Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a frequent problem among men, especially those who wear tight shoes or spend long hours in socks. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments and often begins between the toes, causing itching, burning, peeling skin, and an unpleasant odor. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. Good hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and regular sock changes can help prevent recurrence. Persistent infections may require prescription-strength treatment. Avoiding shared locker rooms or showers barefoot also helps stop reinfection. For men who notice ongoing irritation or cracked, itchy skin between the toes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to ensure an accurate diagnosis, and fast relief from this stubborn and uncomfortable condition.
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 Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetic patients often have decreased sensitivity in their feet, which makes a visual inspection of the feet even more important. If you're diabetic, having periodic screenings is extremely important for maintaining the overall health of your feet.
External fixators play a vital role in treating ankle and foot injuries by providing stability from a biomechanical perspective. External fixators are special devices that help treat serious ankle and foot injuries. They work like an outside frame, using pins and rods to keep broken bones steady and in the right position. By holding the bones still, the fixator takes pressure off the injured area, prevents harmful movement, and gives the foot a better chance to heal. This support also helps keep the joints balanced so patients can move more normally once recovery begins. A podiatrist carefully places the fixator and monitors the healing process. They guide rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility while lowering the risk of problems. With this expert care, patients can safely return to daily activities with more confidence. If you are dealing with an ankle or foot injury, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to find out if external fixation is the right treatment for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Darlyne Cange, DPM of Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes strained, torn, or ruptured. Football players are particularly at risk due to sudden sprints, jumps, and rapid direction changes that place intense stress on the tendon. Risk factors include poor conditioning, tight calf muscles, overuse, and previous injuries. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or pushing off the foot. A podiatrist can provide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies tailored to each patient. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe pain and discomfort, making it difficult to complete daily activities. If you or someone you know has endured this type of injury, it is suggested that a podiatrist is consulted who can effectively treat this condition.
Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Common Injuries
The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.
Treatment
Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Glen Burnieand Ellicott City, MD. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
