Items filtered by date: September 2024

Severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet having intense symptoms and various risk factors. Defined by its persistent and extensive nature, it often causes severe itching, burning, redness, and cracking of the skin. In advanced cases, symptoms may include blisters that can ooze or bleed. Risk factors include frequent exposure to damp environments like swimming pools or locker rooms, wearing tight or non-breathable footwear, and having compromised immune systems. Additionally, sharing contaminated surfaces or personal items can facilitate the spread of the infection. Proper foot hygiene, including keeping feet dry is important. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer a comprehensive treatment plan. 

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 Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A neuroma in the foot known as Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens. This happens between the third and fourth toes and can feel like you are standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Neuromas are often caused by repetitive stress or irritation, typically due to wearing tight shoes or high heels, which compress the nerve. Relief options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include changing footwear or using orthotics to relieve pressure. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove the affected nerve may be necessary. If you have foot pain that seems like a neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to prevent the condition from worsening.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM of Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Foot pain during running can arise from various causes, often linked to improper footwear or faulty running techniques. One common issue is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain. Another frequent cause is metatarsalgia, which involves pain in the ball of the foot due to excessive pressure or improper shoe support. Running with worn-out or ill-fitting shoes can worsen these conditions by failing to provide adequate cushioning and support. Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, may also contribute to foot pain, particularly if the runner increases intensity too quickly. Ensuring proper footwear, incorporating appropriate warm-up exercises, and gradually increasing mileage can help prevent and alleviate these common foot pain issues while running. If you have persistent foot pain or have injured your foot while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail problems are common among seniors, as a result of changes in nail thickness, color, and texture as they age. Conditions like thick, brittle, or discolored nails can be more frequent, especially in individuals with underlying health issues such as diabetes, neuropathy, or osteoporosis. Fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are particularly prevalent in this age group, leading to yellowed, thickened nails that are difficult to manage. Ingrown toenails are another common issue, causing pain and sometimes infection. Some seniors develop what is called ram’s horn nails, where the nails grow thick and curved, resembling claws. Any of these changes can make toenail care challenging, particularly for those with limited mobility or dexterity. A podiatrist can provide professional care, including treating infections and managing conditions like toenail fungus and ingrown toenails. Regular visits can prevent complications and ensure that toenail problems are effectively treated. If you are a senior with toenail problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.