April 2023

A rash seen on the skin of the foot may indicate that athletes’ foot has developed. It is a fungal infection, and common symptoms can include itchiness and peeling and is generally uncomfortable. The fungus that causes this condition lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as shower room floors, public swimming pools, and similar areas. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of places, and these can be flip flops or water shoes. Athlete’s foot can be divided into three categories. A moccasin-type infection can begin with soreness in the foot, followed by the skin on the heel becoming thickened. If the infection is between the fourth and fifth toes, it could mean a toe web infection has started, and may be accompanied by a bacterial infection. Blisters can be a sign of a vesicular infection and can appear anywhere on the foot. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine which type it is and offer correct treatment solutions.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic.  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 office located in Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Clubfoot is a common birth defect that can be detected before birth or at birth. It is when an infant’s foot points inward instead of forward. The heel will appear to be on the outside of the foot while the toes point toward the other foot. While this condition typically involves one foot, it can involve both feet. It is more apt to affect boys than girls. A child with clubfoot will wobble when they walk and often walk on the outside of their foot to maintain their balance. While it looks uncomfortable, it generally does not cause pain in childhood. However, a child with this ailment can experience pain later in life if the affected leg is shorter and has a smaller calf due to the clubfoot. The reason for this anomaly is unknown. Some experts believe clubfoot is a genetic condition and that mothers who smoke or drink during pregnancy are more likely to bear children with clubfoot. It may also occur as a skeletal abnormality during birth. Clubfoot may be corrected with stretching and bracing the foot, but in some severe cases, surgery might be required. If you have a child born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for recommended treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

The condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma involves the nerves in the feet. Specifically, the nerve that is found between the third and fourth toes is generally affected, and can become irritated and compressed. It can gradually happen from wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe area, and high heels can fall into this category. The symptoms that can accompany Morton’s neuroma can consist of a burning, numbing or tingling sensation, and many people feel like they have a small rock in their shoe. A proper diagnosis can consist of having a physical examination done of the affected foot. If the neuroma is large enough, it may be felt during the exam. Treatment can begin with refraining from wearing the shoes that may have caused the condition, and opting to wear shoes with a lower heel. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Foot pain, whether mild or severe, can be a significant disruption and annoyance for many patients. Foot pain can have many different potential causes. One overlooked, yet serious, cause of foot pain is dehydration. When the human body becomes dehydrated and lacks water, then the muscles in the feet can spasm or cramp as a result. The body can become dehydrated for a variety of different reasons, such as lack of water or loss of fluids. Muscle cramps in the feet can cause a range of symptoms. Specifically, they can cause sharp painful sensations, as well as swelling of some sort. If you are someone that struggles with foot pain and cramps from dehydration, then it is highly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will be able to address any concerns that you might have and provide proper treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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