Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It typically occurs due to repetitive strain or overuse, often seen in runners, individuals with high arches or flat feet, and those who stand for prolonged periods. The pain from plantar fasciitis is usually sharp and most intense with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. It may decrease with movement but can return after long periods of standing or walking. Relief can consist of rest, stretching exercises, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. Wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic inserts can also help. Preventative measures involve maintaining a healthy weight, performing regular foot stretches, and avoiding excessive strain on the feet. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain and other complications. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. They often develop in weight-bearing areas, such as the heels or balls of the feet, leading to discomfort or pain while walking. Plantar warts typically show up as rough, grainy bumps with black pinpoints, which are clotted blood vessels and may be surrounded by hardened skin. Treatment options include salicylic acid treatments, cryotherapy, or freezing, and prescription medications. In persistent cases, a podiatrist may perform minor surgical procedures to remove the wart. Diagnosis involves a visual examination and, occasionally, a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions. Recovery time varies depending on the treatment method, but keeping the area clean and avoiding pressure on the wart can aid healing. Do not attempt to cut or pick at the wart, as this can spread the virus or cause infection. If you believe you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, which causes pain and has a potential for infection. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can treat ingrown toenails through a variety of procedures depending on the severity. For less severe cases, a podiatrist may carefully trim the ingrown portion of the nail and instruct the patient on proper nail care techniques to prevent recurrence. If the ingrown toenail is more problematic or keeps coming back, a podiatrist might perform a partial nail avulsion. This involves numbing the toe and then removing the ingrown section of the nail. In some cases, a podiatrist may also apply a chemical called phenol to the affected nail root to prevent the problematic portion of the nail from growing back. These procedures are generally quick, done with minimal discomfort, and allow patients to return to daily activities fairly quickly. If you are suffering with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment and to prevent the ingrown toenail from returning. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Dancing, an expression of rhythm and grace, can exhilarate both body and soul. However, the physical demands of dancing can also lead to a range of foot and ankle injuries. From sprained ankles to stress fractures, dancers often face the risk of acute injuries due to sudden movements or improper technique. Landing incorrectly from jumps or executing complex footwork can strain ligaments and muscles, resulting in sprains or strains. Overuse injuries such as tendonitis or stress fractures may develop from repetitive movements, especially in styles that involve high-impact or intense training regimens. Additionally, wearing inadequate footwear or dancing on hard surfaces can exacerbate these risks. Despite these challenges, dancers can mitigate injury risks through proper warm-up routines, technique refinement, cross-training for strength and flexibility, and wearing supportive footwear. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury from dancing, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can safely treat these types of injuries, in addition to providing you with information on how to protect your feet while dancing.

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
• 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 contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.