peripheral neuropathy, which arises from damaged or diseased peripheral nerves, significantly impacts the feet by disrupting the transmission of signals from the brain. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, sharp pain, and muscle weakness in the feet. Such symptoms can make everyday activities challenging, and may cause balance issues or foot injuries that are unnoticed due to loss of sensation. The underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy are diverse, with diabetes being a prevalent factor. An early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy is vital to manage symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam and order diagnostic tests to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you. This may include medication or lifestyle modifications to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. If you have peripheral neuropathy that affects your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition often arises from overuse, such as repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping. It can also result from a sudden increase in exercise intensity, wearing poor footwear, or tight calf muscles. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness along the tendon, especially in the morning or after physical activity. Relief options focus on reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Resting the affected foot can alleviate pain and swelling. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can also help to provide additional relief. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may restore flexibility and prevent future issues. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and orthotics can also aid recovery. If you have pain in your heel and calf area, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Early onset gout, a form of arthritis, can be a debilitating condition that disrupts daily life and impacts overall well-being. Gout typically manifests as sudden and intense pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints, often affecting the big toe initially. This inflammatory response occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting from an imbalance in the body's production and excretion of uric acid. While gout is commonly associated with older age and certain lifestyle factors, like diet and alcohol consumption, it can also develop in younger individuals, often due to genetic predisposition or underlying health conditions. Managing early onset gout involves a multifaceted approach, including medication to alleviate symptoms, dietary modifications to reduce purine-rich foods, and lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight and minimize alcohol intake. Gout typically affects the big toe, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have been afflicted with gout, it is suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can offer you relief and prevention methods.

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.

Toenail fungus manifests in several forms, each with distinct characteristics. Subungual onychomycosis is the most common type, occurring beneath the nail plate and leading to thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. White superficial onychomycosis affects the nail's surface, causing white, crumbly spots that can spread and cover the entire nail if untreated. Candida onychomycosis, caused by yeast, often targets nails already damaged or exposed to moisture. This type results in swelling, pain, and a yellow-brown discoloration. Proper diagnosis by a podiatrist is essential to determine the specific type of infection and appropriate treatment. Antifungal medications, whether topical or oral, are typically used to combat these infections, helping restore nail health and prevent further complications. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat the type you have.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Congenital foot problems encompass a range of conditions that affect foot development from birth. Clubfoot is characterized by inwardly turned feet and twisted ankles, often requiring corrective casting or surgery early in infancy. Larsen syndrome involves multiple joint abnormalities, including clubfoot, and requires comprehensive manipulation. Metatarsus adductus causes the front part of the foot to turn inward, usually resolving with stretching exercises or corrective shoes. Metatarsus varus results in a curved appearance of the foot bones, treated similarly to metatarsus adductus. These conditions can impact mobility and foot alignment if left untreated, potentially leading to discomfort and difficulties in walking. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for addressing congenital foot problems, often involving a combination of specific techniques to promote proper foot development and functionality from infancy through childhood. If your child has been born with a congenital foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you have a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can guide you to an effective treatment strategy.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.