Athlete’s foot is a skin infection that thrives in damp, enclosed spaces like sweaty socks and tight shoes. It often begins between the toes with itching, redness, or flaking and can spread if not treated promptly. The condition is caused by a fungus that loves warm, moist environments, which makes locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas common places for exposure. While it is uncomfortable, athlete’s foot is usually manageable with early attention. Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing breathable footwear can help prevent it. Avoiding barefoot contact in shared spaces also lowers the chance of catching it. When symptoms appear, antifungal creams or powders may be effective, but more stubborn cases might require prescription care. If your symptoms do not improve or continue to return, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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 Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop from repeated pressure or friction, often on the toes or soles. They are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal gait, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include a rough, raised bump surrounded by inflamed skin and tenderness when pressure is applied. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, having foot deformities like hammertoes or bunions, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can identify the root cause, safely remove the corn, and recommend footwear changes or custom orthotics to prevent recurrence. For relief from painful corns and long-term prevention, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist trained in treating common and complex foot conditions.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them? Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Spending long hours standing or walking can lead to foot pain, but regular foot stretches can help ease discomfort. Toe lifts strengthen foot muscles by raising the toes while keeping the heel on the ground. A sole stretch targets the arch by pulling the toes back gently. Toe scrunches build muscle by picking up small objects with your toes. The runner’s stretch loosens tight calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. Additionally, a fascia roll involves gently rolling the sole over a ball to massage the plantar fascia. These stretches improve flexibility, reduce tension, and support recovery. A podiatrist can treat various foot conditions, and recommend the best stretches for your condition, while addressing any underlying issues. If foot pain persists despite stretching, it is strongly suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for a personalized care plan.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.
Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.
It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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