Hyperuricemia, or gout, is a condition caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to crystal deposits in joints. Although rare in children and adolescents, it can occur due to genetic factors, kidney issues, obesity, or certain medications. Risk factors include a family history of gout, poor diet, and metabolic disorders. Symptoms include sudden joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, often affecting the big toe. These painful flare ups can limit mobility and daily activities. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, pain management, lifestyle recommendations, and supportive footwear to prevent recurring attacks. If your child or teenager has symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief tips for this painful condition. 

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 care needs.

There are noticeable symptoms that occur when toenail fungus develops. These can include yellowing of the toenails, and in advanced stages, they can thicken and can possibly detach from the nail bed. Many patients find their nails have become unsightly, and the texture may have changed if afflicted with fungus. A toenail fungal infection is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including public shower room floors, pools, and surrounding areas. Proper prevention techniques can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, socks, and shoes. There are various treatment methods available, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the most effective treatment is for you.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Runners are prone to foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive impact, improper footwear, or overtraining. Common issues include sprains, tendonitis, and stress fractures that can disrupt training and daily activities. Preventing running injuries begins with wearing supportive shoes, gradually increasing mileage, and incorporating strengthening and stretching exercises. The calf stretch improves flexibility in the Achilles tendon, while the figure four stretch helps release tension in the feet and ankles. These exercises promote stability and reduce the risk of injury. If you have endured a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can assess your gait, recommend custom orthotics, and design a personalized recovery plan. 

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 care needs.

Color changes in the feet, such as redness, blue tones, or pale patches, can be an early indicator of autonomic involvement in systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disorder. Systemic sclerosis affects blood flow by tightening blood vessels and altering circulation, which can cause noticeable color shifts in response to temperature or stress. Feet may appear blue due to reduced oxygen, red with increased blood flow, or pale when circulation is restricted. These color changes may also come with symptoms like numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to cold, signaling an underlying problem with the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, including blood vessel dilation. If you have this condition and it affects your feet, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These foot specialists can assess circulation, suggest protective strategies for temperature changes, and work with other specialists to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function, ultimately helping to maintain foot health.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.