Athlete's Foot

What is Athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes.

The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth.

The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Because the infection was common among athletes who used these facilities frequently, the term "athlete's foot" became popular.
Not all fungus conditions are athlete's foot. Other conditions, such as disturbances of the sweat mechanism, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis, may mimic athlete's foot.

Symptoms

The signs of athlete's foot, singly or combined, are dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads.

Athlete's foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere. The organisms causing athlete's foot may persist for long periods. Consequently, the infection may be spread by contaminated bed sheets or clothing to other parts of the body.

Prevention

It is not easy to prevent athlete's foot because it is usually contracted in dressing rooms, showers, and swimming pool locker rooms where bare feet come in contact with the fungus. However, you can do much to prevent infection by practicing good foot hygiene. Daily washing of the feet with soap and water; drying carefully, especially between the toes; and changing shoes and hose regularly to decrease moisture, help prevent the fungus from infecting the feet. Also helpful is daily use of a quality foot powder.

Tips

• Avoid walking barefoot; use shower shoes.
• Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder.
• Wear light and airy shoes.
• Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.

Treatment

Fungicidal and fungistatic chemicals, used for athlete's foot treatment, frequently fail to contact the fungi in the horny layers of the skin. Topical or oral antifungal drugs are prescribed with growing frequency.

In mild cases of the infection it is important to keep the feet dry by dusting foot powder in shoes and hose. The feet should be bathed frequently and all areas around the toes dried thoroughly.

Consult Your Podiatrist

If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self care, and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult your podiatrist. We will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, will usually be suggested. Such a treatment appears to provide better resolution of the problem, when the patient observes the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist; if it's shortened, failure of the treatment is common.
If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics, such as penicillin, that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria may be prescribed.

We have been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

If you have had persistant athlete's foot, please give me a call at 309-661-9975 or visit our website to make an appointment.

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Foot for Thought - September 24, 2009

Upcoming Events

Today's Foot for Thought is to inform you of some of the exciting events that Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates will be participating in around Bloomington/Normal Illinois in the next few weeks.

• On October 3rd, we will be participating in the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. See the banner at the top of the blog to register or visit their website to learn more.
• On October 5th, we will have a booth at the McLean County Senior Expo. This expo provides a full day of activities, games, giveaways, health screenings & seminars, as well as, refreshments and entertainment for McLean County seniors on this special day that is dedicated to them. This event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. We will be at booth #59.

On September 23rd, I was invited to WJBC (a local radio station) to give a Healthy Cell Update. Once the podcast is posted on their website, I will link to it here.

We are also the cover story/feature article in the October edition of Healthy Cells Magazine. Once the article is posted on their website, I will link to it here.

So if you are in the area, feel free to stop by our booths for free samples, pens, shoehorns, and a drawing for a free pair of Crocs RX footwear.

Hope to see you out. Have a great weekend!

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Plantar Warts

As summer draws to a close, many of us have an uninvited guest on the bottom of our feet as a result of traipsing around without shoes on. A plantar wart is the product of a virus that can enter our bodies through small cuts in the skin. This virus (human Papillomavirus or HPV) has been known to be resistant to traditional over the counter remedies.

What is “Verruca”?

Verruca is the medical term used to describe a wart. In the feet a wart is referred to as verruca plantaris. These small, mostly flesh colored ‘bumps’ tend to grow on the weight bearing parts of our feet (the most likely place for a skin tear). They sometimes have black dots associated within the lesion itself – these are tiny blood vessels that help the wart survive. Attacking this blood supply is one way your podiatrist can stop a wart from multiplying.

How do I get a wart?

You acquire warts through direct contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types of HPV tend to cause warts on your hands, fingers or near your fingernails. Others tend to cause warts on your feet. The virus that causes plantar warts isn't highly contagious, but it thrives in warm, moist environments including:

• shower floors
• locker rooms
• public swimming areas

It’s important to NOT walk barefoot in these areas to minimize the risk of contracting HPV. It is also very important to address any issues regarding sweaty feet (the ultimate warm, moist environment!) at the time of wart treatment to help prevent future breakouts.

Treatment Options

Plantar warts are known to be difficult to treat → the high rate of skin shedding on your foot leads to an outgrowth of new warts often before the original lesion has been fully treated. Generally, the over the counter treatment options do not work simply because of the concentration of the medicines in them. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in these therapies and one that can easily damage healthy skin if not used correctly. A few common treatment options that your podiatrist may apply are:

• Freezing (cryotherapy, or liquid nitrogen therapy: This involves applying liquid nitrogen with a spray canister or cotton-tipped applicator to freeze and destroy your wart. This treatment isn't too painful and is often effective, although you may need repeated treatments. The chemical causes a blister to form around your wart, and the dead tissue sloughs off within a week or so.
• Cantharidin: This is a substance extracted from the blister beetle. Typically, the extract is paired with salicylic acid and is applied to the plantar wart and covered with a bandage. The application is painless, but the resulting skin blister can be uncomfortable. Your doctor clips away the dead part of the wart in about a week.
• Laser surgery: There are several different types of lasers used to remove stubborn warts. Laser surgery is more painful and can require multiple sessions to treat the warts.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment option involves the use of antigens to stimulate your immune system and make it ‘react’ to the wart itself.
• Minor surgery: This involves cutting away the wart or destroying the wart by using a numbing agent on the skin and removing the entire wart. This treatment can work well for warts that are small in number and size and have been difficult to treat with other options

For more information about warts and the treatment options associated with warts, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Foot for Thought - September 17, 2009

Orthotic Tips

Now that you know what orthotics are, here are 4 small tips from the APMA that you should follow if you are prescribed custom made orthotics.

• Bring and wear your orthotics with you whenever you purchase a new pair of shoes.
• Try on the shoes with socks or stockings if that’s how you’ll be wearing those shoes.
• Return as directed for a follow-up evaluation of the functioning of your orthotics. This is important to make certain that your feet and orthotics are functioning properly together.
• Remember podiatrists are the orthotic experts. Your podiatric physician will make sure that the proper orthotic is prescribed to meet your specific needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about your orthotics, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Orthotics 101: How They Can Help You

Recently we discussed Orthotics for your children. Today I want to give you an overview of orthotics and how they can help everyone with foot problems.

Orthotics are custom molded devices which are designed specifically for your feet and then placed in your shoes. They are intended to correct abnormal foot biomechanics. They perform functions that make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient by altering the angles at which the foot strikes a walking or running surface. Doctors of podiatric medicine prescribe orthotics as a conservative approach to many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery; their use is a highly successful, practical form of treatment.

Orthotics take various forms and are constructed of various materials. They fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection. Orthotics can be categorized as rigid, semi-rigid, and soft.

The so-called rigid orthotic device, designed to control function, may be made of a firm material such as plastic or carbon fiber and is used primarily for walking or dress shoes. It is generally fabricated from a plaster mold of the individual foot. The finished device normally extends along the sole from the heel to the ball or toes of the foot. It is worn mostly in closed shoes with a heel height under two inches.

The semi-rigid orthotic provides for dynamic balance of the foot while walking or participating in sports. Each sport has its own demands and each sport orthotic needs to be constructed appropriately with the specific sport and athlete in mind. This functional dynamic orthotic helps guide the foot through proper functions, allowing the muscles and tendons to perform more efficiently. The classic, semi-rigid orthotic is constructed of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials.

The soft orthotic device helps to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. It is usually constructed of soft, compressible materials, and may be molded by the action of the foot in walking or fashioned over a plaster impression of the foot. This orthotic usually extends from the heel past the ball of the foot to include the toes. The advantage of any soft orthotic device is that it may be easily adjusted to changing weight-bearing forces. The disadvantage is that it must be periodically replaced or refurbished.

Various other orthotics may be used for multidirectional sports or edge-control sports by casting the foot within the ski boot, ice skate boot, or inline skate boot. Combinations of semi-flexible material and soft material to accommodate painful areas are utilized for specific problems.

Only a licensed health care professional can diagnose and prescribe medical treatments, including orthotics. There are some outstanding over-the-counter products which your podiatrist may recommend as an interim treatment, but remember that you will want the advice of your podiatrist before buying these devices from a retail store, since wearing the wrong type of insert can be detrimental to feet, especially for people with diabetes or arthritis.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthotics or if you need orthotics, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Foot for Thought - September 10, 2009

Since Tuesday's blog post dealt with fall exercise. Today's Foot for Thought gives you some basic tips to keep your feet in tip top shape as you transition from an indoor to outdoor routine or vice versa.

Fall is often a transition period for many exercisers. Those in the colder climates start to head indoors as the weather cools and the conditions outside become less conducive to outdoor exercise. In the west, however, many who were exercising indoors due to the extremely high temperatures will be more comfortable outdoors again. Whatever direction you’re headed, here are some reminder tips for indoor and outdoor exercise.

• See your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. A visit to your podiatric physician can help you determine if you’re getting the optimal result from your body, specifically from your feet and ankles. An exam by a podiatrist can determine if you are excessively pronating (turning your feet inward) or supinating (feet leaning out) and whether a prescription orthotic can give you relief from heel pain, ankle strain, and shin splints.


• Stretching before and after any aerobic activity can help prevent injuries. Check with your podiatrist to determine the best stretching exercises for your particular sport. Since muscles that haven’t been properly prepared tend to be injured more easily, make sure to start out with some light cardiovascular activities, such as easy jogging or brisk walking, just to get your muscles going. Stretching after the muscles are slightly warm will help you maximize your overall workout.


• Drink plenty of water while working out. Drinking water will help reduce your chance of becoming dehydrated. Even when the weather cools down significantly, it’s also important to stay hydrated.

To discuss your fall workout transition and how it can affect your feet, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Look Out Below!

As cooler temperatures approach, many of us are changing our exercise routines and either moving indoors to tracks and treadmills or outdoors to trails and paths to keep up with our walking routines. But before you head out for a stroll, consider the type of surface and terrain that you’ll be walking on. Concrete and asphalt can be hard on your bones and joints, while uneven terrains such as hiking trails, although soft, can make you more vulnerable to twisting injuries such as ankle sprains. Wherever you walk, it’s important to have the appropriate shoe gear that provides your foot with protection, control, and stability.

Indoor tracks and treadmills provide excellent shock absorption and are forgiving on joints and bones. However, if you’re walking on a track, be sure to change directions periodically so that you have even pressure on both feet. Your outdoor running or walking shoe will provide excellent support indoors as well. Your podiatric physician can make recommendations for you regarding the best shoe for any surface.

On outdoor trails, especially in wooded areas, you have a higher risk of injuries. Slow your pace so you can navigate the uneven terrain. You may want to choose a shoe with more ankle support. On the beach, never run or walk barefoot. While the beach can be easier on your bones, the risks here are greater, so caution with the sand is important.

Asphalt surfaces are somewhat forgiving. If you are walking on a road, however, walk against traffic so drivers can see you, and wear bright, reflective clothing. Walk or jog on sidewalks whenever possible. Many roads are “canted” or angled to the curb. Running or walking on these roads can contribute to imbalance leading to injury or fatigue.

Concrete is the hardest surface to walk on, sometimes up to ten times harder than asphalt. Limit the amount of time you walk on concrete, and make sure that your shoes are in good shape and still have all their cushioning intact. Alternate walks on all surfaces if possible to keep your feet safe and happy this season.

If you have any questions or concerns about the kinds of surfaces you are exercising on, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Foot for Thought - September 3, 2009

Today's Foot for Thought focuses on some basic foot care guidelines taken from our website that everyone should follow to help maintain happy and healthy feet.

Basic Foot Care Guidelines

• Don't ignore foot pain. It's not normal. If the pain persists, contact our office.
• Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate Athlete's Foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
• Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
• Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation, or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
• Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest, and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
• Select and wear the right shoe for the activity that you are engaged in (e.g. running shoes for running).
• Alternate shoes -- don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
• Avoid walking barefooted. Your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sunblock on your feet as the rest of your body.
• Be cautious when using home remedies for foot ailments. Self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one.
• If you are a diabetic, contact our office and schedule a check-up at least once a year.

If you are experiencing any pain or would like to discuss your foot care on a more personal level, please contact me at 309-661-9975 or visit our website.

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Give Shoes the "1,2,3 Test" During Back-to-School Shopping

In keeping with our recent posts on children's foot care as they go back to school, the following was taken from the American Podiatric Medical Association's website. It can be found here.

As parents across the country check off school items from their shopping lists, remember one of the most important purchases that can be made for children this season—foot-friendly shoes. Whether on the school bus, in the classroom or on the playground, a properly constructed and well-fitted pair of shoes can drastically reduce a child’s risk of injury, from conditions such as blisters to more serious injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, strains and even fractures.

"Ensuring a child wears a shoe that fits properly is paramount to keeping feet healthy during the school year,” said APMA President Ronald D. Jensen, DPM. “By taking just a few extra minutes to examine a shoe before purchase, parents can rest assured that their child will be keeping their feet safe to and from school, as well as during the busy school day.”

One easy way to determine if a child’s shoe is foot-friendly is to perform the “1,2,3 Test.” First, press on both sides of the back of the shoe’s heel. Make sure that it does not collapse when pushed on. Second, check toe flexibility. The shoe should bend with your child’s toes, but should not be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area. Third, grab the shoe by the front and back and twist gently. A foot-friendly shoe should never twist easily in the middle. Here are several more shoe shopping tips to help start the school year off on the right foot:

• Take your child shoe shopping. Letting a child have a say in the shoe buying process promotes healthy foot habits down the road.
• Examine the heels. Children often wear through the heels of shoes faster than outgrowing the shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by a podiatrist.
• Look for the Seal of Acceptance. Certain footwear brands, such as the Reebok Classic Leather Collection and Asics’ GEL-Nimbus model, carry the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. APMA’s Seal program recognizes products that set the benchmark for footwear and foot care industries, and have been evaluated by a team of podiatrists to guarantee proper foot function.
• Remember socks when shopping. Make sure to have your child try on shoes with socks or tights, if that is how they will be worn, in order to ensure a proper fit.

For more shoe shopping tips, please click here. For a full list of children’s footwear that has received the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, please click here.

For more information about properly fitting your children with the proper shoes, please contact Dr. Lockwood at 309-661-9975 or at our website.

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