Items filtered by date: June 2022

People who have had athlete's foot are aware of the discomfort it can cause. The skin often becomes dry, red, and can itch too. It is considered to be a fungal infection and typically affects the soles of the feet and between the toes. It is a contagious infection and appropriate shoes are suggested to be worn while in public swimming areas, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This fungus lives in warm and moist environments including socks and shoes that are wet. There are three types of athlete's foot. A toe web infection can cause the skin to peel and crack between the third and fourth toes. Cracked skin on the heel can be referred to as a moccasin-type infection, and a blister on the sole of the foot is known as a vesicular type of infection. There are effective prevention techniques for athlete’s foot including keeping the feet clean and dry, refraining from sharing towels or shoes, and alternating the shoes worn daily. If you have been affected by athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best type of treatment is for you.

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 the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle 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 Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone at the back of the foot. Some people have heel bones with a more prominent bump at this location. They may also wear tight or stiff shoes, such as high heels, that rub against this area. This combination of a bony prominence in the heel bone and pressure from footwear can squeeze the soft tissue between the heel and the shoe. This can inflame the tissue and cause it to thicken into a bump that further pressurizes the soft tissue and causes pain. This condition is known as Haglund’s deformity, or “pump bump.” Having very high arches or a tight Achilles tendon can also increase a person’s risk for developing Haglund’s deformity. Symptoms may include a visible bump, redness, swelling, and pain at the back of the heel, especially when wearing certain shoes. A podiatrist can reduce symptoms of Haglund’s deformity with a variety of conservative treatments and therapies. Reach out to a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed here to get the relief you deserve.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Gilbert and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The most common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. It can develop in the feet and ankles and may cause severe pain and discomfort. The big toe is mostly affected by this type of arthritis. Shape and structure may change in addition to possibly causing damage to the cartilage. This can produce swelling as the bones rub against each other. Patients who have sustained an ankle injury may be prone to developing arthritis in the feet which may contribute to the development of other foot conditions including bunions, corns, and calluses. Starting a regular exercise routine may provide mild relief to the foot by strengthening the muscles and tendons. Research has indicated it is beneficial to incorporate three types of exercise into your daily routine. These can consist of aerobic exercises that can increase the heart rate, in addition to stretching and strengthening moves that can improve range of motion. If you are afflicted with arthritis in the feet, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

A broken or fractured ankle happens when there is a partial or complete break in the ankle joint bones – the tibia, the fibula, and the talus bones. This can occur from excessive stress on the joint through heavy impact or twisting beyond the normal range of movement. The main symptom of a broken ankle is pain but swelling and bruising can also show at or around the site of the break. The ankle joint may be stiff and hard to move, and it might be hard for one with such a fracture to support their body weight. Recovery from a broken ankle will depend on how severe the break is and how well one follows the recommended care regimen. In most cases, recovery time is six to 12 weeks. If you think you have broken your ankle, visit a podiatrist to find out if there is an actual break and how it can best be treated.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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