Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on your feet, may sound very concerning, but it can actually be preventable. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives, grows, and thrives in warm, moist environments. Public pools, showers, and locker rooms are prime locations to pick up this fungus. Avoiding it can be as simple as wearing shoes when frequenting these areas and keeping your feet clean, dry, and cool. Athlete’s foot can also spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact. It is strongly suggested that you avoid sharing personal items, such as shoes, socks, and towels, with other people. For more information about athlete’s foot, please consult with a podiatrist. 

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 our foot specialists from California. 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 office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is not unusual for a child to have a condition known as flexible flat feet. Symptoms include a flattened arch, which results in the feet splaying outward. This may cause some pain in the arch if the child is particularly active. Avoiding weight-bearing activities, such as running, and turning instead to cycling or swimming, can give the heels a rest. Stretching the outer calf muscles on a daily basis can also help. Wearing shoes with cushioning and support as well as a slight heel can help to decrease pounding on the heel and the flattening of the arch. Custom orthotics can also be used to help eliminate discomfort. A podiatrist can perform tests to determine the severity of the case and suggest several remedies to reduce the symptoms. It is a good idea to plan regular visits to allow the doctor to monitor your child’s foot condition on a regular basis.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact our foot specialists from California. 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 office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle. This typically occurs when the ankle is twisted awkwardly or the foot rolls onto its side. Ankle sprains frequently affect athletes, but can happen to anybody. The symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the injured ankle. Treatment for your ankle sprain will depend on the type of sprain and on how severe it is. Resting the injured ankle is strongly suggested regardless of how severe the injury is. By keeping weight off of the ankle you are giving it time to heal. Full recovery is important to avoid recurrent sprains, chronic ankle instability, and pain. If you suspect that you’ve sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

Heel pain can occur at any age, and it can come from a variety of causes. Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain. It occurs when the band of tissues that connects the heel to the toes, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. This condition can then cause the plantar fascia to pull on the heel and give it stress. It can also lead to heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that form on the bottom of the heel bone and become painful when bearing weight. Fat pad atrophy is another common source of heel pain. It occurs when the fat underneath the heel begins to wear away. Growing children who are active between the ages of 8 and 13 are susceptible to Sever’s disease. This is a result of the calf muscles growing faster than the Achilles tendon and causing the muscles to pull on the heel. Because of how debilitating heel pain can be to everyday life, patients who are struggling with any of these conditions may wish to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Once you reach the age of 65, you are much more likely to fall and suffer a serious injury. With most people in this age group taking a tumble in their own home, it makes sense to keep your own dwelling as safe as possible to avoid “falling” into this category yourself. First, make sure there is an adequate amount of lighting throughout your home. You’ll also want to remove tripping hazards such as clutter, loose rugs, unsecured wires, and unstable furniture. Fix any uneven surfaces in and around your home. Install grab bars in the shower and next to the commode, as well as non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen. Keep stairs clear of clutter, make sure the handrails on your stairs are secure and that you use them, and always take your time walking up and down the stairs. Be mindful of your steps and try not to rush around. It is also important to identify any medically related risk factors such as gait abnormalities or other foot conditions that may affect your balance and sure-footedness. Make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer advice on proper footwear, and fix any foot or ankle conditions that may be compromising your foot health.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with our foot specialists from California. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Foot odor is typically caused by too much sweat being produced by the glands in the feet. Each foot has about a quarter of a million sweat glands that produce around a cup of sweat a day. When bacteria from the soles of the feet are combined with sweat, an odor may develop. Causes include not washing your feet daily, wearing the same socks day after day, and wearing shoes so tight that they don’t allow the sweat to evaporate. In addition, a fungal infection can cause foot odor, and hyperhidrosis, a condition known as sweaty feet, can exacerbate the problem. To reduce existing foot odor, it’s a good idea to wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly. You can also use an antiperspirant spray or powder on your feet. Change your socks every day, and give your shoes at least a day to air out before wearing them again. If, after taking these precautions, the odor lingers, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can examine the area and offer a more in-depth treatment plan.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact our foot specialists from California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

A common cause for yellow toenails is toenail fungus, however, it may be indicative of other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, yellow nail syndrome, lymphedema, lung problems, or jaundice. Fungal nail infections may also present symptoms such as thickened, hardened, and brittle nails, and the nail may even lift from the nail bed and emit a foul odor. Wearing shoes may cause pain or discomfort as well. This infection of the toenail (onychomycosis) is typically caused by the dermatophytes fungi in temperate climates, or non-dermatophytic moulds or candida in more tropical environments. Fungal nail infections may be brought on by exposure to the fungi that is living in public areas which are damp and warm such as communal showers, locker rooms, pools and gyms. Ill-fitting footwear, excessive sweating of the feet, brittle nails due to age, as well as injury, psoriasis, or other skin conditions may also increase a person’s risk for developing a fungal nail infection. Treating fungal nail infections is best handled by a podiatrist as the fungi are hearty and hard to kill entirely and promptly without professional care. If you have toenail fungus, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They may use prescription, oral and/or topical antifungal medications, laser therapy, as well as other treatments to help resolve your issue.

For more information about treatment, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Upland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are many causes of blisters, which are small sacs of fluid that form on the body. One of the main causes is new, tight, or ill-fitting shoes. The harder areas of the shoe can rub against your heels, soles, and toes, and if the friction is repeated for long periods, blisters often form. These become very painful, especially if you continue the activity. Excessive moisture or perspiration, which happens more frequently during warmer weather, may also cause blisters in runners. There are a few precautions you can implement to prevent blisters. Keep the feet dry and put powder on them to reduce sweating, as well as wearing moisture-wicking socks. Wearing softer, more flexible shoes can reduce the chance of a blisters formation and ceasing the activity will allow the skin time to heal on its own. If a blister pops open, is extremely large, or won’t heal, it is a good idea to seek the professional care of a podiatrist who can safely drain the area and help stave off infection.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact our foot specialists of California. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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