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Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It frequently begins between the toes, where moisture can collect and create an environment that allows fungus to grow. The infection causes itching, burning, and stinging. Skin also becomes cracked or scaly. Some patients develop dry skin on the bottoms or sides of their feet. Athlete's foot spreads through contact with contaminated floors, towels, or other surfaces. The fungus grows well in warm and damp places. Locker rooms and public showers provide conditions where the fungus can spread. Wearing shoes that keep the feet warm and sweaty also create an environment that encourages fungal growth. The infection can spread to other parts of the foot and return after symptoms appear to improve.

A podiatrist examines the skin and determines whether the symptoms are caused by athlete's foot or another foot problem. An evaluation includes looking at the location, appearance, and severity of the affected skin. In some cases, the podiatrist collects a small skin sample to help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes prescription-strength antifungal medication when appropriate. These medications target the fungus responsible for the infection. A podiatrist determines which form of medication is best based on the location and severity of the symptoms. The podiatrist also monitors the skin to make sure the infection is responding to treatment. Persistent infections require a different treatment approach.

Athlete's foot can become uncomfortable enough to affect walking and daily activities. Cracked skin also becomes sore and irritated, especially when the affected areas rub against shoes. A podiatrist evaluates persistent symptoms and identifies factors that could contribute to repeated infections. Podiatric care focuses on controlling the fungus, protecting damaged skin, and reducing discomfort. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check whether the infection has cleared and determine whether additional treatment is appropriate. Prompt treatment also helps limit the spread of the infection to other areas of the foot. If you have developed athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective 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 the doctors from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can have a serious effect on foot health because it may damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, or pain, although some people have no noticeable symptoms. Reduced sensation can make it difficult to feel pain, heat, or cold. As a result, a cut, blister, or sore may go unnoticed and become more serious before it is treated. Poor circulation can also make wounds slower to heal. Together, nerve damage and reduced blood flow increase the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and other complications.

Changes in the feet should receive attention because early treatment can help prevent small problems from becoming more serious. Warning signs may include burning or pain in the feet, loss of sensation, and changes in foot shape. Dry or cracked skin can also signal a problem. Other concerns include sores that do not heal or changes in the color and temperature of the feet. People with diabetes may also develop corns, calluses, or toenail problems that require professional care. Regular medical foot examinations are important even when the feet feel normal, because nerve damage may reduce the ability to notice an injury.

A podiatrist plays an important role in diabetic foot care by checking the feet for problems that may otherwise be missed. A complete foot examination can include evaluating sensation and blood flow to identify complications related to diabetes. A podiatrist can also examine wounds, skin changes, or toenail concerns and determine when treatment is needed. Diabetics with nerve damage may require podiatry visits more often than once a year. Regular professional care can help identify foot problems early and reduce the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes and notice foot pain, numbness, or a wound that is not healing, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact the doctors from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that develop on the outer layer of the skin. They commonly appear on the feet, where repeated rubbing or pressure can irritate one area. Shoes that do not fit properly may repeatedly rub against the skin and contribute to blister formation. Blisters can also develop for reasons unrelated to friction. Burns, frostbite, and certain skin conditions are possible causes. Although many foot blisters are minor, they can become painful and make walking uncomfortable. Understanding what caused a blister is important, especially when several blisters appear without an obvious reason.

A blister creates a natural layer of protection over the irritated skin underneath. Popping a blister breaks its protective layer of skin, which increases the risk of infection and may slow healing. Warning signs may include pus draining from the blister or skin around it becoming red and swollen. Warmth and increasing pain can also signal a problem. Medical attention is particularly important for people with diabetes or circulation problems because foot injuries may require closer monitoring. A fever accompanying a blister is another reason to contact a healthcare professional. Multiple unexplained blisters should also be evaluated to determine whether an underlying skin condition or illness may be responsible.

A podiatrist can examine a foot blister and determine whether friction, infection, or another problem may be contributing to it. The evaluation can include checking the surrounding skin and considering whether footwear is placing repeated pressure on the affected area. Professional assessment is especially valuable when a blister is painful, appears infected, or continues to return. A podiatrist can also evaluate patients with diabetes or poor circulation, since these conditions can make foot problems more concerning. Identifying the cause can help guide appropriate treatment and reduce the chance of complications. Persistent foot discomfort should not be ignored when skin damage is present. If a foot blister becomes increasingly painful, shows signs of infection, or develops repeatedly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment options. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact the doctors of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot biomechanics describes how the feet, joints, and bones work together during standing and movement. Each foot contains 26 bones that create a flexible, yet supportive structure. These bones help absorb impact, maintain balance, and move the body forward. Healthy biomechanics allow the foot to adapt to different surfaces while supporting normal walking and running. Problems with alignment or movement can contribute to foot pain, ankle pain, and uneven pressure.

The foot bones are divided into three groups. The tarsals are seven bones located around the heel and midfoot. They help form the ankle area and provide stability while absorbing force. The five metatarsals connect the midfoot to the toes and help distribute weight during each step. The 14 phalanges form the toes and assist with balance and push-off. Together, these bones create a coordinated foundation that supports the body during activity.

Foot biomechanics can change when the bones, joints, or surrounding tissues do not move normally. Risk factors include previous injuries, structural differences, and repetitive activity. Symptoms may include arch pain, heel pain, or discomfort while walking. A podiatrist evaluates symptoms, examines foot alignment, and observes how the feet move. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or other targeted care. Imaging tests may be recommended when a bone or joint injury is suspected.

Understanding foot biomechanics can make it easier to recognize why proper support matters. The tarsals provide stability, the metatarsals help distribute pressure, and the phalanges contribute to balance and push-off. These bones do not work separately. Their coordinated movement helps create an efficient stride and reduces stress. If foot or ankle pain affects your movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the doctors from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.