Items filtered by date: September 2023

The rise of drug-resistant fungi on the feet or elsewhere on the body is an alarming and underappreciated trend in healthcare. Cases of severe invasive fungal infections are increasing, and the costs of treating these infections are a growing concern. Currently, there are limited classes of antifungal drugs, but new treatments are being developed. Beyond new drugs, researchers are exploring the possibility of fungal vaccines. These vaccines could be a game changer, especially for high-risk patients, as they may protect without antifungal drugs. Predicting and diagnosing fungal infections remains challenging, but advances in understanding genetic risk factors can pave the way for early interventions. The future of combating drug-resistant fungi lies in developing new drugs, improving diagnostics, and preventing infections in vulnerable individuals. If you have athlete’s foot or any other fungal foot infection, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and 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 Suncoast Podiatry Associates. 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can be a painful and frustrating experience, but with patience and proper care, it can mend successfully. The first step in healing a broken toe is to seek medical attention from a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any complications. Once diagnosed, the primary focus is on rest and protection. This often involves wearing a splint, cast, or buddy taping, which is taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This is generally successful in immobilizing the injured area. Elevating the foot can help reduce swelling, while taking over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort. Avoid putting weight on the affected toe and opt for comfortable, supportive footwear. Healing times can vary but typically range from a few weeks to a couple of months. As your toe begins to mend, performing several range of motion exercises that can aid in recovery is beneficial. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the best treatment methods for you.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Bunions, those painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, can be a source of immense discomfort and self-consciousness. When conservative measures fail to provide relief, bunion surgery may become a viable option. Medically known as a bunionectomy, this surgical procedure aims to correct the misalignment of the big toe joint, eliminating pain and improving foot function. During the surgery, the podiatrist will remove the bony bump and realign the bones and tissues to their proper position. Recovery may take several weeks, during which weight must be kept off the affected foot. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions diligently. While bunion surgery is a significant step, it offers a promising path toward a life free from the pain and inconvenience of bunions, allowing you to walk comfortably and confidently once again. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is correct for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Our toes, those often overlooked companions on our daily journeys, play a more significant role in our lives than we realize, until they ache. Toe pain, a distressing sensation that can impede our daily activities, can arise from various sources. Wearing uncomfortable footwear, such as tight or ill-fitting shoes, may lead to blisters and calluses caused by excess friction. Stubbing a toe, seemingly harmless but potent in its impact, can result in acute pain and potential fractures. Ingrown toenails, a product of improper trimming or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, can also trigger sharp, localized pain. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, often targets the spaces between our toes, bringing about itchiness and discomfort. Arthritis can also affect the toes, leading to persistent toe pain. Acknowledging these common culprits empowers us to take better care of our toes, ensuring they continue to walk us through life's adventures without unnecessary pain. If you are experiencing toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Suncoast 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 feel free to contact our office located in Ocala, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.