While dry skin and athlete's foot may seem similar due to their effects on the feet, they are distinct conditions with unique causes and symptoms. Dry skin occurs when the skin loses moisture, becoming rough, flaky, and sometimes itchy. This can result from environmental factors such as cold weather or prolonged exposure to hot water. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often between the toes. The symptoms of athlete's foot include redness, itching, burning sensations, peeling, and the development of blisters. The infection may also cause the skin to crack and bleed in severe cases. Unlike dry skin, athlete's foot is contagious and spreads in warm, damp environments like public showers or locker rooms. Treatment for athlete's foot usually involves antifungal medications, while dry skin is mostly managed with moisturizers and lifestyle adjustments to prevent further irritation. If you have symptoms of either ailment, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine which condition it is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
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. Randy Garr from Bigfoot 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 Provo, UT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, intense pain and inflammation in the joints, most commonly affecting the big toe. It occurs when uric acid, a waste product from the breakdown of purines in food, builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. There are several causes of gout, including genetics, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in purine-rich foods such as red meat and seafood. Certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease can also increase the risk. When uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, they trigger an inflammatory response, leading to swelling, redness, and severe pain. Over time, repeated gout attacks can damage the affected joints, causing long-term issues such as joint deformity and reduced mobility. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Randy Garr from Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sesamoiditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help with the pressure and movement of the toe during walking and running. Sesamoiditis is a common cause of metatarsalgia, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. The most common cause of sesamoiditis is repetitive pressure or trauma, often resulting from activities like running or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain under the big toe, swelling, and tenderness, particularly when walking, running, or pressing on the area. The pain may worsen with activities that put extra pressure on the feet. To diagnose sesamoiditis, a podiatrist will typically conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat sesamoiditis.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Randy Garr of Bigfoot Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Sudden increase in activity
Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Provo, UT. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle 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.
