Items filtered by date: June 2025

Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, often affects the small blood vessels, skin, and connective tissues, making the feet particularly vulnerable. Tightening of the skin, joint stiffness, and reduced circulation can all interfere with how the foot moves and bears weight. Walking may become difficult, and standing for long periods of time can lead to discomfort or fatigue. In some cases, ulcers, changes in foot shape, or nerve symptoms may develop, further limiting mobility. Foot pain or reduced function can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Supportive footwear, targeted exercises, and proper foot care can help maintain comfort and reduce complications. If you are living with systemic sclerosis and noticing changes in how your feet feel or function, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly occur on the bottom of the foot in people with diabetes. They are caused by poor circulation, nerve damage or neuropathy, high blood sugar levels, and repetitive pressure or trauma to the feet. Because nerve damage can dull pain sensations, many patients may not feel the ulcer forming until it becomes severe. Symptoms include redness, swelling, drainage, or a foul odor. The area may feel warm, and in some cases, there can be pain, although many feel little to none due to neuropathy. Untreated ulcers can lead to serious infections or even loss of limb. A podiatrist plays a key role in managing diabetic foot ulcers by offering treatments like offloading that reduce the pressure on the wound, wound debridement to remove dead tissue, specialized dressings, and infection control. Custom orthotics or diabetic shoes may also be recommended. If you have diabetes and have a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of  a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Foot and ankle fractures are fairly common in children, especially those who are active in sports or play. These injuries happen when one or more bones break due to a fall, twist, or direct hit. Signs may include swelling, bruising, trouble walking, or the child refusing to put weight on the foot. Because children’s bones are still growing, some fractures affect growth plates, which are areas near the ends of bones that help shape future bone development. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the break. Some injuries may heal with rest, a cast, or a boot, while others may need more involved care to make sure the bones heal in the correct position. If your child has foot or ankle pain after an injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to make sure proper healing can begin.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Plantar fibromas are non-cancerous, fibrous tissue growths that develop in the arch of the foot within the plantar fascia. The exact cause is unknown, but they may be linked to genetics, trauma, or repetitive stress on the foot. Unlike warts or calluses, plantar fibromas are firm, deep, and often slowly increase in size. Symptoms include a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may feel firm to the touch. While some people experience no pain, others feel discomfort or achiness, especially when walking, standing, or wearing shoes that press against the growth. A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma through physical examination and imaging like ultrasound or MRI scans. Treatment options include custom orthotics to offload pressure, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections to reduce size and discomfort, or targeted exercises. In persistent or painful cases, surgical removal may be necessary. If you have a bothersome plantar fibromas, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and treatment tips.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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