Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the skin, often affects the spaces between the toes. This condition is caused by various fungi, including trichophyton and epidermophyton, thriving in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms and swimming pool areas. Symptoms typically manifest as redness, itching, and a burning sensation, particularly between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may peel, crack, or develop blisters, contributing to discomfort. Athlete's foot can extend to the soles of the feet, causing scaling and thickening of the skin. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the toenails, leading to additional complications. Recognizing these symptoms is important for early intervention, as untreated athletes' foot can persist and potentially spread to other parts of the body. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.

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 the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists.  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 one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, a common foot deformity, is characterized by the gradual misalignment of the big toe joint, causing a bony protrusion on the side of the foot. This condition develops when the big toe consistently pushes against the next toe, gradually altering the joint's structure. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, particularly tight shoes or high heels, is a primary culprit, as they force the toes into unnatural positions. Genetic factors also play a role, with some individuals inheriting a predisposition to bunions. Foot mechanics, such as overpronation or flat feet, contribute to the misalignment, increasing the risk. Arthritis, particularly inflammatory types, may exacerbate bunion formation. Additionally, trauma or injury to the foot can accelerate the development of bunions. Recognizing the multifaceted causes of bunions is important for preventive measures. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief techniques.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact the podiatrists of Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Turf toe is a specific type of injury that primarily affects the big toe. It is a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, which connects the big toe to the foot and can result in toe pain. The name turf toe is derived from its common occurrence in athletes who play on artificial turf surfaces, but it can affect anyone. This injury typically occurs when the toe is hyperextended, causing damage to the ligaments and tendons that support the MTP joint. Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected toe. In some cases, there may be bruising as well. Turf toe can be a painful and debilitating condition, and often requires medical attention from a podiatrist. If you have endured this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can effectively diagnose and treat the cause of this toe pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.