August 2019

A common fungal infection of the skin on the feet is known as athlete’s foot. It typically affects the skin between the toes and the bottom of the feet, and it is considered to be contagious. The fungus that causes this condition often lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools and surrounding areas, and shower and locker room floors. There are measures that can be taken which may help to prevent this ailment from developing. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in public areas, wearing dry socks and shoes, and sharing towels should be avoided. The noticeable symptoms that are associated with athlete’s foot are itchy and burning sensations that are felt on the bottom of the feet, and the skin between the toes may appear to be red and flaky. An effective treatment option can include using an antifungal powder or cream, in addition to taking prescribed medication for severe cases. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly 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 Care. 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The first symptom many people experience if they have broken their toe is severe pain and discomfort. Other noticeable signs can include swelling, bruising on or around the affected toe, and difficulty walking. In severe fractures, patients may hear a popping sound as the break occurs. Common reasons for this type of injury to happen can include stepping unexpectedly off of a curb, hitting it against a piece of furniture, or it may gradually develop as a result of a stress fracture. Effective treatment options can include taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which is referred to as buddy taping. This can be helpful in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. Mild relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this can be beneficial in reducing existing swelling. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can suggest the proper treatment for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the foot. They are caused by human papilloma virus, better known as HPV. If you believe you have developed a plantar wart, refrain from picking at it as the virus can be spread through touch and scratch. While anyone is prone to developing these types of warts, they most typically affect children, teens, and young adults. When in your body, HPV sets off the multiplication of epidermal cells that leads to the formation of warts on the feet. Plantar warts tend to develop on the heel or weight-bearing parts of soles. They will often grow inward, exposing sensitive tissue and triggering pain and bleeding. If the wart is small and non-intrusive, it can be treated through home remedies such as over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Most OTC treatments contain salicylic acid and are applied topically to the wart. If the wart is bigger in size, in-office procedures may deliver faster and safer results. The in-office treatments include cryotherapy, immunotherapy and regular surgery. Plantar warts can be prevented best by covering your feet in places where people walk barefoot and changing your shoes and socks regularly to avoid the spread of the virus. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly with the use of talcum powder to help absorb excess moisture and perspiration is also a prevention recommendation. If you are developing plantar warts, it is important to see a podiatrist for the best treatment option.
 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. 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 our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.