Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often starting between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes. Causes include walking barefoot in these type of areas or wearing damp footwear for extended periods of time. Symptoms of athlete’s foot consist of itching, redness, peeling, and cracking skin, typically between the toes, and sometimes blisters or sores. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. Diagnosis is usually made based on the appearance of the skin, but a podiatrist may take a skin scraping to confirm the presence of fungus. In persistent cases of athlete’s foot, prescription-strength antifungals may be needed. If you have athlete’s foot that is not clearing up, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 Orange County Podiatry. 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 Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, and Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Monday, 04 November 2024 00:00

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It typically appears suddenly, with symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Gout attacks can be triggered by certain foods, excessive alcohol, dehydration, or medications. While lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and increased hydration, can help manage mild cases, recurrent or severe attacks may require medical intervention. If you experience debilitating pain or swelling in the big toe that does not improve on its own, it is important to see a podiatrist. This type of doctor may prescribe medications to lower uric acid levels or reduce inflammation, helping to prevent future flare-ups. If you have or suspect you have gout, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment options tailored to your needs.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Orange County Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, and Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 22 October 2024 00:00

Bunions are bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, causing it to angle inward toward the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. As bunions progress, they can also result in inflammation and increased pressure on the other toes, leading to additional foot problems. The causes of bunions can vary, but they are often linked to genetics, improper footwear, especially narrow or high-heeled shoes, and certain medical conditions. While conservative treatments like padding, orthotics, and wearing appropriate shoes can provide relief, severe cases may require surgical intervention. If you are experiencing foot pain or notice the development of a bunion, it is important to address the issue early. Do not let bunions disrupt your daily life. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. They can assess your condition, recommend treatment options, and help you regain foot comfort.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Orange County Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, and Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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