April 2023

Stress fractures can occur in the bones of the feet when tiny cracks develop over an extended period due to repetitive force. When determining if a person is able to engage in exercise when recovering from a stress fracture, a medical professional will have to assess the particular circumstances of the individual’s unique case. If the stress fracture is not too severe, your medical professional might suggest engaging in a range of motion exercise. These specific exercises can improve mobility in the foot and ankle region. They should also not cause the patient any pain. Alternatively, someone recovering from a stress fracture might be able to engage in strengthening exercises to rebuild strength in the muscles of the feet. If you are suffering from a stress fracture in the feet, it is recommended that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment and advice. 

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. 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 Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip flops are popular shoes to wear in the spring and summer months. They are easy to slip on and off and are available in various colors. Despite the simplicity of wearing these types of shoes, research has shown they may not be ideal for overall foot health. The feet work differently in shoes that do not have a back, forcing the toes to grip the front of the shoe. They can have a negative impact on the arch, and heel pain may develop. There may be tension in the front of the ankle and the toes, and performing specific stretches may help to reduce it. A calf stretch is effective in properly stretching the heel and Achilles tendon. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. There are other alternatives to wearing flip flops, and if you are interested in learning about what type of shoes these are, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct information.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dean Kim, DPM from Greater Texas Foot & Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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.

When arthritis develops in the foot, the toes are the most often affected. Arthritis is defined as chronic inflammation that is often accompanied by tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Toe arthritis is caused by gradual wear and tear of the cartilage. This is what cushions the bones that surround the joints, and is found in two forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of this condition, in addition to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an autoimmune disease. The bottom of the big toe can become sore with arthritis, and may become worse while walking and standing. The range of motion may be limited, and this may be a result of the loss of cartilage between the bones. Treatment for arthritis can begin after a diagnosis has confirmed it. There are various types of relief that can be found, and it may start by wearing high-quality shoes. If you are afflicted with arthritis in the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions that are best for you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

A bunion can be caused for various reasons, including genetic factors, aging, and choosing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Wearing tight shoes may cause a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, which may push the other toes toward each other. The medical term for a bunion is referred to as hallux valgus, which is considered a deformity. Protruding bunions may cause pain and pressure, and medical attention is often sought for relief. Calluses and corns may form on top of the toes due to the foot touching the top or side of the shoe. Prevention methods for bunions can be implemented by wearing shoes with adequate room in the toe area, and walking barefoot can help to strengthen the overall foot. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief options. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dean Kim, DPM of 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 Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.