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September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

Contagious Athlete’s Foot

The foot condition known as athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and many people are embarrassed at how their feet look when they are afflicted with this ailment. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist environments including shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. The fungus can invade the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet and initial symptoms of athlete’s foot can consist of itchiness and redness. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas as this may help to control the spread of athlete's foot. It is a contagious foot condition, and it is suggested that towels, shoes, and socks should not be shared. The symptoms of untreated athlete’s foot may gradually worsen and if you suffer from this ailment, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

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 Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

How Pronation Can Affect Runners

Many runners hear a lot about overpronation and its effects. Some pronation is relatively normal when your foot bears weight as you walk or run. The arch flattens out and the foot rotates inward. The degree to which the foot pronates is different for each runner. Overpronation can affect other body parts, such as the knee and calf, and the sole. How can you tell if you overpronate? Stand on one foot in front of a mirror. Notice whether your ankle wobbles and if your foot rolls in or out. The more it rolls in the more your inner arch touches the floor, and the more your foot pronates. To help remedy overpronation, look for running shoes that offer medial arch support and a wider heel. Additionally, several exercises can help to strengthen ankle and foot muscles, providing more stability. For more information on overpronation, please consult a podiatrist who can assess your gait and provide treatment options that may include custom orthotics.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about The Importance of Biomechanics in Podiatry
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Uncomfortable Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are found on the bottom of the feet, and can be very painful. The majority of warts grow outward, but plantar warts grow inward as a result of standing and walking for most of the day. The medical name for this type of wart is a verruca, and is connected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The wart appears as a small, thickened area of skin on the bottom of the foot, and many times will have tiny black dots in the center. The virus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet, and generally lives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is advised that appropriate shoes, like flip flops or water shoes, are worn while in these areas. Plantar warts can be extremely uncomfortable, and many patients seek immediate relief. If you are afflicted with a plantar wart, please consult with a podiatrist who can discuss several effective treatment options with you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Warts
Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Preventing Heel Fissures

Cracked heels, or heel fissures, can look quite unattractive and can feel uncomfortable. This condition can affect a wide variety of individuals and it occurs when the skin on the back of the heels becomes so incredibly dry that the skin breaks or cracks. There are several steps that you might consider taking to prevent the onset of cracked heels. For example, you may try to keep your bare feet from being exposed to extreme hot or cold weather by covering your feet with appropriate dry socks and footwear. Additionally, to try to prevent cracked heels, one could be diligent about checking the ingredients in the soap used to clean one’s body, as soap can often dry out the skin. For instance, sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial fragrances are two main ingredients often used in soap products that can sometimes dry the skin out. Lastly, one could consider not using extremely hot water when taking a bath or shower. If you have heel fissures or are concerned about developing this condition, contact a podiatrist who can help you with this affliction. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels
Monday, 05 September 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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