Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes uncomfortable changes to the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm, damp conditions, especially between the toes. The infection can also affect the soles and heels, where skin becomes dry and flaky. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks. Athlete’s foot can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, swimming pools, and changing rooms are places where the fungus can spread. Despite its name, this infection affects more than athletes.

The appearance of athlete’s foot depends on where the infection develops. Skin between the toes may look white and soggy, while the heels can become rough and scaly. Cracks in the skin sometimes make standing or walking uncomfortable. The fungus can spread to the toenails, causing them to become thick or yellow. Nail infections can be harder to clear than skin infections. Athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the body through contact. People with sweaty feet face a greater risk because moisture encourages fungal growth. Persistent symptoms deserve attention before the infection becomes more difficult to treat.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the symptoms. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. A podiatrist can recommend an antifungal cream or spray and explain how long treatment should continue. More severe infections can require prescription antifungal tablets. When the fungus reaches the toenails, a podiatrist can assess the nails and reduce their thickness to support treatment. The podiatrist can identify factors that encourage repeated infections and discuss ways to lower future risk. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, 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 Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. 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 office located in Temple City, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar damages nerves. It most often affects the feet and legs first because those nerves are among the longest in the body. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, or sensitivity to touch. Some patients lose the ability to feel heat, cold, or pressure. Nerve damage can also weaken foot muscles and change the way a person walks. Symptoms usually develop slowly, so early changes can be easy to miss. Poor circulation can make the problem more serious because tissues receive less oxygen and heal less effectively.

Loss of feeling raises the risk of injuries that go unnoticed. A blister, cut, or burn may worsen before a patient realizes it is present. An untreated wound can develop into a foot ulcer or infection. Severe infections can spread to bone and place a patient at risk for limb loss. Damage to nerves that control sweating can also leave the skin dry and cracked. In addition, muscle weakness can contribute to bunions, hammertoes, or changes in the foot's shape. These changes create areas of extra pressure inside shoes, which can lead to skin damage.

A podiatrist can check sensation, circulation, and muscle strength in the feet. The examination also includes the skin and foot structure. A specialized tool may be used to test whether a patient feels light pressure. The podiatrist can identify wounds, pressure points, or changes in shape before they become more difficult to manage. Treatment includes podiatric wound care, removal of unhealthy tissue, and guidance on properly fitting shoes. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and protect vulnerable areas. Regular visits to a podiatrist are especially important for patients who have lost protective sensation or have a history of foot ulcers. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce complications and help preserve comfortable movement. If you have symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Arthritis in the feet can make each step painful and limit daily movement. Osteoarthritis is a long-term joint condition that affects the entire joint and the tissues around it. In the foot, damaged joints can become painful, swollen, and stiff. Movement may become harder as symptoms progress. Reduced movement can also weaken nearby muscles and make physical activities more difficult. Although osteoarthritis is more frequent in older adults, it is not an unavoidable part of aging. Younger people can also develop it, especially after a joint injury or repeated stress.

Several factors can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Previous joint injuries, repeated stress, and excess body weight can contribute to the condition. Genetics and age can also play a role. Symptoms can begin slowly, although they can appear more quickly after an injury or strain. Foot arthritis can affect mobility because the feet carry body weight and help the body move forward with every step. Pain and stiffness can make work or social activities harder. Some patients also experience discomfort while resting when osteoarthritis becomes severe.

A podiatrist can evaluate painful foot joints and determine how arthritis is affecting movement and function. An examination can assess swelling, joint motion, and areas of tenderness. Treatment can focus on reducing pressure on painful joints and supporting better mobility. A podiatrist can recommend braces or other supportive devices when appropriate. Care can also include guided exercises to strengthen muscles and maintain joint movement. If you have symptoms of arthritic foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Plantar fasciitis can turn the first steps of the morning into a painful challenge. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. The pain is usually felt near the heel and can be sharp when standing after rest. It may ease after a few steps but return after long periods on the feet. Running, weight gain, and abnormal foot arches can place added strain on this tissue. Tight calf muscles can also increase tension near the heel.

A podiatrist can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the pain or whether another heel issue is present. The visit includes a review of symptoms, a foot examination, and an assessment of how the patient stands and moves. X-rays or other imaging tests can help rule out a fracture or another source of pain. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or a night splint. Orthotics can improve weight distribution and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. A night splint holds the foot in a gentle stretch while the patient sleeps. For more severe pain, a walking boot or another form of support can reduce pressure while the tissue heals.

Ignoring persistent heel pain can make standing, work, and exercise more difficult. It can also increase the chance that a patient will change the way they walk to avoid pain. That change can place extra stress on the ankle, knee, or other foot. A podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan if symptoms do not improve. Surgery is rarely considered and is generally reserved for severe symptoms that have not responded to other care. Patients can also receive guidance on choosing shoes that fit correctly and provide proper support. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Phyllis Weinstein, DPM  from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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