Athlete’s Foot and How to Find Relief

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms, showers, and tight shoes. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing damp socks, sharing footwear, or walking barefoot in public areas. While mild treatments can help, recurring or severe cases may need professional care. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, advanced antifungal treatments, and guidance on preventing reinfection. If you notice persistent symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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 one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists.  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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Types and Severity of Stubbed Toes

Stubbing a toe is a painful injury that can vary in severity, depending on the structures involved. The lesser toes, which each contain three small bones called phalanges, are held together by ligaments and moved by tendons during walking. When the foot collides with a solid object, the result may range from a simple bruise to a more complex injury. A mild stubbed toe usually causes bruising or minor ligament strain, leading to temporary swelling and discomfort but no long-term damage. More severely stubbed toes include fractures of the bones or significant ligament injury, which can cause prolonged pain, swelling, and stiffness. In rare but serious cases, a stubbed toe may involve a dislocated joint, an open fracture where bone pierces the skin, or an angular deformity that requires surgery to correct alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, confirm its severity, and provide the appropriate treatment. If you have stubbed your toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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