Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often causing peeling, itching, redness, and a burning sensation. Eczema is a noninfectious skin condition that creates dry, scaly, or inflamed patches and may cause intense itching without the presence of fungus. Athlete’s foot commonly appears between the toes, while eczema can affect any area of the foot and often feels rough or irritated rather than burning. A podiatrist can perform an examination to determine the correct diagnosis, provide antifungal treatment for athlete’s foot, or guide soothing care for eczema. If you are unsure about a persistent foot rash, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective 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 one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors 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 Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion develops when the big toe gradually shifts toward the smaller toes, causing a noticeable bump on the side of the foot and irritation around the big toe joint. This change, known medically as hallux valgus, often leads to soreness in the toes, redness around the joint, and areas of thickened skin under the ball of the foot. Some people experience numbness if nearby nerves become irritated, and stiffness in the big toe can make walking uncomfortable. Shoes that lack adequate support or have narrow designs often increase pressure on the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the alignment of the toes, check joint movement, and recommend a treatment plan. Supportive footwear with a wide toe box, custom orthotics, and padding can ease pressure on the joint, while surgery corrects the underlying misalignment when pain is severe. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. 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 office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle sprains are common in football due to sudden changes in direction, tackles, uneven surfaces, and high-impact movements. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Sprains are classified by severity. First degree involves mild ligament stretching with minimal swelling and usually recovers within one to two weeks. Second degree includes partial ligament tears, moderate swelling and bruising, and may take three to six weeks to heal. Third degree is a complete tear, causing severe pain, instability, and requiring six to twelve weeks or longer for recovery. A podiatrist can assess the injury, provide bracing or supportive devices, recommend rehabilitation exercises, and guide a safe return to play. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer effective treatment solutions.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Plymouth, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It is not a true neuroma but can be debilitating, causing numbness, burning, or tingling. The condition often develops due to chronic trauma from repetitive pressure or activity, entrapment of the nerve between the metatarsal bones, inflammation of the intermetatarsal bursa that cushions the area, or damage from reduced blood flow. Chronic trauma refers to repeated stress that irritates the nerve, entrapment occurs when the nerve is compressed, bursitis causes swelling and irritation, and poor blood flow limits oxygen supply to the tissues. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend orthotics, footwear modifications, injections, or surgical options, if necessary. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and effective relief solutions for what may be going on.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Greater Boston Foot Care, PLLC. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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