The top layer of the skin is affected when athlete’s foot develops. It can cause severe itching and redness, and the area may become dry and begin to flake. It is considered to be contagious, and the fungus that causes this ailment lives in warm and moist environments. These can include shower room floors, public swimming pools, and surrounding areas. An effective preventive method can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of places, such as flip-flops or water shoes. Patients who have athlete’s foot may also find they have cracked heels, and applying a good moisturizer may help them to find mild relief. In severe cases of athletes’ foot, small blisters may begin to form and ooze. This may also be managed by using moisturizer. Many patients who have developed athlete’s foot often seek the advice of a podiatrist, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can prescribe medication as an effective treatment method.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Having swollen feet is uncomfortable. There are various reasons why this condition can happen, ranging from pregnancy to eating foods that are laden with sodium. Swollen feet can also be accompanied by skin that is tight, puffy, and shiny, and depending on its severity, may cause difficulty in walking. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to having swollen feet. These can include heart failure, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency. Swollen feet may happen from having a sedentary lifestyle, and it can be helpful to include gentle exercise into the daily routine. Pregnant women may wish to reduce sodium intake and drink plenty of water daily may help to combat swollen feet and ankles. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer additional methods.
Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:
Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.
Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet.
Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Finding running shoes for people who have flat feet may be challenging. There can be differences of opinion as to what type of running shoe to purchase. Many stores that sell these types of shoes may suggest a shoe that has extra arch support. Conversely, sports injury experts may advise a different type of shoe. The majority of people will come to the conclusion that the choice depends on their range of motion and what type of foot they have. People who are born with flat feet may opt to choose a shoe that has minimal arch support, and this may benefit the entire leg. A collapsed arch is defined as a muscle weakness, and additional arch support may be a good choice. If you are a runner with flat feet and are seeking knowledge about what type of shoes to buy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can give you the advice you are seeking.
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
