Items filtered by date: July 2020

The foot condition that is known as athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus. This type of fungus is referred to as tinea pedis, and lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These can include public shower room floors, locker rooms, pools, and their surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that patients experience may include red and itchy skin, especially between the toes and the bottom of the feet, and small blisters, which may develop in severe cases. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to control the spread of athlete's foot. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while frequenting these types of areas, and avoiding sharing towels, shoes, and socks. Mild relief may be found when an antifungal powder or spray is used. If you are afflicted with this type of fungus, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can prescribe medicine that can promote recovery.

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 Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. 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 Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The condition that is referred to as cracked heels can be uncomfortable. In severe cases, where the cracks in the skin are deep, bleeding may occur. These are known as fissures and may become infected if not promptly treated. There are several reasons for this condition to develop that include being obese, standing for long periods of time on hard surfaces, and wearing shoes that have an open back. Mild relief may be felt when the affected heel is washed and dried thoroughly, followed by using a good moisturizer. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. David Ungar from Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon on the back of the ankle is torn. Achilles tendon ruptures primarily occur during activities that involve pushing off of the ground or sprinting, like tennis and basketball. Some of the risk factors can include old age, poor flexibility, an inactive lifestyle, and steroid medications. Generally, most ruptures are not tied to a specific injury and are not indicated by pain before the rupture happens. A rupture is usually indicated by sudden pain that is said to be like getting kicked in the back of the leg, and a feeling or hearing of a pop in the tendon. If you have experienced an Achilles tendon rupture, be sure to consult with a podiatrist immediately. Surgery may be necessary, but it can be avoided with proper casting and physical therapy.  Either way, it may take up to 6 months for a full recovery so it is imperative that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Farmington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns, similar to calluses, are hardened layers of dead skin that typically appear in a small, ball-like shape. They can generally be found on the bottom of the feet and sides of the toes. Some patients have found them to be sensitive to the touch, often making it uncomfortable to wear shoes. The reasons why a patient may develop a corn may vary. Common risk factors include wearing shoes that are too tight for your feet, not wearing socks, and walking while barefoot. The causes previously listed all have one factor in common, excess friction that irritates the skin. The removal of a corn can be done by soaking and exfoliating the feet, followed by filing the corn with a pumice stone. For a safe removal process, please seek the professional care of a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. David Ungar of Personal Foot Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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