Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often developing between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or public locker rooms. Causes include prolonged dampness, poor foot hygiene, and walking barefoot in public places. Symptoms include itching and burning between the toes, redness, foul odor, a scaly rash, and sometimes painful blisters. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend anti-fungal treatments, and provide guidance on preventing recurrence. For professional care and lasting relief from athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Suncoast Podiatry Associates. 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 office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, often causing heel pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce discomfort and promote healing. A calf stretch is done by standing facing a wall, placing one foot behind the other, and leaning forward to stretch the back calf. A calf stretch on a step involves lowering your heels off the edge of a step to lengthen the calf muscles. Additionally, the towel scrunch strengthens the arch by pulling a towel toward you with your toes, and marble pick-ups train foot control by lifting marbles with your toes. Plantar fasciitis can be painful, and may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. If you have heel pain,, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer you relief and treatment solutions, which may include targeted exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Employees who spend long hours standing at work are at risk of developing chronic fatigue, foot pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. Taking regular rest periods, using anti-fatigue mats, and incorporating sit stand stools can help reduce strain on the feet and legs. Frequent position changes throughout the day also promote better circulation and decrease discomfort. Without proper support, prolonged standing can lead to plantar fasciitis, varicose veins, and joint pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and provide guidance on preventing workplace injuries. If you have foot pain from standing during your work day, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot protection techniques.  

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. This limited circulation can cause pain when walking, cramping in the calves, or wounds that are slow to heal. In some cases, the skin may appear pale, cool, or discolored. Early diagnosis is essential, as untreated disease increases the risk of serious complications. Evaluation may include a physical exam, checking pulses in the feet, and noninvasive tests such as the ankle brachial index or ultrasound. Treatment focuses on improving circulation and preventing progression. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular walking programs, and healthy eating can make a significant difference. Medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow or manage risk factors, and surgery may be considered for severe cases. If you are concerned about circulation in your lower legs or feet, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist for proper testing and management.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.