December 2022

Every time you press your foot down on the accelerator of the car, nine muscles in your ankle, foot, and leg are used to accomplish this task. Additionally, very time you stand on tiptoe to reach something on a high shelf, you need these same muscles to help you to accomplish that. Dancers and many athletes, such as basketball and soccer players, depend on plantar flexion to extend their feet. This action is called flexing the muscles, and an injury to any of the muscles involved can make it painful and difficult to extend the foot. Ankle sprains and fractures are the main conditions that inhibit plantar flexion. When the ankle bones and muscles are injured, the result is swelling that reduces the range of motion. Three actions can help to prevent these types of injuries. First, it is beneficial to wear shoes that fit properly, and avoiding high heels which do not support the ankle. Secondly, perform exercises that strengthen those muscles in the legs, ankles, and feet which support plantar flexion. And lastly, consult a podiatrist who can provide you with tips on how to preserve ankle strength and support. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many elderly people know the importance of maintaining physical mobility, knowing it can affect their ability to walk and complete daily activities. Falling can be common among seniors, possibly resulting in a broken toe or foot, which may happen from a loss of balance and strength. It can also invoke fear of falling, and moving around may be put on the back burner. This can negatively affect social life, in addition to losing the satisfaction of accomplishing a physical task. There are fall prevention methods that can be implemented which can raise confidence levels, and reduce the fear of falling. These can include frequently engaging in a gentle exercise routine that can increase balance and strengthen the body. Many patients find it helps to improve lighting in the household, and installing grab bars can help to find stability that is needed in the shower and toilet areas. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations, which can help to monitor existing medication and eyeglasses. Falling can affect the feet, and it is advised that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward fall prevention techniques.

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 Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The ankle is a complex structure of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues that connect the bones of the feet and the legs. The ankle supports your weight whenever you stand, balance, or move. It helps you flex, extend, and rotate your feet. Pain in the ankles can be caused by many conditions. The most common among them are sprains, fractures, and tendonitis. In addition, ankle pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, and flat feet. Among the ways to avoid ankle pain are maintaining a healthy body weight, strengthening the leg and foot muscles, and warming up properly before engaging in strenuous exercise or sports. Further, it is a good idea to wear shoes that support the feet and ankles and that are designed for the sport of activity you are doing. At the first sign of ankle pain, it is recommended that you stop the activity immediately and rest the ankle. If pain persists, if the ankle begins to swell, or if bearing weight becomes a problem, it is wise to consult a podiatrist who can determine the severity of your injury and provide appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. 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
• Bursitis
• 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists are medical specialists that treats any type of foot and ankle disorders. People who are interested in practicing this branch of medicine will have to go through an extensive schooling and training program. After a bachelor's degree is obtained, the residency program can begin. This will take approximately three years, and is followed by passing the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination. Many states require podiatrists to enroll in a continuing education program sporadically throughout their careers.  This is beneficial in keeping up with current knowledge and improved podiatry techniques. Research has shown the best candidates to enter a podiatry residency program will have additional skills in addition to their academic achievements. These can include problem-solving and time management skills, in addition to superb communication skills. This branch of medicine can be lucrative, and provide a sense of accomplishment. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career choice, please seek advice from this type of doctor who can help you to determine if this is a right decision for you.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.