Tinea pedis, commonly called athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and between the toes. The condition often develops in warm, damp environments where fungus grows easily, such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, or around public pool areas. Many people notice peeling skin, itching, redness, cracking, or a burning sensation that becomes worse over time. In some cases, the skin may blister or develop an unpleasant odor. Although athlete’s foot can seem minor at first, untreated infections may spread to the toenails or other parts of the foot, and become more difficult to manage. A podiatrist can identify the infection, rule out other skin conditions that appear similar, and recommend treatment designed to stop the fungus and relieve irritation. Early care may also help prevent recurring infections and skin breakdown. If you continue to experience itching, peeling, or irritation on the feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can often be understood by where it occurs. Pain on the top of the foot may be linked to stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive activity. Inner foot pain can be associated with flat feet, where the arch collapses, or hallux rigidus, a stiff big toe joint that limits movement. Pain on the bottom of the foot may be due to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch, or heel pad syndrome, which causes deep heel discomfort. Outer foot pain may involve peroneal tendonitis or an ankle sprain from overstretched ligaments. Risk factors include overuse, wearing poor footwear, and foot structure. A podiatrist can identify the cause and provide targeted care. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Roller skating is a fun way to stay active, but foot pain can develop when boots do not fit properly. Boots that are too small may create pressure, while loose boots can lead to instability and friction. These issues may cause blisters and lace bite, which is irritation on the top of the foot from tight laces pressing on tendons. Other causes of pain include malleolar bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near the ankle bone, and plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Risk increases with long sessions and repetitive movement. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat foot pain. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain from roller skating, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief solutions, enabling you to return to this activity as soon as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions develop when the joint at the base of the big toe shifts out of alignment, causing a visible bump as the top of the toe gradually moves toward the others. The bump may appear swollen or enlarged and can feel sore, especially with pressure from shoes or prolonged walking. The discomfort may increase and limit daily activities. Causes include inherited foot structure, arthritis, or repetitive stress that places excess pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the deformity and determine whether conservative care or surgery is appropriate. Early treatment options include shoe modifications, padding, and custom orthotics to reduce pressure. When pain persists or the deformity worsens, surgery may be considered to realign the joint and relieve discomfort. Recovery time varies, depending on the severity and procedure. It often involves a period of limited weight bearing, followed by gradual return to activity with supportive care. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.