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7 Most Common Foot Problems – Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

June 23, 2021 By Heather

Prevent foot pain and agony from stealing your mobility and wellness. Knowing what causes common foot problems and how to deal with them will help you continue a healthy and productive life.

Causes and treatments of common foot problems

yourfootpalace.com gathered the following information about 7 significant and common foot problems, what causes them, how to treat them, and how to prevent them.

7 Common Foot Problems

The following 7 foot problems are common and easily treatable when addressed in their earliest stages.

Plantar Fasciitis

Common foot problems plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia (the tough tissue stretching from the heel bone to the base of the toes.

Causes – Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by repetitive strain injury to the plantar fascia. This strain injury can occur from excessive running or walking, inadequately fitted footgear, and jumping injury from strained landings.

Symptoms – Plantar fasciitis will typically cause stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot (usually near the heel). The pain is usually at its most acute with the first few steps after awakening; the condition can also be triggered by standing for long periods or getting up after sitting.

Treatment – Most plantar fasciitis treatment plans include resting, icing the painful area, and stretching. More severe cases may require medication, orthotics, and even surgery.

Recovery Time – 6 to 12 months (or more) with continuous care and treatment.

Prevention – Use exercises and stretches designed to prevent plantar fasciitis daily.

Read more on plantar fasciitis.

Neuropathy (Peripheral Neuropathy)

Common foot problems peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is often the result of damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves)

Causes – Neuropathy can result from physical injury, infection, exposure to toxic substances, or conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, or malnutrition.

Symptoms – Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or severe muscle weakness in different parts of the body (usually the extremities). This condition typically begins in the hands or feet and spreads, getting worse with time.

Treatment – Depending on the cause of your neuropathy, you may be prescribed a multi-faceted treatment approach, including:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Topical Treatments
  • Pain Relievers
  • Anti-seizure Medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Surgery

Neuropathy-related nerve pain may be relieved by medications like gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica).

Note: In many cases, your doctor may recommend waiting to see if your neuropathy conditions improve before considering any treatments.

Recovery Time – If neuropathy symptoms diminish, the process will be gradual, requiring several months.

Prevention – While peripheral neuropathy may be caused by factors beyond your control, you can significantly reduce your risk for this condition by avoiding alcohol, correcting vitamin deficiencies, consuming a healthy diet, maintaining your weight and BMI below risk factors, avoiding toxins, and exercising regularly.

Learn more about peripheral neuropathy.

Metatarsalgia

Common foot problems metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is a very common overuse condition affecting either or both feet in which the ball of your foot (the area between the arches and toes) becomes inflamed and painful.

Causes – Being a frequent runner, wearing poorly fitting shoes or high heels, and excess weight can lead to metatarsalgia. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout, these conditions can exacerbate metatarsalgia.

Symptoms – Metatarsalgia symptoms are usually localized in or around the ball of your foot and can include:

  • Aching and/or burning pain in the ball of your foot
  • Sharp, shooting pain in your toes
  • Numbness or tingling in your toes
  • Intensifying pain when walking, running, or exercising then eases when at rest
  • Ongoing sensation of a pebble under your foot – in your shoe

The main symptom associated with metatarsalgia is a sharp, dull, or burning pain at the end of one or more of the metatarsal bones. metatarsalgia does not usually occur suddenly. Rather it builds up over several months.

Treatment – Metatarsalgia treatment is typically determined by analyzing the cause and severity of the condition and your pain. Many times, treatment for mild to moderate symptoms include the following conservative measures:

  • Staying off/Resting your feet
  • Changing your footwear
  • Using orthotic sole inserts
  • Using arch supports

When these measures fail to relieve your discomfort, consider the following:

  • Ice your foot multiple times per day
  • If you are overweight, lose weight
  • Use an over-the-counter pain reliever/anti-inflammatory (discuss the benefits and potential side-effects with your doctor before taking any medication)
  • Elevate your foot (above your waist) after activity

You may need to modify some of your activities:

  • Avoid wearing shoes with high-heels
  • Take a break from high-impact sports
  • Exclude high-impact activities and include low-impact activities like swimming and cycling
  • Make time for frequent relaxing spa days

Tip: A reflexology massage may relieve foot pain and discomfort, as it focuses on the foot’s pressure points.

Recovery Time – Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take 6-8 weeks for the condition to improve and multiple months for it to completely heal.

Prevention – Protect your feet from undue stress and hard or repeated impacts.

  • Maintain healthy body weight
  • Use shoe inserts
  • Use custom made orthotics

Read more about metatarsalgia.

Athlete’s Foot

Common problemsof feet athletes foot

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a skin and foot infection that can be caused by a variety of different fungi. Although tinea pedis can affect any portion of the foot, the infection most often affects the space between the toes.

Causes – Tinea pedis spreads through contact with infected skin scales or contact with fungi in damp areas like showers, locker rooms, swimming pools, etc. Tinea pedis can be a chronic infection that recurs frequently.

Symptoms – Athlete’s foot is typically identified by skin fissures or scales that can be red and itchy.

Treatment – Treatment may include topical creams and powders applied to the skin surface or oral medications.

Recovery Time – It can take 6 months or more to see improvements in conditions, and depending on your diligence in control measures, it may take one year or more to fully eradicate this condition from your home and clothing.

Prevention – dermatologists recommend that you take the following precautions to prevent contracting athlete’s foot:

  • Wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when walking around pools, gyms, shower or locker areas, and hotel rooms
  • Even if you have not gone barefoot in public areas, keep your feet dry
  • Wash your feet every day with soap and completely dry them afterward
  • Wear socks made of fabrics that dry quickly or wick moisture away from the skin, and be sure to change your socks every day
  • Alternate the shoes you wear daily, if possible, to make sure shoes are dry when they are put on
  • If you live with someone who has athlete’s foot, don’t share towels, linens, socks, or shoes
  • Wear shoes when in areas where infected feet have been
  • If your athlete’s foot is not improving or is worsening, see a board-certified dermatologist

Read more about athlete’s foot.

Heel Spurs

Common foot problems heel spurs

Also known as calcaneal spurs or osteophytes, a heel spur is a bony outgrowth calcium deposit that usually occurs on the underside of a person’s foot.

Causes – Heel spurs occur when calcium deposits build up on the underside of the heel bone. This process usually occurs over many months. Heel spurs are often caused by strains on foot muscles and ligaments, continuous stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing or injuring of the membrane that envelopes the heel bone.

Symptoms – Heel spurs often cause no symptoms. However, heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain while walking, jogging, or running. The cause of the pain is not the heel spur but the soft tissue injured from it.

Some describe heel spurs and associated plantar fasciitis as a knife or pin jabbing into the bottom of their feet when first standing up in the morning that fades into a dull ache. That sharp pain usually returns after standing up after sitting for a prolonged time.

Treatment – Heel spurs are treated by measures intended to decrease the associated inflammation while avoiding reinjury.

  • Local ice applications both reduce pain and inflammation
  • Anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil), or injections of cortisone, are often helpful
  • Orthotic devices or shoe inserts can take pressure off plantar spurs (donut-shaped insert)
  • Heel lifts can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon to relieve painful bone spurs at the back of the heel

Tip: Sports or running shoes with soft, cushioned soles can be helpful in reducing irritation and discomfort of inflamed tissues from heel spurs.

Surgery may be performed on chronically inflamed spurs as a last resort.

Recovery Time – Healing can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the spur and how it is treated.

Note: Overweight patients or those who procrastinate seeing a doctor for a diagnosis are likely to suffer longer and are highly likely to have the pain come back.

Prevention – prevent heel spurs by wearing well-fitting shoes with rigid shanks and supportive heel counters. Warming up and stretching your feet before physical activity.

Claw Toe

Common foot problems claw toe

Claw toes, as the name implies, are toes bent into an abnormal claw-like shape. This condition is also called mallet or hammertoe. The condition usually occurs in the four smaller toes of your foot in the middle and end joints.

Causes – Most of the time, an imbalance of foot muscles causes claw toes. Specifically, toe muscles will contract too far, tighten the tendons, and bend the joints. Foot muscles can become unbalanced due to the following:

  • Genetics
  • Poorly-fitting shoes
  • Polio
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Diabetic nerve damage
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Nerve damage caused by alcoholism
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
  • Spinal cord tumors
  • Stroke (the stroke-side foot is affected)
  • Physical trauma

Symptoms – Claw toe symptoms occur beyond the toes and can include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Corns
  • Calluses
  • Blisters

Note: Ulcers are a rare symptom, but they do occur.

Treatment – There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for claw toes. Most of them you can do at home. Nonsurgical treatments for claw toes include:

  • Wear pads, arch supports, or other shoe inserts to cushion the toe
  • Wear shoes with larger toe boxes, low heels, and good arch support
  • Wear shoes with increased width and depth, with soft soles and minimal seams in the toebox
  • Strengthen and stretch toe muscles through focused exercises
  • Use a splint or tape to hold your toes where they should sit
  • Avoid high heels
  • Avoid tight shoes

The severity of your claw toes will determine what type of surgery you’ll require. Your healthcare provider will categorize your claw toe as early or late stage, either flexible or rigid. Surgical treatments for claw toes include:

  • Temporarily inserting a steel pin to hold the toe in the correct position until healing occurs
  • Tendon lengthening and/or rerouting
  • Shortening the bones of the phalanx
  • Toe fusion

Recovery Time – For surgical treatments, you’ll need a minimum of 12 to 18 weeks of recovery time.

Prevention – Wear shoes that do not constrict your toes. Use exercises like extending, then curling the toes, splaying the toes, and moving the toes individually may help prevent the digital contracture that causes claw toe. Such exercises work to keep foot muscles strong and pliable.

Bunions

Common foot problems bunions

A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.

Causes – Foot pressure caused by the way you walk or the shape of your foot causes your big toe to abnormally bend in toward the second toe. Bunions are gradually occurring.

Standing for long periods and wearing poorly-fitting, narrow shoes can exacerbate bunion pain but do not cause the problem.

Symptoms – A bunion will cause your big toe to bend inward, turn red and become swollen. Other symptoms include:

  • Claw toes (see above)
  • Numbness in the big toe
  • Trouble bending the big toe, or pain and burning when trying to bend it
  • Difficulty wearing regular or narrow shoes
  • Corns or calluses (thickened skin)

Tip: Many times, foot problems or disorders are actually symptoms of larger, more complicated conditions.

Treatment – Bunions don’t just go away. Treatment likely will focus on relieving symptoms and may include the following:

  • Orthotic devices: Over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts can help control toe alignment issues that may be contributing to bunion formation. You can also place a spacer between the big and second toe. Some people find relief by wearing a splint overnight to keep the big toe straight.
  • Footwear changes: Switching to shoes with wide, deep toe boxes can take pressure off of your toes.
  • Bunion pads and taping: Store-bought bunion pads can cushion the affected area and ease the pain. You can also use medical tape to keep the foot in the correct position.
  • Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be combined with ice packs to help manage pain and swelling.
  • Therapy: Massage, physical therapy, and ultrasound therapy can break up soft-tissue adhesions, reducing pain and inflammation. There are exercises that can help improve muscle strength around the bunion and can improve alignment.
  • Injections: Steroid injections can reduce pain and swelling but may also cause damage if used too often or injected into the joint itself. This is typically a later stage bunion treatment when trying to avoid surgery.
  • Surgery: When nonsurgical treatments show little to no improvement and walking becomes extremely painful, your primary care physician/provider may recommend surgery. This surgery is referred to as a bunionectomy and removes the bunion while realigning bones to bring the big toe back into the correct position.

Recovery Time – For surgical treatments, you’ll need a minimum of 12 to 18 weeks of recovery time.

Prevention – The following can help you prevent painful bunions:

  • Note the shape of your feet as they age, especially if bunions run in your family
  • Exercise the feet to strengthen them
  • Only wear shoes that fit properly and avoid cramping or pinching your toes
  • Avoid shoes with high heels or pointed toes

Tip: Treat your feet to frequent spa days. Regular foot massages can help you detect and take early measures to avoid more serious conditions from developing.

Foot Problems

In this article, you discovered 7 of the most common and significant foot problems, their causes, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent them.

Knowing what to do when foot problems occur can save you from developing more severe conditions that can last for years and cause significant pain.

Ignoring foot conditions and not taking action can leave you debilitated, and often requiring avoidable surgeries and extended periods of recovery time.

Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354851
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15890-metatarsalgia
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs
cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes_foot.html
health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what-to-do-about-bunions
ipfh.org/foot-conditions/foot-conditions-a-z/metatarsalgia/prevention-and-treatment-of-metatarsalgia

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens,  GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Athletes Foot, Bunions, Claw Toe, Couples Massage, Foot Massage Athens Ga, Foot Pain, Foot Problems, Health, Health and Wellness, Heel Spurs, Massage Athens, Massage Athens Ga, Massage Places in Athens Ga, Metatarsalgia, Neuropathy, Plantar Fasciitis, Reflexology Athens Ga, Spa In Athens Ga, Wellness

Three Common Foot Problems – Symptoms and Treatment

June 24, 2019 By Heather

Do your feet hurt? That pain may represent a grave illness which can lead to severe debilitation or amputation if not addressed.

Symptoms and treatment of common foot pain problems

Our feet carry much more than our weight, they are responsible for our mobility and our physical stability. When something goes wrong with your feet, it should be addressed immediately before developing into something far more serious.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on three common foot problems, their symptoms, and best treatment options.

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms and Treatment

Athlete’s foot, known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection affecting the feet. The fungus’ bacteria is easily transmitted from person to person by skin contact or any other contaminated surface. The infection typically appears first between the toes, and may spread like a rash to other parts of the feet, including infecting, thickening, and discoloring toenails.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot – The following symptoms may vary from person to person and in intensity:

• Itching, burning, stinging, peeling skin, or wounds between the toes
• Itchy rashes or blisters
• Dry, flaky skin on the soles or sides of your feet
• Cracking and peeling skin on the soles and heels
• Raw, itchy skin on your feet
• Discolored or deformed toenails

Athletes foot symptoms and treatment tinea pedis

If you are experiencing any, or a combination of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician. Treating athlete’s foot may require medication and possible changes in hygiene. You may be referred to a podiatrist (foot doctor) or dermatologist (skin doctor). However, in most cases, your primary care physician can treat your infection successfully.

The following are used to treat athlete’s foot:

Topical Over The Counter (OTC) – Cremes, sprays, and ointments containing clotrimazole or terbinafine hydrochloride are effective in reversing the effects of athlete’s foot in its early stages.

Prescription Topical Medication – More severe cases of athlete’s foot may require more aggressive treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a topical medication containing:

• Ketoconazole
• Oxiconazole
• Sertaconazole
• Sulconazole
• Naftifine
• Clotrimazole
• Econazole
• Butenafine
• Ciclopirox
• Clotrimazole-betamethasone

Prescription Oral Medication – Prescription oral medication typically clears up infections much faster than topical applications. When necessary, the following oral medication may be prescribed:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

While using oral anti-fungal drugs, there is a risk of developing hepatoxicity (chemical-driven liver damage) exacerbated by pre-existing liver disease, chemical components of the drug, drug to drug interactions, environmental factors, and patient demographics. Your doctor may occasionally request blood tests to evaluate and monitor the effects on your liver.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms and Treatment

The plantar fascia is a band of deep tissue running from the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis injuries typically result from overuse, commonly occurring from repetitive actions involving running or jumping. It may also be related to bad or abnormal foot mechanics, improper, or poorly fitting footwear.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms – Plantar fasciitis is the deformation or a tear of this tissue. It may cause the following:

• Irritation
• Inflammation
• Pain

Swollen foot from plantar fasciitis symptoms

Some other factors that increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis may include:

Age – Plantar fasciitis occurs more commonly in people between the ages of 30 and 60.
Obesity – Extra weight can stress the plantar fascia.
Standing – Long term standing on hard surfaces can damage the tissue.

The following treatment and tips may provide relief:

Wear Appropriate Footwear – Use footwear with a good fit, avoiding flat soles with little to no support.

Rest and Stretch – Rest is one key to recovery in cases of overuse. Combining that with daily stretching exercises and frequent massages will aid in the recovery process.

Use a Splint – A splint used at night can help keep your foot and ankle in the proper position while you sleep.

Ice Treatment – Roll your foot on a frozen water bottle for several minutes two to four times per day, or apply an ice pack to the bottom of your foot for 15 minutes, two to three times a day.

If the pain continues, consult your primary care physician.

For more on plantar fasciitis read yourfootpalace.com/how-foot-massage-can-relieve-your-plantar-fasciitis-pain/ and to schedule a foot massage, visit yourfootpalace.com

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and Treatment

Nerve damage from diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. Some form of nerve damage occurs in half of all those affected by diabetes.

Paralysis from diabetic neuropathy foot problems

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy – The following symptoms may occur in those experiencing neuropathy:

• Lack of coordination, stumbling and falling
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness, prickling or tingling in the feet or hands
• Extreme sensitivity
• Pain during normal activities
• The sensation of wearing socks when you’re not
• Paralysis
• Heat intolerance

Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy – Early treatment for those who already have nerve damage will help prevent or delay further damage:

• Keep your blood glucose levels on target
• Meal Planning
• Physical Activity
• Medication

The two ways to keep track of your blood glucose levels are:

• Use a blood glucose meter to guide you in adjusting your day-to-day care.
• Get an A1C test at least twice a year to reveal your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months.

Blood glucose meter diabetic neuropathy symptoms and treatment

By checking your blood glucose levels regularly, you can detect whether your diabetes care plan is working or if changes may be needed. Make your feet a priority by:

• Paying attention to and taking care of your feet.
• Seeking immediate medical treatment if you experience heightening symptoms or problems.
• Using lotion on your skin for dry feet, and wear shoes and socks that fit well.
• Using warm water to wash your feet and drying them thoroughly.
• Checking your feet multiple times per day. A foot injury may go unnoticed if you are unable to feel pain. Injuries that become infected or left unattended may lead to severe health complications, including amputation.
• Special shoes may be required, and Medicare may pay for them. Ask your physician about this.
• Changes in your everyday routine may be required. Consult your physician on which exercises and activities should be avoided or altered to prevent foot injuries.

Foot health with good fitting shoes and socks

Use your eyes to inspect your feet, and use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet. Using your hands, feel for bumps, and dry skin. Look for corns, calluses, blisters, swelling, ingrown toenails, and toenail infections. If you cannot see or reach your feet, get help from a friend, family member, or from your foot doctor.

For more detailed information about diabetic neuropathy, visit mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

Foot Pain and Common Problems

When your feet are hurting, don’t second guess it. Address it! When something goes wrong with your feet, treatment is usually simple and can be accomplished by making minor adjustments in your daily routine.

In this article, you discovered three common foot problems, their symptoms, and easy ways to treat them.

Ignoring your foot problems can lead to serious health risks, and when your foot pain is caused by a health problem, not treating it can lead to grave consequences.

Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chronic-heel-pain-4-simple-fixes-for-your-plantar-fasciitis/
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens,  GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Athletes Foot, Couples Massage, Diabetic Neuropathy, Foot, Foot Massage, Foot Massage Athens Ga, Foot Massage Near Me, Foot Pain, Foot Problems, Health, Massage Athens, Massage Athens Ga, Plantar Fasciitis, Reflexology Athens Ga, Spa In Athens Ga, Tinea Pedis, Wellness

Athlete’s Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

May 22, 2019 By Heather

Do your smelly or unsightly feet make you uncomfortable taking your shoes off. That pungent foot odor or flaky skin may be athlete’s foot, and the longer you wait to address it, the harder it is to deal with.

Athletes foot diagnosis with advanced symptoms

This infection is easily treated when caught in its beginning stages but can develop into an extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing condition when allowed to develop freely.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and better yet, prevention of Athlete’s foot.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Also known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection primarily affecting the feet and is easily transmitted from person to person. The infection usually appears first between the toes and can spread as a rash to other parts of the feet, including infecting and discoloring toenails.

The fungal species genera responsible for athlete’s foot are:

• Trichophyton
• Epidermophyton
• Microsporum

This type of fungal infection is opportunistic and requires a specifically warm and moist environment to grow on the feet.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused when a person’s feet are continuously exposed to excessive moisture (including sweat) while wearing tight-fitting shoes or shoes that do not breathe. This environment allows any of the infection causing fungi present on the feet to flourish.

How Does Athlete’s Foot Spread?

This fungal infection is easily spread from person to person in locations such as:

• Community Water Parks
• Gym Showers
• Dressing Rooms
• Hotel Rooms
• Bathtub/Shower

Athletes foot easily spreads in hotel rooms showers and bathtubs

The following are means of infection:

• Sharing contaminated socks, or shoes
• Using unsterilized foot care tools
• Touching a contaminated surface (desk, door handle, sheets, and blankets)
• A handshake or other skin to skin contact
• Coming in contact with the condition causing fungi

Basically, once someone is infected, everything their feet come in contact with (including their hands) becomes a source of contamination.

What Are The Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

Depending on the fungi and the length of time the infection has had to develop, the following symptoms may vary in intensity:

• Itching, burning, stinging, raw skin, peeling skin, or open wounds between the toes
• Inflammation or swelling
• Rash or blisters that itch
• Dry, flaky skin on the soles or sides of your feet
• Cracking and peeling skin on the soles and heels
• Raw, itchy skin on your feet
• Discolored or deformed toenails
• Thickening toenails that separate from the nail bed

If you are experiencing any, or a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your primary care physician. They may refer you to a podiatrist (foot doctor) or dermatologist (skin doctor), but in most cases, your primary care physician will be able to treat your infection successfully.

How is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

Athlete’s foot is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on visible symptoms. In cases where a different cause is suspected, a skin test may be used to make an accurate diagnosis.

One standard skin test for athlete’s foot is a Skin Lesion KOH Exam. This simple skin test checks if an infection in the skin is caused by fungus. KOH (potassium hydroxide) consists of potassium (K), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). When KOH is applied to a skin sample, it dissolves the skin and leaves fungal cells unharmed, making it easier to identify them under a microscope.

How Do You Treat Athlete’s Foot?

Treating athlete’s foot requires medication and potential changes in your hygiene habits. The following are used to treat athlete’s foot:

Topical Over The Counter (OTC) – Cremes, sprays, and ointments containing clotrimazole or terbinafine hydrochloride are very effective in halting athlete’s foot in its early stages.

Prescription Topical Medication – In more severe cases of athlete’s foot, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication such as:

• Naftifine
• Clotrimazole
• Econazole
• Ketoconazole
• Oxiconazole
• Sertaconazole
• Sulconazole
• Butenafine
• Ciclopirox
• Clotrimazole-betamethasone

Prescription Oral Medication – Often the first choice for doctors, a prescription oral medication, typically clears up infections much faster than topical applications, (especially when the infection has spread to the toenails). When necessary, the following oral medication may be prescribed:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Athletes foot treatment with prescription oral medication

While taking oral antifungal drugs, your doctor may occasionally run blood tests to evaluate the effects on your liver.

These types of oral medications are usually NOT prescribed to individuals with liver conditions, heart conditions, or those taking prescription medication for other ailments.

Household Items – Many items in the home can help you control an athlete’s foot infection. Some of those items are:

• Hydrogen peroxide with iodine
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Consult your primary care physician before using any form of home remedy. They may interfere with or reduce the effectiveness of prescribed or OTC medications.

Personal Hygiene – While treating athlete’s foot with medication, the following adjustments should be made to your personal hygiene routine to avoid perpetuating or further spreading your infection:

• Trim or have your toenails trimmed as far back as possible.
• Thoroughly wash and dry your feet in the morning and again in the evening (paying particular attention to the area between the toes).
• Never reuse a pair of socks before they’ve been washed and dried.
• Alternate the shoes you wear each day, allowing them to dry out completely.
• Sanitize your shower/bathtub after each use (hot water and cleaning products with fungicides work well together).
• Launder your clothes and bedding at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (lower temperatures are ineffective at killing the fungi that cause athlete’s foot).
• Use laundry detergents with anti-fungal properties.
• Dry your clothes, then dry them again (fungi are more easily eliminated in dry conditions with high temperatures).

By robbing fungi of the moisture they require to propagate, and persistently fighting them with medication and good hygiene, positive results should begin to appear quickly. Discolored or deformed toenails may take 6 months to a year to completely grow out.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

Before you get an infection or once you have recovered from one, the following practices will help prevent future infections:

Athletes foot treatment and prevention for clear skin

• Keep your toenails trimmed and clean.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public or community areas where others do.
• Use shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when walking around pools, locker rooms, hotel rooms, and other areas where people may walk barefoot.
• Keep your feet clean, dry, and powdered with an OTC anti-fungal powder.
• Never share socks, shoes, towels, or foot grooming equipment.
• Wear shoes and socks made from a synthetic material that breathes and wicks moisture away from the feet.
• Be extra cautious when taking antibiotics. These medications can kill beneficial bacteria that help control the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
• Take your shoes off whenever possible and appropriate, this allows your feet and shoes to dry out.
• When your feet get wet, make it a priority to get your socks and shoes off.
• Wash your shoes frequently and allow them the time under a fan or in the sun to completely dry out before using them again. Using extremely hot water in the washer or drying shoes in a high-heat dryer may cause the glue used in them to deteriorate, ruining the shoes altogether.
• Wash and dry your bedding weekly using hot water to wash, and multiple cycles in the dryer.
• If you know someone who has athlete’s foot, educate them on treatment and prevention measures. Be aware that whatever they come in contact with will likely be unintentionally contaminated.
• Inform yourself. Ask questions about sanitation and decontamination procedures at your gym, public pool, water park, school locker room, or any other public location where you may be exposed to the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.

Remain aware of the conditions you expose your feet to and keep them clean and dry at all times. One of the best ways to control, kill, and prevent fungal infections is to deprive the fungi of what they need to flourish.

From time to time, give your feet a rest and restorative foot reflexology treatment. Not only will you feel better, but if anything is developing, your reflexologist can bring it to your attention. For more about foot reflexology, visit yourfootpalace.com/reflexologist-massage-in-athens-ga/

Reflexology foot massage treatment in Athens Ga

Eliminating the Embarrassment of Athlete’s Foot

Avoid the embarrassment of stinky or unsightly feet by treating and preventing athlete’s foot fungi.

In this article, you discovered what athlete’s foot is, its cause, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it from making your feet its host.

Your failure to address athlete’s foot in its beginning stages may lead to discomfort, pain, discolored and deformed toenails, and a persistent pungent odor coming from your feet, socks, and shoes.

Sources:
https://www.cardiosmart.org/healthwise/hw28/611/hw28611
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353300
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003761.htm
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/athlete-s-foot-how-to-prevent
https://www.apma.org/Patients/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=978
https://www.uwhealth.org/health/topic/major/athlete-s-foot/hw28392.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/athletes-foot.html
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/athlete-s-foot

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens,  GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Athletes Foot, Couples Massage, Epidermophyton, Foot Massage Athens Ga, Itchy Feet, Massage Athens Ga, Microsporum, Reflexology Athens Ga, Ringworm of the Foot, Spa In Athens Ga, Tinea Pedis, Trichophyton, Trichophyton Rubrum

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Foot Palace

196 Alps Rd Ste 31 Athens, GA 30606
Athens: (706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B Braselton, GA 30517
Braselton: (678) 963-5958‬

We are the best day spa in Athens and Braselton offering reflexology.
Call or stop by our spa in Athens Ga or Braselton near me for a day of relaxation.

 
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