Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the foot caused by dermatophytes. This infection thrives in warm, moist environments and is often the result of coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, like locker room floors. Symptoms include scaling, peeling skin, and redness between the toes. Other symptoms of athlete’s foot are blistering and itching. If left untreated, athlete's foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with a compromised immune system or diabetes. Prevention involves maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding sharing personal items, like shoes or towels. If you suspect you have athlete's foot or experience severe symptoms like excessive redness, swelling, or pus, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an advanced treatment plan to alleviate complications. For help in dealing with a stubborn athlete’s foot infection, It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Heel pain can significantly diminish one's quality of life, affecting daily activities and mobility. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs can cause persistent discomfort, making it challenging to walk, stand, or exercise without pain. Beyond the physical discomfort, heel pain can also lead to emotional stress, impacting mood and overall well-being. Education plays an important role in understanding the underlying causes of heel pain and implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and managing heel pain, offering tailored treatment plans to address individual needs. If you suffer from persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for comprehensive care to improve your overall quality of life.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A heel spur is a sharp, bony outgrowth often resulting from irritation of the plantar fascia, known as plantar fasciitis. Increased strain on the Achilles tendon can exacerbate this growth, either beneath the foot, a lower heel spur, or at the back of the heel, a rear heel spur. While visible on X-rays, heel spurs may not be apparent externally. Symptoms include stabbing heel pain, especially when weight is applied, particularly in the morning. Inflammation can cause swelling and warmth, sometimes accompanied by a visible protrusion. Though occasionally asymptomatic, heel spurs can significantly impact mobility and comfort. Common causes involve prolonged or uneven pressure during walking or running, leading to inflammation of the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. Addressing these issues involves reducing strain, managing inflammation, and enhancing foot muscle strength. Appropriate footwear, weight management, and foot muscle activation are important preventive measures. If you are suffering from a painful heel spur, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and offer you treatment options fitting your situation.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

One significant risk facing runners is the potential for stress fractures, which are hairline cracks in one of many bones in the feet. Metatarsal stress fractures often occur in the 2nd or 3rd metatarsals, due to their structure and the forces exerted during running. Pronation can add to the amount of stress on these bones. Navicular stress fractures can be recognized as midfoot pain on the outside of the foot. This type of fracture is more common in runners with flat feet or those engaged in track and field or middle distance running. Calcaneus stress fractures cause heel pain, especially during weight-bearing activities. They are often the result of increased training intensity or frequency. Stress fractures in the big toe are most often found in the bone closest to the first metatarsal. These fractures occur due to repetitive loading during running, resulting in localized pain and swelling around the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint.  If you have pain in your feet that may be the result of running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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