February 2025

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect the feet, often causing pain, swelling, and circulation problems. Inflammation from lupus may lead to joint damage, resulting in conditions such as Jaccoud’s arthropathy, where the toes become misaligned, making walking difficult. Polyarthritis can also develop, causing persistent stiffness and discomfort in the foot and ankle joints. Many people with lupus experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, which reduces blood flow to the toes, leading to cold, numb, or discolored feet. This condition can make standing or walking painful, especially in colder temperatures. Lupus may also cause sores or blisters on the feet to heal slowly, increasing the risk of infection. Nerve damage linked to lupus can result in tingling, burning sensations, or loss of feeling in the feet. A podiatrist can help manage these symptoms by evaluating your foot structure, addressing circulation concerns, and recommending treatments that improve mobility and reduce pain. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct deformities. If you have foot pain that may be related to lupus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of 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.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, as the top of the toe angles toward the inner toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surroundig the joint. Over time, bunions may become more noticeable, with the bump growing larger and causing the skin to thicken or develop corns. Bunions are often caused by genetics, but factors like wearing tight shoes, high heels, or arthritis can also contribute. Symptoms include pain when walking, tenderness, and difficulty in finding comfortable shoes. Treatment options range from non-surgical to surgical solutions. A podiatrist can recommend changes to footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises to ease pain and improve foot alignment. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the toe and remove the bony bump. If you have a bunion causing discomfort or affecting your mobility, a podiatrist can provide personalized care. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment to explore your best treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

A bruised toenail, also known as a subungual hematoma, occurs when blood collects beneath the nail due to trauma or injury. This condition is typically caused by dropping something heavy on the toe, stubbing the toe, or repetitive pressure, such as from wearing  tight-fitting shoes. The force from these actions can rupture blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to accumulate, which leads to pain, swelling, and discoloration. As the blood gathers, the toenail may turn a dark purple, red, or black color. In more severe cases, the pressure from the blood can cause significant discomfort and may even lead to the nail becoming loose or falling off. It is important to monitor the injury to ensure that it does not become infected. If you have bruised your toenail and it is causing toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and 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 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.

An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that severely affects mobility. Treatment options include surgical repair or immobilization. Achilles tendon surgery reattaches the torn ends of the tendon and can be performed as an open procedure, which involves a larger incision, or as a percutaneous procedure. Percutaneous procedures use small punctures in the skin to insert tools for repairing the tendon, offering a less invasive approach that may result in reduced scarring and faster recovery. Surgery is often recommended for younger or more active patients because it lowers the risk of another rupture. Immobilization uses devices like casts, splints, or walking boots to keep the lower leg and ankle stationary while the tendon heals naturally. This method is commonly chosen for older or less active patients due to fewer associated risks. A podiatrist can assess your Achilles tendon injury and determine the best treatment based on the extent of the rupture and your activity level. If you have torn your Achilles tendon, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and suggested treatment options.

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.