If you notice an uncomfortable rash on your foot, you may have a condition that is known as athlete’s foot. Symptoms of this ailment include a burning sensation between the toes or on the soles of the feet, in addition to dry and flaky skin. In severe cases, blisters can form. It is known to be contagious, and it is important to take precautions, which can help to prevent this condition. These include wearing appropriate shoes while in public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Additionally, it is helpful to alternate shoes that are frequently worn, and ensuring clean tools are used while pedicures are performed. It is beneficial to wear cotton socks, which is advantageous in absorbing any moisture the feet produces. If you notice you have this condition, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options.

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

Many elderly people who fall may find difficulty in getting up without assistance. Research has shown that twenty percent of people in their mid-sixties will endure a fall, and many of these falls may lead to serious injuries. This is one reason why it is important to implement methods to help prevent falling. These may include learning about side effects that may occur while existing medications are taken, wearing glasses, using hearing aids consistently, and removing any clutter in the home that may be present. It may also be helpful to wear shoes that fit correctly, and using grab bars in the bathroom and shower area can play a significant role in preventing falls. If you would like additional information about the importance of falls prevention, please consult with a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

A condition that is known as ingrown toenails may be a result of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. The big toe is typically affected, and can cause pain and discomfort. There are several symptoms that may be associated with this condition, including possible discharge, redness and irritation around the toe, and pain when the toe is touched. There are many reasons why this ailment might develop. These may include toenails that have been trimmed incorrectly, wearing shoes that may be too tight, or an injury that may have happened to the toe. If you have an ingrown toenail, it may be helpful to gently push the affected skin away from the nail. If it should become infected, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the best treatment options for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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 medical condition that is referred to as gout is considered to be a form of arthritis. Many patients experience severe pain and discomfort during a gout attack, and it typically occurs in the big toe. The general symptoms of gout may include redness, tenderness, or swelling in the joints of the big toe and surrounding areas. Research has shown there are two types of gout. These are known as chronic and acute gout. During an acute attack, most symptoms will disappear once the attack is over, and a limited amount of joints are affected. Chronic gout is having multiple gout attacks throughout the year, and symptoms may be felt for the majority of the time. Additionally, permanent damage may occur which may include stiff joints or damage to the toe. If you are going through a gout attack, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward beginning proper treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.