Athlete’s Foot and How to Find Relief

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms, showers, and tight shoes. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing damp socks, sharing footwear, or walking barefoot in public areas. While mild treatments can help, recurring or severe cases may need professional care. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, advanced antifungal treatments, and guidance on preventing reinfection. If you notice persistent symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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 Family Foot Health Center. 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 our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Why Feet Change During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes that affect the feet. Increased body mass places extra pressure on the arches, while hormonal shifts, particularly the influx of relaxin, loosen ligaments and joints. The center of gravity is displaced, altering posture and gait. These changes can cause feet to become longer, flatter, and broader, which may lead to discomfort, swelling, or difficulty finding proper footwear. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and providing guidance on exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. If pregnancy related foot changes are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for personalized care and support.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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Metatarsal Bone Fractures

Metatarsal bone fractures occur when one of the long bones in the middle of the foot breaks, often from trauma, overuse, or a sudden twist. These fractures can be open, where the bone pierces the skin, or closed, where the skin remains intact. They may also be displaced, meaning the bone pieces are out of alignment, or nondisplaced, where the bone remains properly aligned. A podiatrist can assess the injury through examination and imaging, provide proper immobilization, and recommend treatment to promote healing and prevent long-term complications. Early diagnosis is vital to restoring foot function and mobility. If you have foot pain or feel you may have broken a bone, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what is going on.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors 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 Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Choosing the Right Shoes for Children’s Healthy Feet

Children’s shoes play a vital role in supporting proper foot growth and development. The right footwear varies by age, with infants needing soft, flexible shoes for early walking and older children requiring supportive, well-fitted shoes for school and play. Types of shoes include sneakers for daily wear, sandals for warm weather, and sport-specific footwear for athletic activities. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, or long-term foot problems. A podiatrist can assess a child’s foot structure, recommend the best shoe type, and address any concerns about gait or development. For healthy, active feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have, and guide you toward the correct shoes to buy for your child.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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