Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that begins between the toes. The fungus grows in warm, damp places and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Locker-room floors, showers, and pool areas are sources of exposure. Shoes that trap heat and moisture can create conditions that allow fungus to grow. Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. The affected area may also become red, cracked, or sore. Some infections spread across the sole or along the sides of the foot. Small, fluid-filled blisters can appear in certain cases.

Although an athlete’s foot infection can seem minor, it should not be ignored. Cracks in the skin can allow bacteria to enter and cause a serious infection. This risk is greater for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the toenails, hands, or other areas of the body. Because eczema and other skin problems can cause similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the skin and determine whether a fungal infection is present. In some cases, a small skin sample is tested to confirm the cause.

A podiatrist can recommend treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. The podiatrist can also check for nail involvement, bacterial infection, or skin damage that requires closer attention. Guidance can be provided on keeping the feet dry and reducing the chance of another infection. This includes choosing breathable shoes, changing damp socks, and protecting the feet in shared bathing areas. Shoes should fit properly and allow enough room around the toes. Patients should seek prompt care when symptoms keep returning or begin to spread. Swelling, drainage, or increasing pain also requires professional evaluation. Early diagnosis can shorten the infection and help protect the surrounding skin and nails. If you have symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, it is important that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. 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 our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flexible flat feet are common in children. They occur when the arches flatten while standing, but return when the child sits or rises onto the toes. Some children have no symptoms, while others may develop foot pain, tired legs, or discomfort after activity. Flexible flat feet can affect comfort and movement, especially when children participate in sports or walk for long periods. A podiatric evaluation can determine whether treatment is needed.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing flexible flat feet. Family history, ligament flexibility, and certain foot structures may contribute. Rapid growth can also change how a child stands and walks. Children with flexible flat feet may experience heel or arch discomfort, ankle fatigue, or changes in walking patterns. Although flat feet do not always cause problems, consistent pain or difficulty with activities warrants podiatric attention.

Orthotics can provide support for children whose flexible flat feet cause discomfort or affect movement. A podiatrist may first examine foot structure, walking patterns, and tenderness. The podiatrist may then recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics. Properly fitted orthotics can help support the arch, improve alignment, and increase comfort during everyday activities. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check fit, comfort, and treatment response.

Supporting healthy feet can help children stay active. Orthotics are not necessary for every child with flexible flat feet, so treatment should be based on symptoms and examination findings. A podiatrist may also recommend activity adjustments, footwear changes, and routine monitoring, when needed. Parents should seek evaluation if a child has persistent pain, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up with peers. If your child has pain from having flat feet and you want to consider insoles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what type of orthotic is the most beneficial.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone and may be associated with heel pain. Two common types can form in different areas of the heel. A plantar heel spur develops on the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia connects to the bone. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot. These heel spurs often have a hook-like shape and may occur with plantar fasciitis. Although heel spurs are common, many do not cause symptoms. The likelihood of developing bone spurs also increases with age.

Plantar heel spurs can develop as the bone responds to repeated stress. Strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, or repeated damage to the heel bone lining may contribute to their formation. Heel spurs are also associated with obesity and osteoarthritis. Another type of heel spur can develop at the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. This type is associated with insertional Achilles tendonitis. The bone growth may irritate the Achilles tendon and contribute to further tendon damage or heel pain. This problem often develops gradually rather than following one specific injury.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether a heel spur or a related foot problem may be involved. The location of discomfort can provide important information because heel spurs may develop on the bottom or back of the heel. A podiatrist can also assess how symptoms affect ankle movement and daily activities. Since many heel spurs do not cause pain, identifying the actual source of discomfort is an important part of determining appropriate treatment. Heel pain associated with the Achilles tendon may become worse when running, jumping, or climbing stairs. If ongoing heel pain is interfering with comfortable walking or physical activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Steven Ginex, DPM from Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail avulsion surgery removes part or all of a damaged or painful toenail. A podiatrist recommends this procedure when a nail causes repeated pain, grows into the surrounding skin, or becomes badly damaged. Surgery also helps when part of the nail keeps returning after previous treatment. Depending on the problem, the podiatrist removes only the affected section or the entire nail. In some cases, the small area that produces the nail is treated to reduce the chance of that section growing back.

Before surgery, the toe is carefully examined by a podiatrist. The area is numbed before the nail is removed, helping patients stay comfortable throughout the procedure. The nail is lifted with special instruments designed to protect the surrounding skin. After the nail is removed, the podiatrist checks the nail bed for hidden damage, infection, or abnormal tissue. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail that supports healthy nail growth. The toe is then covered with a protective dressing before patients leave the office. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healing, watch for problems, and decide when normal activities can safely resume.

Toenail avulsion surgery can relieve ongoing discomfort and prevent repeated nail problems from interfering with daily life. Patients usually notice improved comfort while walking after the painful nail has been removed. A podiatrist also discusses whether future nail growth is expected or whether the treated section is intended to remain permanently absent. Prompt evaluation also allows other nail conditions to be identified before they become more serious. Early treatment can also improve shoe comfort and reduce pressure on nearby skin. It can also restore confidence when standing, walking, and participating in everyday activities without ongoing pain. If you have a toenail that has become painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if avulsion surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Steven Ginex, DPM of Palm Desert Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Palm Desert, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.