Tag Archives: Athlete’s Foot

High Heels, Low Fun?

Did you know each foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints and plenty of muscles?  Now imagine how all of these elements interact with each other throughout the day. Adding high heels to the mix gives you a pronounced feel of how these intricate movements interact, but not necessarily in a good way. Follow these 6 steps to feel confident in your fashion choices and the well-being of your feet:

  • We all have our favorite shoes, but be sure to change them out.  Wearing the same shoes on a daily basis allows bacteria and fungus to flourish. A nice side effect with this tip; your shoes will better stay in shape.
  • Listen to your body. Pain is a signal your current behavior is a detriment to your health. Sit down and rest on a regular basis. Have a second pair of comfortable shows around you at any time.
  • Avoid cracked heels by moisturizing regularly and watch out for misaligned toenails.
  • Ask your podiatrist for advice if you suffer from conditions like diabetes.
  • Watch out for bunions. Once bunions develop, treatment may be necessary. The earlier you detect warning signs, the better chance you have to avoid them.
  • Keep your eyes open for more comfortable versions of your favorite heels. They may look slightly different, but the gains from avoided pain will outweigh the height.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying your high heels, as long as you take care of your feet and react to early warning signs indicating your feet are suffering. Read this article for more information.

Athlete’s Foot – Do I have it?

Hot and humid summers are the perfect environment for a condition called Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis). Like most fungal infections, Athlete’s Foot thrives when sweat meets confined spaces, so athletes and individuals who like to wear tight shows are especially affected. It’s vital to recognize the first signs to prevent it from spreading further. The following symptoms are sorted from most common to least common.

  • Scaly red rash
  • Located in between toes, especially the smaller ones
  • Itching
  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Infection spreading to hands, toe nails or groin area
  • Dryness of the sole
  • Blisters
  • Ulcers

Symptoms depend on the individual affected and the type of Athlete’s Foot contracted. The inter-digital type primarily affects the clefts between the toes, the moccasin type often affects the sole of the feet, and the blistering type may lead to the formation of blisters.

Blisters caused by Athlete’s Foot are often overlooked and under-estimated, because most people do not realize these are different from the usual blisters you get from walking too much. The difference is that blisters caused by fungi often appear on the sole of the foot where the skin is thickest. They ooze pus, get crusty and may leave a red scaly border behind.  This kind of Athlete’s Foot also leads to a much higher risk for infection.

These symptoms commonly indicate Athlete’s Foot; however, a definite conclusion can only be drawn by a medical professional. Treatment plans vary depending on the kind of fungus, the severity of the condition and the condition of the individual affected. Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Smith and Dr. Buckrop if you have questions about these symptoms.