Symptoms and Diagnosis of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, most often between the toes or along the soles. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, scaling, peeling skin, cracking, or small blisters that can cause discomfort when walking. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot by reviewing symptoms, examining the affected skin, and, when needed, taking a small skin sample to confirm the presence of fungus. Accurate diagnosis is important because other skin conditions can cause similar symptoms. Once identified, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate medical treatment, monitor healing, address contributing factors, like moisture or footwear, and help prevent recurrence through professional guidance. If you believe you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 podiatrists from Bergen Foot & Ankle.  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 our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Essential Facts About Bunions and Foot Health

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to shift and the toe to angle inward. Genetics can play a significant role in bunion development, as foot structure traits are often inherited. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing certain shoes. Ill-fitting footwear that is tight, narrow, or high-heeled can worsen the condition, over time. Risk factors include flat feet, arthritis, and prolonged pressure on the big toe joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of a bunion, recommend proper footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer medical or surgical treatment options. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

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

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Pickleball and Ankle Pain

Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that places repeated stress on the ankles through quick direction changes, sudden stops, and lateral movements. Hurt ankles often result from ligament strain, overuse, or improper foot positioning during play. Risk factors include inadequate warm-up, poor balance, uneven court surfaces, and wearing shoes without proper support or traction. Previous ankle injuries and weak stabilizing muscles can also increase the chance of pain or sprain. A podiatrist can assess ankle stability, identify biomechanical issues, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and create a treatment plan to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If ankle pain is limiting your pickleball performance or daily activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to restore strength, prevent future injury, and keep you confidently on the court.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Posterior Tibial Nerve Pain

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel near the inner ankle. This nerve compression can cause pain that radiates along the arch, heel, or toes. Common symptoms include burning sensations, tingling, numbness, sharp pain, or aching that worsens with walking or prolonged standing. Causes may include flat feet, swelling, injury, cysts, varicose veins, or inflammation that increases pressure within the tarsal tunnel. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation to identify the source of nerve irritation and confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, activity modification, and targeted therapies to relieve pressure on the nerve. Early care helps reduce discomfort and prevent long-term nerve damage. If you have pain near the inner ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Bergen Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
  • Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
  • The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
  • If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Fort Lee, NJ and Flushing, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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