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Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, extends its reach far beyond the realm of athletes. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making anyone susceptible, regardless of their athletic pursuits. Individuals who frequent communal spaces like gyms, swimming pools, or shared showers are at highest risk. Preventive measures play an important role in warding off this uncomfortable infection. Keeping feet clean and dry, especially between toes, helps create an unsatisfactory environment for fungi to flourish. Wearing breathable footwear made of natural materials and changing socks regularly can minimize moisture buildup. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas and using antifungal powders or sprays as a preventive measure can further reduce the risk of infection. Athlete’s foot can be treated by a podiatrist. If you notice signs of this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you visit this type of doctor who can prescribe medication for effective treatment.

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 Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. 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 Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ulcers are open wounds that occur on the bottom of the foot or around the toes. They can range in size from small sores to larger, more severe wounds. These ulcers develop from a combination of medical factors, such as poor circulation, nerve damage, and high blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes. Additionally, non-medical reasons like improper footwear, foot deformities, and injuries can contribute to their formation. Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, often including tests to assess blood flow and nerve function. Foot ulcers differ from other skin conditions by their depth and potential to worsen if left untreated, leading to serious complications like infection or even amputation. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for prompt treatment, which may involve wound care, infection management, pressure relief, and addressing related underlying medical conditions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As we age, the risk of experiencing a fall increases, posing a significant threat to independence and mobility among individuals aged 65 and older. Falls can lead to severe consequences, often affecting the feet, including fractures, reduced quality of life, and loss of independence. Therefore, prioritizing falls prevention is paramount. Several risk factors contribute to falls in older adults, including muscle weakness, balance issues, medication side effects, and environmental hazards. Implementing preventive measures, such as regular exercise to improve strength and balance, removing tripping hazards at home, ensuring proper lighting, and reviewing medications with a healthcare provider, can significantly reduce the risk of falls. A podiatrist can assess foot health and address issues, such as wearing improper footwear and having foot pain, which can contribute to instability. Additionally, they can provide guidance on proper foot care and recommend custom orthotic devices to improve balance and mobility. If you are a senior and want to learn more about falls prevention and what you can do to protect yourself, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you safeguard your independence and well-being.

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 Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the peroneal tendons along the outside of the ankle, often due to overuse or sudden increases in activity. Athletes, particularly runners and dancers, are prone to this condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness along the outside of the ankle, especially during physical activity. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, imaging tests, and assessment of medical history. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. In severe cases, immobilization or corticosteroid injections may be necessary. A podiatrist can provide expert diagnosis and treatment, offering personalized rehabilitation strategies to alleviate symptoms and prevent the recurrence of peroneal tendonitis. If you have pain on the outside of your ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for care.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.