Ankle fracture surgery is sometimes needed when the bones are not in the right position to heal on their own. The goal is to realign the joint so it can regain strength, stability, and comfortable movement. After surgery, the ankle is usually protected in a cast or boot while the bone begins to mend. Swelling, bruising, and stiffness are common at first, but these improve with time, rest, and guided activity. As healing progresses, gentle targeted exercises help restore motion and confidence with walking. Wearing supportive footwear and careful weight-bearing also play important roles in the recovery process. Paying attention to discomfort, keeping follow up appointments, and following instructions closely all help ensure the best outcome. If you have concerns about a recent ankle surgery or your recovery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper guidance.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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 Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments and soft tissues that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to a sudden twist, fall, or awkward step. Athletes, active individuals, and those wearing unstable footwear are more likely to experience this common injury. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The ankle may appear swollen or discolored, and the area can feel tender, stiff, or unstable when walking. In some cases, a popping sound is heard at the moment of injury. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the sprain through physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to rule out fractures or deeper soft tissue damage. Treatment may include rest, supportive bracing, and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and flexibility. If you suspect an ankle sprain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure proper healing and prevent chronic instability.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Foot blisters are small fluid-filled bubbles that form on the skin due to irritation or injury. They often appear as clear, red, or filled with blood depending on the cause. Friction blisters occur from repetitive rubbing against shoes or socks, and burn blisters develop when the skin is damaged by heat. Additionally, blood blisters form from pinching or trauma that damages blood vessels under the skin, and fracture blisters appear near broken bones due to swelling and pressure. A podiatrist can identify the cause, treat the affected area, prevent infection, and recommend footwear or orthotics to reduce friction. If foot blisters frequently occur or become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and effective prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Webbed toes, medically known as syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are joined by skin, tissue, or bone. This condition develops during early fetal growth when the toes fail to fully separate before birth. Causes include genetic factors or certain developmental conditions. There are several types of webbing, including incomplete, where the toes are only partially joined, and complete, where they are connected to the tip. Webbing can also be simple, involving only skin, complex with bone fusion, or complicated with other deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend treatment, and coordinate corrective surgery, if needed. If your child has been born with webbed toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, monitor it, and offer expert guidance for healthy foot development.

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.