July 2018

If the feet suffer from certain conditions, it may be a tell tale sign that the body may be enduring additional health issues. If we can be aware of this fact, there may be certain areas of the feet that may indicate specific bodily ailments. Recent research has shown that uncomfortable charley horses may suggest potential vitamin deficiencies that may be present in the body. Additionally, the painful condition referred to as gout may be a result of a diet that is rich in excess red meat and alcohol. If patients experience swollen or cold feet, it may be advised to consider poor circulation as a threat to good health. If you are afflicted with diabetes, you may experience numbness or tingling in your feet which may lead to persistent sores. It is suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you are concerned about stubborn foot issues and would like to obtain additional information about how the feet can indicate possible serious health issues.

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 Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of runners are fearful of incurring any type of running injury. This would generally conjure up thoughts of gaining unwanted weight and not receiving the endorphins that many runners typically enjoy. There are different types of injuries that may be common among runners, including Achilles tendinitis, which consists of pain and discomfort in the back of the heel and lower calf and shin splints where the pain commonly strikes the front of the lower leg. Additionally, patellar tendinitis may develop, which is an injury that affects the knee. Many painful injuries may be avoided by properly stretching the legs before and after running. Research has shown the importance wearing the correct shoes for the specific type of running that is pursued. If you experience an injury to your foot after running, it’s advised to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

There are a few symptoms that patients may experience that are indicative of a condition referred to as gout. These may include redness and tenderness in addition to swollen joints under the big toe which is often accompanied by severe pain. This occurs as a result of the build up of crystals in the blood, which may form in and around the joints of the foot. This form of arthritis may often make people feel disabled, and simple tasks such as walking up the stairs may prove to be impossible. The causes of gout may include ingesting red meats and shellfish, overindulgence in alcohol, and taking certain medications that may be responsible for the onset of this condition. Research has shown there may be a strong connection between obesity, high blood pressure, diabetics and gout attacks. If you are afflicted with this ailment, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to determine what the best treatment options are.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. 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 Carrollton, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If the Achilles tendon is injured, it is typically accompanied by severe and intense pain. This particular tendon is located in the back of the heel and runs along the back of the calf. An Achilles rupture may occur in athletes who experience a forceful and sudden movement against resistance, such as jumping while engaged in football, basketball or similar sports. Typical symptoms may include difficulty or the inability to flex the foot in addition to extreme pain and discomfort. Bursitis may be another cause for the Achilles tendon to rupture. This may be due to the fact that inflammation may develop in the portion of the foot that protects the tendon. Age may be a factor with incurring this type of injury in addition to not training properly while exercising. If you tear your Achilles tendon, it’s strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist for additional information and suggestions about correct treatments.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM of Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Broken toes are typically the result of a heavy object falling on your foot or from severely stubbing your toe. Common symptoms may include intense pain, swelling and bruising. In harsher fractures, the bones in the toe may become displaced, and this may cause the toe to appear deformed. To determine if a fracture has occurred, an X-ray is generally performed, and this will show the severity of the break. It’s important to rest the foot, and elevating it above heart level will slow blood flow to the affected area, which may aid in diminishing any swelling. Keeping any weight off the foot by using crutches may be beneficial in healing the toe, in addition to putting the toe in a splint for stability. If you feel you have broken your toe, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can perform the correct treatment for this condition.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kellvan Cheng, DPM from Elite Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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