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Athlete’s foot is a stubborn fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty socks, shoes, or public places like locker rooms and around swimming pools. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes blisters or cracking, which can cause discomfort and make walking painful. Athlete’s foot often recurs because the fungi are difficult to completely eliminate and can survive in shoes, socks, or on skin, especially if moisture and warmth persist. Poor foot hygiene, wearing tight shoes, or not fully treating the infection also contribute to recurrence. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the affected skin and samples may be taken to confirm the fungal infection. Treatment includes antifungal creams, powders, and advice on proper foot care and hygiene to prevent reinfection. If you have athlete's foot that keeps recurring, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. for 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 the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a foot deformity where the big toe gradually shifts toward the second toe, typically creating a bony prominence at the base of the big toe. This change in alignment can lead to irritation of the joint, causing pain, redness, and swelling, especially along the inner side of the foot. The joint may become stiff, and fluid-filled sacs called bursae can develop, sometimes leading to inflammation known as bursitis. The discomfort from a bunion may worsen when wearing shoes that lack adequate support or have a narrow toe box. A podiatrist can evaluate the degree of deformity and determine if structural issues in the foot, such as excess pronation or joint instability, are contributing factors. When discomfort interferes with walking or conservative options fail, surgery may be considered to realign the toe and reduce pain. If you are experiencing pain from a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact the practitioners of Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners 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 Windsor, ON . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the big toe, causing sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. It is triggered by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often due to genetics, kidney issues, or diet. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, shellfish, alcohol, especially beer, and sugary drinks, can raise uric acid levels and increase the risk of flare-ups. A gout attack may feel like your toe is on fire and too painful to touch. Over time, repeated episodes can damage the joint. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, managing flare-ups, and providing long-term strategies to prevent further joint damage. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle counseling, orthotics to relieve pressure, and coordination with your primary doctor for uric acid management. Gout can be painful, and may interfere with completing daily activities. If you have symptoms of gout,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Heel spurs are bony growths that can form on the heel bone in response to constant strain on the foot's soft tissues. The two most common types are plantar heel spurs, which develop underneath the heel, and dorsal heel spurs, which form at the back of the heel near the Achilles tendon. These heel spurs often result from long-term traction, meaning a continuous pulling force placed on the heel bone by muscles, tendons, and the plantar fascia. This ongoing pull can be the result of standing, walking, or abnormal foot motion. This happens when the arch flattens too much, a motion called excessive pronation. Over time, the repeated strain may lead to microtears in the plantar fascia, which triggers inflammation and the formation of a heel spur. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of heel pain and offer appropriate treatment, including orthotics or surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact the practitioners from Foot Care Institute. Our practitioners will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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