A tiny hairline crack in a bone is known as a stress fracture. It is caused by repetitive stress in the metatarsals, or long bones of the feet. It is common for athletes who do a lot of pounding on their feet, such as runners, basketball players, and tennis players. Among the causes or contributing factors to the development of stress fractures are shoes that do not provide ample cushioning, running or pounding on hard surfaces, tight muscles or tendons, and increasing the time or intensity of the particular activity. Stress fractures often go unnoticed at first, because the pain usually dissipates after stopping the activity.  Also, stress fractures are difficult to detect, as they may not always show up on X-rays. The number one way to treat a stress fracture is to stop the activity. If you have further questions about stress fractures, please consult a podiatrist who can perform imaging tests to examine your feet and provide further treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

The function of the feet is to provide balance and mobility to the body. This may be compromised when there are existing foot deformities. When the feet are positioned incorrectly, it may cause the body to move out of alignment and prompt medical attention is often sought. Incorrect foot positioning may be one of the first signs that specific foot conditions are developing and many of them have to do with an abnormal arch. Skew foot can happen when the arch loses its original position and this can occur from having unstable tendons and ligaments. Flat feet, which are also known as fallen arches, can produce pain and discomfort. It is noticeable as the inside of the foot is lower than the rest of the foot. Additionally, many children are pigeon-toed which forces the feet to point inward. Research has shown this condition is typically easy to correct. If you would like more information about various rare foot conditions, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you seek.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

A toenail infection is often the result of a fungus growing on or under the nail. This turns the toenail a yellow or brownish color, causes it to thicken and crumble, and possibly separate the nail from the skin beneath it. Fungi grow best in moist, warm settings, such as gym locker rooms, swimming pool changing areas, and wet or moist socks and shoes. Prevention from a toenail fungal infection consists of keeping your feet clean and dry and your toenails trimmed properly. Wearing protective shoes or flip flops in areas where the fungus might be spread and using antifungal sprays in your shoes are other ways to protect your toes. Treatment of a toenail fungus involves taking antifungal medication, use of antifungal paints, and in some cases, removal of the nail. If you have a toenail infection that persists or becomes painful, please see a podiatrist for advanced treatment options.

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.

When an individual breaks their foot, there are two ways in which they can endure a fracture. First, one can suffer a direct injury from a high impact activity or from some kind of blunt force trauma (i.e. falls, collisions, etc.). Second, an individual can endure a stress fracture from repeated overuse in physical activities. Regardless of the cause of the broken foot, medical attention ought to be immediately sought out. Sometimes it may be difficult for an individual to recognize that their foot has been broken. However, if you notice foot pain after a fall or some kind of impact injury, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist as soon as possible. Upon receiving medical attention, your doctor may take an X-ray of the foot, especially if there is tenderness in key areas or if the patient can not bear weight on the affected foot. To detect a stress fracture, a doctor may choose to perform an MRI, as this procedure helps identify bone edema, which develops before a stress fracture. Contact a podiatrist today if you believe you have broken your foot. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Many people may not know that there are two pea-shaped bones located under the big toe that are known as the sesamoids. When the tendons that are attached to these bones become inflamed from overuse of the front of the foot, a condition known as sesamoiditis can occur. Individuals with sesamoiditis can experience pain in the ball of their feet where the affected sesamoids are located, and they might find it difficult to point their toes. There are several things that a medical professional might do to diagnose a case of sesamoiditis. First, a physical examination will be performed on the affected area, analyzing the movement and flexibility of the big toe. If sesamoiditis is likely in a patient, then an X-ray might be performed to get a better sense of the state of the patient’s bones. In some cases, bone scans might be even more helpful, as these images make more things visible than X-rays. If you have sesamoiditis, do not hesitate to consult with a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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.

Tendons connect muscles with bones. The Achilles tendon—one of the body’s largest tendons—connects the calf muscles with the heel bone. It is an essential component that facilitates movements, such as walking, jumping and running. Athletes engage the Achilles tendon constantly, which makes them more prone to injuring it through overuse. A common Achilles tendon injury among athletes is Achilles tendonitis. Also known as Achilles tendinopathy, this icondition causes pain and swelling in the tendon above the heel bone and, sometimes, ankle stiffness. Podiatrists are experts at diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis and other sports injuries that affect the Achilles tendon. Make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly. Left untreated, Achilles tendonitis may lead to degeneration and tearing of the tendon.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Hammertoe is a specific kind of foot affliction that primarily impacts the joint of the second, third, or fourth toe. When an imbalance in one of these joints occurs, the toe has a tendency to essentially bend upwards at the joint. As a result, the toe resembles a hammer. Age and gender havs a particularly interesting relationship with this foot condition. Specifically, the incidence of hammertoe is increased in older individuals and women. One possible explanation for this correlation is that women tend to wear shoes that force the toes into awkward contortions, such as high heels. When a toe is forced into tight positions in the toe box against the other toes, hammertoe can develop. Individuals who suffer from hammertoe will tend to experience pain where the hammertoe is located. Additionally, it may become difficult for the individual to walk normally. Swelling is also common for patients living with a hammertoe. If you are a woman or are an older individual that is concerned about developing hammertoe, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. Your podiatrist can help you try to prevent and treat your hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

People who are serious about protecting their foot health ought to be familiar with stress fractures. A stress fracture can affect the bones of the feet and lower legs. It occurs typically when a bone develops a crack or break due to repeated pressure, trauma, or impact. One stress fracture to be aware of is the calcaneal stress fracture. This condition affects the heel bone. There is a wide variety of different symptoms that an individual might experience if they develop a calcaneal stress fracture. Notably, one can experience pain underneath the heel. This pain can worsen when the individual is engaged in weight-bearing activities, such as running, walking, or jumping. Individuals who are particularly at risk for this type of stress fracture include runners and ballet dancers. Stress fractures in the heel can be a serious threat to the health of your feet. Do not take chances, contact a podiatrist if you think you have a calcaneal stress fracture.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.