Items filtered by date: August 2024

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet, often caused by the fungus tinea pedis. It thrives in warm and moist environments, making public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools prime locations for infection. The condition typically causes itching, redness, and scaling between the toes, and can sometimes spread to the soles of the feet. The primary cause is exposure to the fungus, which can be contracted from contaminated surfaces or by sharing footwear. Individuals with sweaty feet or compromised immune systems are at higher risk. To address athlete's foot, start with antifungal treatments, available as creams, powders, or sprays. Keeping feet clean and dry is key and you should wash your feet daily, dry thoroughly, and change socks frequently. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking socks and avoiding tight, non-ventilated shoes can also help. For persistent or severe cases of athlete's foot, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a more advanced treatment plan, 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 Parkwood Podiatry. 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 Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoes, also known as claw toes or mallet toes, are deformities where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, toes may still be flexible and only slightly bent, causing minimal discomfort. Severe cases can involve rigid, painful toes that can lead to corns, calluses, and difficulty in walking. Hammertoes often result from wearing tight, narrow shoes that force the toes into a bent position. They can also be caused by muscle imbalances, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Treatments vary based on severity. Mild cases can benefit from switching to roomier footwear, using orthotic devices, wearing splints, and performing toe exercises. Severe cases may require medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections or surgical correction. If you have severe pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for the best ways to relieve discomfort and restore toe function.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle injuries are prevalent in soccer due to the sport's fast-paced, high-impact nature. Common injuries include sprains, where ligaments are stretched or torn, and strains, affecting the muscles or tendons around the ankle. Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf to the heel, is also common. Prevention is key to avoiding these injuries. Wearing properly fitted soccer shoes with good ankle support helps reduce the risk of sprains and strains. Strengthening and flexibility exercises, such as ankle circles and calf stretches, can enhance ankle stability and resilience. Employing proper techniques, including correct foot positioning and avoiding excessive twisting movements, also contributes to injury prevention. Regular warm-ups and conditioning are vital for maintaining overall foot and ankle health during the rigorous demands of soccer. If you have suffered an ankle injury while playing soccer, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment and injury prevention techniques.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Flat feet, characterized by low or absent arches, can lead to foot pain and discomfort if not properly managed. Strengthening exercises can help to alleviate symptoms and improve foot function. Toe curls are effective in strengthening the muscles that support the arch, and simply curling a towel with your toes can achieve this. Arch lifts involve standing on your toes and slowly lowering back down, repeating several times to build strength in the arch area. Heel raises also target the calf muscles, essential for supporting the foot's structure. Additionally, toe spreads can help strengthen the muscles between the toes, enhancing overall foot stability. Consistency is key to seeing results, so incorporating these exercises into a daily routine, in addition to wearing supportive footwear, can significantly benefit individuals with flat feet. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief techniques for any pain or discomfort you may have.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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