Many people experience foot problems that can cause pain and limit daily activity. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching and peeling between the toes. Blisters form from friction or moisture, leading to fluid-filled sores. Additionally, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, often from genetics or wearing tight shoes. Gout causes sudden joint pain and swelling due to uric acid buildup, affecting the big toe. Flat feet occur when the arches collapse, leading to strain and fatigue. Each condition has unique causes and risk factors. If you have foot pain or a specific foot or ankle condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate relief and 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 Associates in Podiatry, PC. 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 Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm and moist areas, often between the toes. Symptoms include an itchy and scaly foot rash, redness, cracked skin, burning, and thick white skin that may peel. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, walking barefoot in public locker rooms, having sweaty feet, or sharing contaminated towels or footwear. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that thrive in damp environments and can spread easily if not treated. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend effective treatments, and offer guidance to prevent it from returning. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer 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 one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. 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 offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strong ankles can help improve comfort and stability when wearing high heels. Ankle flexion is performed by pointing your toes upward to stretch and strengthen the front of the ankle. Ankle extension is done by pointing your toes downward to work the calf muscles and improve balance. Additionally, ankle circles involve rotating your ankles slowly in both directions to increase flexibility and mobility. Regularly practicing these ankle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of pain or injury from high heels. A podiatrist can assess your ankle strength, recommend targeted exercises, and provide supportive care to keep your feet healthy. If you have foot or ankle pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward additional ankle stretches. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus can cause the toenails to become brittle and yellow. They can gradually harden and become thicker, causing difficulty in having them properly trimmed. This unsightly foot condition is caused by a fungal infection, and is considered to be contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. The fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. A diagnosis is performed by extracting a small sample of the nail. After confirmation is received, treatment can begin. There are various methods that can accomplish this, and it is strongly suggested a podiatrist is contacted as quickly as possible who can prescribe proper medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.