Items filtered by date: September 2025

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops on the skin of the feet, most often between the toes. It thrives in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms, showers, and damp shoes. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and causes are linked to exposure to fungi and poor foot hygiene. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, excessive sweating, walking barefoot in public areas, and having a weakened immune system. Without care, it can spread to toenails or other parts of the body. A podiatrist can provide effective treatment, guidance on prevention, and relief from discomfort. If you have developed this uncomfortable condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Ankle & Foot Care Center. 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 Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A toenail that grows into the skin on the sides of the toe is known as an ingrown toenail. Research has shown that a baby's toenails are soft and pliable, and if it is accompanied by swelling and redness, it may be an ingrown toenail. Additional symptoms of this condition can include pain and difficulty keeping shoes on. Some of the reasons this ailment may occur can consist of trimming the toenails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, and it may run in families. Your child’s foot may feel better when it is soaked in warm water, and the swollen area is gently massaged. If your child has these symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Plantar fibromatosis, also called Ledderhose disease, is a condition where firm nodules develop in the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. These growths can cause pain and discomfort while walking or standing. The exact cause is not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, male gender, certain medical conditions like diabetes and liver disease, and repetitive foot trauma may increase the risk. Symptoms often progress slowly and may worsen over time. A podiatrist can help by providing accurate diagnosis, recommending custom orthotics, or other treatment options to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you have a painful nodule in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

As people age, the feet undergo natural changes that can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Seniors often experience fat pad atrophy, which reduces cushioning in the heels and balls of the feet, leading to pain. Cracked heels can develop from dry skin, while bunions and ingrown toenails may cause swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. Morton's neuroma can create sharp pain or tingling between the toes. These conditions can impact daily activities and overall quality of life. A podiatrist can provide expert evaluation, offer treatments such as orthotics, padding, or corrective procedures, and recommend preventive care. If you or a loved one are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer effective treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe and can cause sudden, intense pain, swelling, and warmth in the joint. It may feel like a sharp, burning pain that worsens with movement or even light pressure, such as from a bedsheet. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can occur due to factors such as genetics, a diet high in purines, obesity, or underlying health conditions. Visually, the affected joint may appear shiny, swollen, and discolored. A podiatrist can help diagnose gout by evaluating symptoms, ordering blood tests, and performing joint fluid analysis if needed. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, long-term medication to manage uric acid levels. Since repeated attacks can lead to joint damage, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot Care Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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