Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm moist environments, such as locker rooms and sweaty shoes. This condition often appears between the toes, but can also spread to the soles and sides of the feet. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, wearing tight footwear, and frequent exposure to damp surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes cracking or blistering. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection accurately, providing care advice and effective treatment options including antifungal medications. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it  is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer 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 Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A dislocated toe occurs when one of the toe bones is forced out of its normal position, often resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, and a visibly crooked appearance. A child can dislocate a toe during common activities like running, playing sports, or stubbing their foot, which may cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. The second toe is the most commonly affected due to its position and involvement in weight-bearing activities. A dislocated toe can make walking difficult and may lead to further complications, if left untreated. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the dislocation, realign the toe safely, provide supportive taping or splints, and recommend targeted exercises to restore mobility and prevent future injury. If you or your child have incurred a toe injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.