Items filtered by date: August 2024

Athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. In children, it often occurs due to warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public pools, or wearing tight, sweaty shoes, which are ideal for fungal growth. Kids who are active or wear shoes that trap moisture are more susceptible. Symptoms can include itching, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes a burning sensation. To prevent athlete's foot, ensure that children wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks, and encourage them to keep their feet clean and dry. Regularly changing socks and avoiding walking barefoot in public places can also help reduce the risk. If mild treatments do not improve symptoms within a few weeks, or if the infection spreads, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can prescribe medication for relief.

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 Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are a lot of issues and injuries that can impact the foot, therefore it is important to make sure that you are wearing shoes that fit correctly. Shoes should be comfortable and supportive while also cushioning the foot. One way to ensure this is to purchase shoes that are specifically made for the physical activity you are doing. Another thing that can be done to ensure that shoes fit correctly is by purchasing them at the end of the day. This is because that is when your feet are the largest. The toes should be able to comfortably wiggle in the shoes, and the heel should comfortably be gripped. If you have questions about making sure you’re wearing the right shoes, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Metatarsalgia is a fancy word for pain in the ball of the foot. It often stems from issues with the metatarsal bones, which are the long bones of the foot that connect the toes to the ankles. Metatarsal foot pain is often the result of trauma or overuse in high-impact sports. Degenerative conditions like arthritis, congenital bone structure anomalies, or wearing tight or high-heeled shoes are other factors. Symptoms typically include sharp or aching pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Medical treatment from a podiatrist focuses on pain relief and addressing the underlying cause. This may include prescription orthotics, medication, or in some cases surgery. Ignoring metatarsalgia can lead to pain in other parts of the foot or body and the development of calluses or neuromas. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Broken toes, common among runners, often result from stubbing the toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or repetitive stress from intense running. Symptoms include immediate pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or wearing shoes. For runners, broken toes can significantly impact training and performance. The injury requires prompt attention to prevent complications. Initial treatment involves rest, compression, and elevation. Buddy taping, where the injured toe is taped to an adjacent toe, provides support and stabilization. Wearing stiff-soled or supportive shoes can protect the toe during the healing process. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. This foot doctor can recommend appropriate footwear, exercises for maintaining foot strength, and a safe return-to-running plan to ensure a complete recovery.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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