Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It develops in warm, moist environments and is commonly caused by walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, or around pools. Risk factors include wearing tight or non-breathable shoes, excessive sweating, and compromised immune function. Symptoms often include itching, redness, peeling, burning, and cracking of the skin. Preventive measures include keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding walking barefoot in shared spaces. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, provide effective antifungal treatment, and recommend strategies to prevent recurrence. If you notice persistent itching or skin changes on your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot and ankle serve as the foundation for balance, movement, and overall body alignment, supporting every step taken throughout daily life. Their structure includes bones, joints, and ligaments that work together to create strength and flexibility, while absorbing shock with each stride. Soft tissue, such as muscles and tendons, provides stability and helps control motion during walking and standing. When foot balance is out of alignment, conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, tendon strain, and joint pain may develop, often affecting posture and comfort beyond the feet. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate alignment, diagnose underlying issues, and provide treatment through orthotics or other medical care.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most often affects a nerve between the third and fourth toes, and it develops from repeated pressure or irritation. It may not always be visible, but the area can appear slightly swollen, and patients often describe a burning, tingling, or stabbing sensation and feeling like they are walking on a pebble. Causes include tight footwear, high heels, foot deformities, or activities that place stress on the forefoot. Symptoms may worsen with standing or walking and ease when shoes are removed. A podiatrist begins with a thorough exam and orders imaging if needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. Treatment may include footwear changes, custom orthotics to reduce pressure, and targeted therapies, such as injections or exercises. Early care can prevent progression and improve comfort. If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peroneal tendinitis involves irritation of the two peroneal tendons that run behind the outer ankle and attach to the side of the foot. This irritation, which develops from repeated strain, is common among runners and endurance athletes. When the peroneal tendons become irritated, the outer foot and ankle can feel sore and stiff. Gentle stretching helps maintain motion while reducing tightness in the surrounding tissues. A towel stretch, a standing calf stretch, and controlled inward and outward foot movements keep the ankle flexible and support healthier tendon function. These stretches also help reduce pressure on the tendons and improve comfort as the foot heals. With proper rest and conservative management, this condition often improves without surgery, but guidance is helpful. A podiatrist can explain which stretches are safe and recommend further care. If you are experiencing symptoms of peroneal tendinitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.