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Point Pleasant

July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection of the foot. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot, known as the tinea fungus, thrives in dark, warm, moist environments. This makes areas that are often tightly covered and sweaty, like your feet, a perfect breeding ground for tinea fungus. To prevent athlete’s foot, it’s important to keep your feet as dry as you can. Avoiding wearing tightly-fitted shoes, which can trap moisture, and frequently changing your socks can also help in the prevention of athlete’s foot. If possible, wear open-toed sandals, which will allow more air to circulate to your feet and decrease sweating. Open-toed sandals also have the added benefit of exposing your feet to sunlight, which helps slow the growth of the fungus. If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat the problem. 

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 Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. 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 Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Athlete's Foot

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Many pregnant women experience swollen feet. It often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, and can be uncomfortable. This can be a result of the pressure the growing fetus can inflict on the veins in the feet and legs. Additionally, circulation in the body may become slower, and this may contribute to water retention. Research has indicated that swelling may be reduced when sodium intake is decreased, and plenty of fresh water is consumed daily. It is beneficial to avoid standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and performing specific foot stretches may help to improve circulation. For more information about how to alleviate swollen feet during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

The bones that are located in the center of the foot are referred to as the metatarsal bones. They connect the heel and arch to the toes and can be prone to stress fractures. This is a common injury among runners that occurs as a result of repetitive motions. Stress fractures may be minimized when proper warm-ups are performed, as this may help to reduce pressure on the foot bones. An early symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the foot that may diminish when the affected foot is rested. It is suggested to cease the activity that caused the injury. Additional symptoms can include extreme tenderness, swelling, and difficulty walking. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, in addition to replacing them approximately every three hundred miles. If you would like more information about stress fractures of the feet and how to prevent them, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

Boating and Broken Toes

There are many people who enjoy the sport of boating. If a broken toe occurs, it may go unattended in the midst of the many duties that are performed onboard. Common causes of broken toes consist of stubbing the toe against a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. Noticeable symptoms of a mild fracture may appear within the first 24 hours, whereas a severe break will show almost immediately, so it is important to begin an effective treatment method. Some of the signs of a broken toe can include pain, swelling, and it may be difficult to walk. Mild relief can be found when the affected foot is elevated. Many patients choose to tape the toe to the toe next to it, and this is referred to as buddy taping. This can be helpful in providing stability as the healing process begins. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat broken toes.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising on the skin and toenail
  • The inability to move the toe
  • Toe appears crooked or disfigured
  • Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Wednesday, 01 July 2020 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

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