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Athlete’s Foot Is Not Just for Athletes

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that affects the skin between the toes and along the sides of the feet. Although common among athletes, it can develop wherever fungus thrives. Typical breeding grounds are  warm, damp places, especially inside tight shoes or sweaty socks. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Other signs include cracking, burning, and stinging skin. Some people develop blisters or skin that becomes dry and flaky. If the infection spreads to the toenails, they can become thick, yellow, and brittle. Athlete’s foot can spread through direct contact or from shared surfaces, including locker rooms, pool areas, and public showers. A podiatrist can examine the skin, confirm the infection, and prescribe strong antifungal medication. Early care can help prevent the infection from spreading to the nails. If you have symptoms of an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and effective 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 Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates.  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 one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Deciding on Toenail Removal

Reasons for toenail removal often relate to ongoing pain or damage that does not improve with standard care. An ingrown toenail is a common cause, where the nail edge grows into the skin and leads to swelling and infection. Thick, discolored nails from a fungal infection can also require removal when the nail becomes painful or unstable. Trauma from an injury may damage the nail so severely that it cannot grow back normally. In some cases, repeated infections or deformity make removal the best option to restore comfort. A podiatrist can examine the toe, explain the problem, and perform a safe, in-office procedure to remove part or all of the nail. The procedure is done with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. This helps relieve pain and allows healthier nail growth. If you have constant pain from a toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Gout?

Foot pain can sometimes be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or gout, each affecting the joints in different ways. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that often causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints. The joints may feel warm, appear swollen, and become increasingly stiff, especially in the morning or after rest. Over time, joint shape may change, leading to deformities and difficulty walking. Gout typically presents as a sudden and intense attack of pain, often affecting the big toe. The joint may become red, hot, and extremely tender, sometimes developing overnight. This occurs due to a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. A podiatrist can help distinguish between these conditions through examination and testing. They can then coordinate care that may include medication, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics to protect the joints. If you have foot pain from rheumatoid arthritis or gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Defining Gout and Its Symptoms

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, although it can also involve the ankle or other joints in the foot. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals inside a joint. A gout attack may begin suddenly, often at night, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. The joint may look shiny, swollen, and very tender, and even light pressure from a sheet or shoe can feel severe. Triggers include certain foods, alcohol, dehydration, medical conditions, or a family history of gout. A podiatrist can often recognize the signs of gout during an exam, and may recommend imaging or lab testing to help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, footwear guidance, joint protection, and coordination with your other doctors to help manage uric acid levels and prevent future attacks. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Biebel & DeCotiis Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Holmdel and Middletown, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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