Items filtered by date: December 2024

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks and shoes. Symptoms include itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blisters. While athlete's foot primarily affects the feet, it can spread to other areas of the body if not treated properly. The infection can spread to the hands if a person touches the affected area and then touches other parts of their body. Additionally, the fungus can spread to the nails or even the groin area in some cases. It is important to maintain good foot hygiene and treat the infection promptly with antifungal medications to prevent it from spreading to other areas. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which often includes prescribed medication.

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 one of our doctors from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists.  Our doctor 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 our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Common causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or trauma. When conservative measures fail, a podiatrist may recommend nail removal techniques to resolve the issue. One type of ingrown toenail surgery involves partial nail avulsion, where the affected edge of the toenail is carefully removed while preserving the healthy nail plate. To prevent recurrence, a lateral matricectomy may be performed, which involves removing or destroying the nail-forming tissue on the side of the nail to stop regrowth of the problematic section. Electrocautery, a method that uses heat from an electrical current, is often used during this process to precisely target and destroy the nail matrix. In cases of significant infection or tissue overgrowth, the surrounding granulation tissue may also be removed to restore the toe’s natural shape. If you have a painful or infected ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Spending hours on your feet at work can lead to pain and problems in the feet, toes, and ankles. Common conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions can develop or worsen due to prolonged standing, often linked to wearing poorly fitting shoes that lack adequate support. Wearing shoes with proper arch support and a slight heel elevation, ideally between one quarter to two inches, can help reduce foot strain. Ensuring shoes fit correctly, with adequate space for toes and a secure heel, prevents issues like blisters and circulatory problems. Stretching exercises, such as calf raises and wall stretches, can improve blood flow, ease muscle tension, and reduce discomfort after long shifts. A podiatrist can assist with diagnosing the source of foot pain and may recommend exercises, custom orthotics, or other ways to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. This foot doctor can also provide suggestions on selecting footwear that best supports your specific needs. If you often experience foot pain after working on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our doctors from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Stress fractures in the feet and ankles are tiny cracks in the bones, usually caused by repetitive force or overuse. While common among athletes, especially runners, dancers, and gymnasts, stress fractures can also impact non-athletes. Factors like sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, or even conditions like osteoporosis can weaken bones, making them more prone to these micro-injuries. Symptoms of a stress fracture include localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling. Pain often intensifies with activity and improves with rest but can become persistent if left untreated. Treatment generally involves rest and limiting weight-bearing activities. For severe fractures, a boot or crutches may be necessary to allow healing. Customized orthotics can help prevent re-injury. If you have sustained a foot or ankle stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bleeding cracked heels are a painful condition often caused by excessive dryness and pressure on the skin of the feet. When the skin on the heels becomes dry, it can lose its elasticity and begin to crack. If these cracks deepen, they may bleed. One common cause is prolonged standing or walking, especially on hard surfaces, which puts additional pressure on the heels. Other contributing factors include footwear that does not provide adequate support, obesity, or conditions like diabetes and eczema that affect skin health. Additionally, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as cold weather or hot water, can increase dryness. To prevent bleeding cracked heels, it is important to regularly moisturize the feet, wear supportive shoes, and avoid standing for long periods. Cracked heels can be painful, and it may be difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat cracked heels.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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