Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, often causing itching, peeling, cracking, redness, or burning between the toes or along the soles. Because other skin conditions can look similar, proper evaluation is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist will examine the appearance, location, and severity of the skin changes while asking about symptoms, duration, footwear habits, moisture exposure, and previous episodes. In some cases, a small skin sample may be collected to help confirm whether fungus is present, and rule out other causes such as eczema or psoriasis. Evaluation also includes checking for skin breakdown, secondary infection, or nail involvement, which can complicate treatment. Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening discomfort and spread to other areas. If you have persistent foot itching, scaling, or painful skin changes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an assessment 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 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.

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop near joints or tendons in the foot. They often appear as soft or firm lumps beneath the skin and may change in size over time. These cysts can form due to irritation or injury in the area, although the exact cause is not always clear. Risk factors include female gender and arthritis in nearby joints. Symptoms include tenderness, tingling, and, in some cases, muscle weakness if pressure affects nearby nerves. While some cysts are painless, others can cause discomfort with movement or footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate the cyst, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options. If you have developed a cyst on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A Jones fracture is a break in the fifth metatarsal bone of the foot, which is located along the outer side near the midfoot. This type of fracture is commonly caused by twisting injuries, sports activity, or direct impact. People with a Jones fracture may experience sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Because this area has limited blood flow, healing can sometimes take longer than other foot injuries. Without proper care the injury may worsen or lead to delayed healing. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture using imaging, provide immobilization with a cast or boot, and monitor recovery closely to ensure proper bone healing. If you have a foot injury that is  accompanied by persistent pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate relief options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

A fungal toenail infection can be frustrating when it keeps coming back. This infection occurs when fungi grow under or within the nail, leading to thick, discolored, and brittle nails. Recurrence is common because the infection can linger in the nail or surrounding skin even after treatment appears successful. It may take up to a year and a half for a new, healthy nail to fully grow, so early improvement does not always mean the fungus is gone. Risk factors for recurring toenail fungus include poor circulation, diabetes, and repeated exposure to warm, moist environments. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis with an exam and testing to create a treatment plan that targets the infection at its source. Care may include prescription medications, nail care, and monitoring nail growth. If you have a stubborn fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.