Items filtered by date: December 2024

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often between the toes. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection occurs when the fungi come into contact with the skin, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blisters. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, such as public showers, locker rooms, and pools. Wearing tight shoes, sweaty socks, or walking barefoot in damp areas increases the risk of developing the infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems or poor foot hygiene are also more susceptible. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers.  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 our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right shoes for walking and running is essential for comfort and injury prevention. For walking, look for shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to absorb impact during each step. A lightweight design with a flexible sole helps ensure natural movement. When choosing shoes for running, prioritize a snug fit surrounding the heel and midfoot with more flexibility in the toe area to accommodate the push-off phase. Running shoes should offer more cushioning and stability to handle the repetitive force of running. It is also important to consider the surface you will be walking or running on. Shoes for trail running need more grip and durability, while shoes for road running focus on cushioning. Finally, ensure that your shoes fit well, allowing room for toe movement but without excess space. If you have endured a foot injury from walking or running, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on correct walking or running shoes.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, including the calcaneus, or heel bone, which provides support and acts as a lever for walking. The tarsal bones, located in the midfoot, connect with the metatarsals, forming the arches that absorb shock and provide stability. Numerous ligaments hold these bones together, ensuring proper alignment and movement. The foot contains several joints that allow for flexibility and motion, including the subtalar joint, which enables the foot to rotate. Tendons such as the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel, play a vital role in movement, allowing for walking, running, and jumping. These structures work in harmony to support the body’s weight, provide balance, and allow for a wide range of motions, ensuring efficient and pain-free movement. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on foot anatomy.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors 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 our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists perform vascular testing to assess blood flow in the feet and legs, vital for diagnosing and managing conditions that impact circulation. These tests are particularly important for individuals with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, or chronic foot wounds, as poor circulation can hinder healing and lead to severe complications. Common vascular tests include the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow in arteries and veins. Vascular testing helps identify narrowed or blocked vessels, allowing podiatrists to develop targeted treatment plans. Early detection of vascular issues is essential in preventing serious outcomes, including ulcers and, in extreme cases, amputation. If you have cold feet, numbness, or non-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for this kind of testing.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the bloodstream, forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the ankle and big toe. This condition causes sudden, severe pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joints. Gout attacks can be triggered by consuming foods high in purines, dehydration, or alcohol consumption. Managing gout involves both immediate relief and long-term strategies. During an attack, anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may help to reduce pain and swelling. Resting and elevating the affected joint also helps alleviate discomfort. To prevent future flare-ups, maintaining a healthy diet low in purine-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress are essential. Gout can cause intense pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat gout.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Centers. 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 our offices located in Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Dickson, Fairview, Hohenwald, TN and the Middle Tennessee community . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.