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Athlete’s foot or Tinea Pedis, is a fungal infection that can produce a red, itchy, stinging, flaky rash on the uppermost layer of skin between the toes and on top of the foot. The microorganism responsible for  Athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton, which loves moist, warm environments. Athlete’s foot can spread through skin-to-skin contact at the site where the fungus lives. It can also spread indirectly, through contact with a contaminated area or object such as shoes, towels, socks and more. Untreated Athlete’s foot may spread the infection from toe to toe, or even to the hands in rare cases. If you believe you have Athlete’s foot call a podiatrist as soon as possible to determine what treatment option is best for you. 

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 Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . 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 Merrillville, East Chicago, and Munster, IN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Heel pain is very common and can be caused by a variety of foot and ankle problems. A stabbing pain in the heel that is at its worst in the morning or after a long period of rest may indicate plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. Pain in the back of the heel and back of the ankle may be due to Achilles tendonitis. In children between the ages of 8 and 14, one common cause of heel pain is Sever’s disease, an inflammation of the growth plate of the heel bone. If you are experiencing heel pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Merrillville, East Chicago, and Munster, IN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Becoming a podiatrist requires extensive education. Aspiring podiatrists first get a bachelor’s degree which is usually focused on biology, chemistry, and anatomy, along with the necessary prerequisites for attending an accredited medical school, where they will graduate with a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This is followed by a medical and surgical residency at an approved health care facility. Some podiatrists continue their education with a post-graduate fellowship. To become a licensed podiatrist in the United States, the doctor must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination. Additionally, podiatrists may opt to become board certified with certain organizations, including the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). Podiatrists usually engage in continuing medical education to maintain their license to practice and to stay abreast of industry trends. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, East Chicago, and Munster, IN, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.