When Athlete’s Foot Becomes More Serious

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that often causes itching, redness, peeling, and irritation, usually between the toes or along the sole. When the skin becomes severely damaged, bacteria can enter through these openings and cause an additional infection. This may lead to increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, drainage, or worsening skin breakdown. What begins as a surface skin problem can become more serious, if not properly treated. A podiatrist can determine whether the issue involves a fungal infection alone or a combination of problems that require different treatment approaches. Care may include addressing the infection, protecting damaged skin, reducing moisture buildup, and identifying factors that contributed to the condition. Early treatment helps prevent worsening symptoms and complications. If you have athlete’s foot that is becoming painful, spreading, or showing signs of infection, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment solutions.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC.  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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Understanding Pronation and Supination in the Feet

Pronation and supination describe how the feet move while walking. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls slightly inward after the heel touches the ground. This movement helps absorb shock and spread body weight more evenly. With supination, the foot rolls outward and places more pressure on the outer edge of the foot. A small amount of both movements is normal, but too much can lead to pain and balance problems. Excessive pronation can place stress on the arches, heels, and ankles. Too much supination is more common in people with high arches and can reduce the foot’s ability to absorb impact. Signs of gait problems include uneven shoe wear, foot fatigue, and pain in the ankles or heels. A podiatrist can examine how your feet move while walking and recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or other treatment options. If you have gait problems that are causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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How to Prevent Ankle Pain While Running

Ankle pain while running can develop from several factors that place stress on the joints and surrounding tissues. Poor running form may cause uneven movement and strai. Running on uneven surfaces can increase the risk of twisting or overloading the ankle. Wearing unsuitable footwear may fail to provide proper support. Weak ankles can make it harder to maintain stability. Prevention focuses on strengthening the ankles through simple exercises, choosing supportive running shoes, and building conditioning gradually to avoid sudden stress. Risk factors include overuse, lack of strength, and improper technique. A podiatrist can assess your gait, recommend proper footwear, and create a plan to improve strength and alignment. If you have ankle or foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies and guide you on running injury prevention.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Common Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can develop from injuries, joint problems, or strain placed on the feet. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This causes heel pain that is often worse with the first steps in the morning. Bunions form when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of position and leads to swelling and discomfort. Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that can happen from repeated impact activities, like running. Other causes of foot pain include nerve irritation, tendon inflammation, and arthritis. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, burning sensations, or pain while walking. A podiatrist can examine the foot and perform imaging tests to confirm the cause. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that  you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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