What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?

Athlete’s foot is a fairly well-known foot condition that occurs when a fungal infection is spread, often in warm and moist environments. As a result, the athlete’s foot rash can develop on the feet, especially in between the toes. The athlete’s foot rash is distinctive for many different reasons. First, the rash will usually be discolored with a red color. Additionally, the rash will also appear to be somewhat moist in texture. The rash may also be accompanied by a series of small blisters that can spread across the feet. The infection from athlete’s feet may also even extend beyond the toes on the feet, reaching the soles of the feet and the toenails. If you are someone that is interested in learning more about athlete’s foot or believe that you may have the condition yourself, contact a podiatrist today for more information. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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 and ankle needs.

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Preventing Toe Jam

Many individuals often wonder what exactly toe jam is and how it is formed. Toe jam is a word given to describe the debris that can sometimes develop and accumulate over time in between the toes. Often, toe jam is composed of dead skin cells as well as lint from socks that are worn. Toe jam typically is not a serious or dangerous foot condition for many individuals. However, since it can cause an odor and might be potentially irritating, there are steps that you might consider taking to prevent toe jam from developing between the toes. One of the most important ways that one can prevent toe jam from developing is by regularly cleaning or washing the spaces in between the toes. This is particularly important if you are someone who is especially prone to sweating in the feet area. If you have any other concerns about toe jam, contact a podiatrist today.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

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Safety Tips for Seniors Who Walk for Exercise

It is thought that as one ages, exercise becomes more beneficial to maintain a healthy body. One of the simplest ways to add exercise to your activity list is walking. It requires little in the way of equipment or special clothing, although proper footwear is important before starting. Walking paths and trails are prevalent in most areas. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before undertaking any new exercise regimes. Walking may help build joint mobility and strength in the feet and ankles. It also helps with weight control, depression, and high blood pressure, experts say. Medical professionals suggest walking at a brisk pace for at least 15 minutes from three to five times a week for the best results. Safety tips include carrying a cell phone, going with a partner, and taking personal and medical identification with you. It also may be wise to use walking sticks to ensure that balance is maintained. It is a good idea to stop immediately if you feel breathless, have chest pain, or dizziness. For more information on the benefits and safety measures for walking, please consult a podiatrist.  

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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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Pain Can Occur In Different Areas of the Foot

The foot is a complex structure, and many people experience pain in different areas. The bottom of the feet is a common place for the pain to occur, and this can happen for various reasons. One of these areas is the heel, and heel pain can happen from engaging in strenuous exercise, or from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day. Additionally, the foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma may result in pain in the ball of the foot, and this can happen from wearing shoes that are too small in the toe area, such as high heels. Having flat feet may lead to pain in the arch area, and performing certain stretches may help to diminish existing pain. Toe pain may be a result of gout, which affects the joints in the big toe. Ankle pain can be caused by an ankle sprain or fracture, and the affected foot is generally wrapped with a compression bandage, or a boot or cast is prescribed. If you have foot pain for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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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