Gout, a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, is often noticed in the big toe. The pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to complete daily activities. This painful foot condition can happen for a variety of reasons, including certain dietary choices. High-purine foods are notorious triggers for gout attacks, as purines break down into uric acid in the body. Foods rich in purines include red meat, organ meats like liver and kidney, shellfish, and certain types of fish such as anchovies and sardines. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol, especially beer and spirits, can raise uric acid levels and increase the risk of gout flare-ups. Sugary beverages and foods high in fructose can also contribute to gout by promoting uric acid production. Furthermore, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats may increase inflammation and worsen gout symptoms. It is beneficial for individuals prone to gout to limit their intake of these triggering foods and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to help manage their condition effectively. If you have had one or several gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Falls among adults can result from various factors, including vitamin deficiencies, balance issues, and vision problems. Deficiencies in vitamins such as D and B12 can weaken bones and impair nerve function, increasing the risk of falls. Similarly, balance disorders, often linked to aging or certain medical conditions, can disrupt equilibrium and stability while walking or standing. Vision impairment, whether due to age-related changes or untreated eye conditions, can also hinder depth perception and spatial awareness, heightening the likelihood of tripping or stumbling. To mitigate these risks, individuals can adopt fall prevention measures such as regular exercise to improve strength and balance, ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins through a balanced diet and supplements, and scheduling routine eye exams to address vision issues promptly. Additionally, removing tripping hazards at home, installing handrails and grab bars, and using proper footwear with good traction can further reduce the likelihood of falls and promote safety and independence. Falling can seriously impact the feet, and cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have endured a foot injury from falling, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can treat foot pain, and educate you about effective fall prevention methods.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Heel pain can stem from various factors, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis, Haglund’s deformity, heel spurs, or even stress fractures. Symptoms often manifest as sharp or dull pain, particularly when walking or standing, localized around the heel or bottom of the foot. Risk factors include obesity, wearing improper footwear, and overuse during activities like running, and age. Prevention strategies involve wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, stretching the calf and foot muscles regularly, and avoiding sudden increases in physical activity. Treatment may include rest, stretching exercises, custom orthotic inserts, or in severe cases, surgery. A podiatrist can offer a tailored treatment plan by diagnosing the underlying cause of heel pain and providing targeted interventions. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Stress fractures typically occur when there is a rapid increase in activity level or time spent on your feet. Your bones are resilient, constantly adapting to changes through a process called remodeling. However, when this adaptation is rushed, such as with sudden increases in activity, the balance between bone destruction and rebuilding is disturbed. This leaves your bones fragile and susceptible to stress fractures. Conditions like osteoporosis as well as high-impact sports may increase the risk of stress fractures. Foot structure variations like high or flat arches and wearing inadequate footwear can also contribute to heightened stress fracture risk. Symptoms of foot stress fractures include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and activity-related pain that diminishes with rest. Ignoring a foot stress fracture can make the injury worse and potentially lead to more severe consequences. If you believe you may have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.

Overlapping toes, a condition where one toe rests on top of another, affects people of all ages, from newborns to adults. Causes include heredity, tight-fitting shoes, arthritis, and biomechanical issues. Underlying foot conditions, like bunions, flat feet, hammer toes, or high arches, can also contribute to developing overlapping toes. In newborns, this condition may result from heredity or the positioning of the baby in the womb. Gentle measures such as taping the toes or using toe spacers are effective for newborns, while adults can benefit from conservative methods like wearing properly fitting shoes and maintaining a healthy weight. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary, especially for severe cases or when a bunion is involved. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications. For help in managing problems related to overlapping toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. 

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 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.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of the sesamoid bones, two tiny bones beneath the big toe joint. These bones are embedded within the tendons that allow the big toe to move. Sesamoiditis typically occurs from overuse or repetitive stress, making it common among athletes and dancers. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain in the ball of the foot, especially when walking or running, and swelling or bruising in the area around the big toe. The pain might worsen when the big toe is used, such as when pushing off to jump or take a step. Bending and straightening the big toe may also become difficult. If you have a painful big toe or ball of the foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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.

Foot tendon pain, often termed tendonitis, can arise from various causes. Tendons are essential for foot function because they connect muscles to the foot's many bones and support daily activities like walking and running. Common causes of foot tendon injury include wearing ill-fitting footwear, sudden foot movements, repetitive stress from activities like sports, and trauma. Structural issues, such as flat feet or high arches, can predispose individuals to tendon problems. Age-related degeneration and medical conditions, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, are other contributing factors to foot tendon pain. Obesity increases the risk of tendonitis due to increased pressure on the feet. Also, overuse, weak muscles, and loose ligaments can contribute. Understanding these factors helps individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their foot health. If you are experiencing persistent foot tendon pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, followed by a personalized treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

As women age, their feet undergo various changes that can affect their comfort and mobility. Menopause-induced hormonal shifts often lead to dry, calloused skin, making the feet susceptible to painful fissures and infections. Weight gain in middle age can weaken the arches, causing conditions like plantar fasciitis. The loss of fat padding on the balls of the feet and heels can result in metatarsalgia and heel pain, especially for those who spent years wearing high heels. Additionally, arthritis of the big toe joint, known as hallux rigidus, can cause pain and stiffness with each step. Bunions, caused by genetic factors and years of wearing narrow-toed shoes, are also common causes of foot pain in older women. To address these issues and maintain foot health, women over 50 need to prioritize regular foot care and wear supportive footwear. However, if foot pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized treatment and care.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.