The condition of the feet can provide important clues about overall health. Poor circulation, often linked to diabetes or vascular disease, may cause cold feet, numbness, or slow-healing wounds. Changes in toenails, such as discoloration or thickening, can indicate fungal infections or underlying medical conditions. The arches of the feet play a role in posture and alignment, and issues such as flat feet or high arches may contribute to joint pain and imbalance. Skin conditions, including dryness, cracks, or unusual rashes, may signal nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune disorders. Persistent foot odor, beyond normal sweating, can suggest bacterial or fungal infections. If you notice any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can link any of these changes to possible health issues and provide treatment.

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

Wearing high-heeled shoes can be especially challenging for people with flat feet, as the lack of arch support causes increased strain on the toes, arches, and ankles. High heels shift body weight forward, placing excessive pressure on the forefoot and forcing the ankle into an unnatural position. This can contribute to foot fatigue, pain, and an increased risk of bunions, hammertoes, and ankle instability. Without proper arch support, the foot may overpronate, leading to misalignment and additional stress on the lower leg. People with flat feet may also find it more difficult to maintain their balance in high heels, which can increase the likelihood of ankle sprains. A podiatrist can assess your foot mechanics and recommend custom orthotics or shoe modifications to improve comfort and stability. In cases where conservative approaches do not relieve pain, surgery may be considered to address structural concerns. If you have flat feet and experience pain wearing high heeled shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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 toe infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, and discharge, making daily activities difficult to complete. Common causes of toe infections include fungal infections like athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, bacterial infections from cuts or injuries, and ingrown toenails. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread through shared surfaces or personal items. Bacterial infections often develop when bacteria enter the skin through small breaks, such as improperly trimmed nails or blisters. People with diabetes or circulation problems are at a higher risk, as they may not feel early symptoms, which allows infections to get worse. Signs of a more serious infection include fever, warmth surrounding the toe, or red streaks moving up the foot. Without treatment, an infection can spread to deeper tissues, increasing the risk of serious complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your infected toe, clean the affected area, and recommend the appropriate treatment. Antifungal medication, antibiotics, or minor procedures to remove infected tissue are among the options. If you believe your toe has become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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

Ankle pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from everyday injuries to underlying medical issues. Common causes include sprains, strains, fractures, and arthritis, which can lead to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, are also frequent, especially in athletes and active individuals. Less common causes of ankle pain include nerve compression, gout, infections, or vascular issues, which may result in persistent or worsening symptoms. Structural problems, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute to chronic discomfort. Ignoring ankle pain may lead to long-term mobility issues. If you are experiencing ongoing pain, swelling, or instability of your ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.