Swollen feet and ankles are a common concern and can result from a variety of underlying causes. Trauma such as sprains or fractures may lead to inflammation and fluid buildup. Arthritis can cause joint swelling, stiffness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Pregnancy often leads to swelling due to increased fluid retention and pressure on the veins of the lower legs. Additionally, blood vessel blockage or poor circulation may also cause persistent swelling and may signal a more serious condition. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of swelling, assess circulation and joint health, and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications. If you have painful swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert care and personalized treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Plantar fibromatosis is a condition characterized by the development of benign fibrous nodules within the plantar fascia, the thick connective tissue along the bottom of the foot. These firm lumps are typically located in the arch, and may gradually increase in size. Symptoms can include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort while walking or standing, especially when pressure is applied over the nodule. The exact cause is not always clear, but risk factors may include genetic predisposition, congenital influences, repetitive trauma, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can evaluate the growth, provide imaging if needed, and recommend custom orthotics or advanced treatment options. If you have symptoms of a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when a major nerve on the inside of the ankle becomes compressed as it travels into the foot. This pressure can create tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp discomfort that may radiate into the arch, heel, or toes. Symptoms often feel worse after long periods of standing or walking, and some people notice relief only when they rest. Because the nerve sits in a tight space surrounded by ligaments and bone, anything that increases swelling or strain in the area can trigger irritation, including flat feet, prior injury, or certain medical conditions. Ignoring these sensations can lead to ongoing instability or increasing sensitivity in the foot. Early care focuses on reducing pressure, improving support, and calming inflammation to protect the nerve. If the tingling or burning continues or begins to affect your daily routine, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Flat feet are a foot condition in which the arches collapse or fail to develop fully, causing the feet to roll inward during standing and walking. When the feet roll in, the ankles often tilt down toward the ground on one side, creating instability and uneven weight distribution. This altered alignment can have a domino effect on the knees and hip joints, leading to discomfort and joint strain over time. Flat feet are also linked to plantar fasciitis, foot fatigue, in addition to foot and ankle arthritis. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, gait, and alignment to determine the severity of flat feet. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted therapies. If you have flat feet and foot pain or joint discomfort is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.