Topical treatments are the first line of defense against athlete's foot, a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. These treatments are designed to target the fungus directly, helping to clear the infection and relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, and scaling. Mild antifungal creams, sprays, or powders containing active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine are commonly used. These medications work by disrupting the fungal cell membranes, effectively eliminating the infection. It is important to apply these treatments consistently for the duration recommended, even if symptoms begin to improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. In addition to medicated creams, keeping the feet clean and dry is critical. Using antifungal powders in shoes and socks can help prevent reinfection. For persistent or severe cases, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications.

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 Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Start by considering where you will primarily be running. For example, for road running, look for shoes with good cushioning and flexibility to handle hard, even surfaces. If you will be running on trails, opt for trail shoes with better grip, stability, and protection against rocks and uneven terrain. The distance you plan to cover also influences your choice. Longer distances typically require shoes with more cushioning to reduce fatigue, while shorter runs may benefit from lighter, more responsive shoes. The fit is important. There should be enough room in the toe box, your heel should feel secure, and the shoe should support your arch type. When trying on shoes, wear the socks you plan to run in and test them later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, ensuring a proper fit. Running shoes should be replaced every 400 to 500 miles to maintain optimal support and cushioning. If you incur a foot or ankle injury while running or need further advice on choosing proper running shoes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM from Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Children commonly experience a variety of foot problems as they grow. Sprains are frequent, often resulting from sports or rough play, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Prompt treatment with rest and elevation is essential to prevent further injury. In-toeing and out-toeing, where a child's feet point inward or outward while walking, are common developmental issues. Most cases resolve as the child grows, but persistent problems may require evaluation by a podiatrist. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, causes itching, redness, and peeling, usually between the toes. It is prevalent in children who wear tight, sweaty shoes. Fungal nail infections, another concern, lead to thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle. Maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing appropriately sized shoes, and addressing any foot pain early are key to preventing complications. If your child has any foot or ankle issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Stephanie Tine, DPM of Flamingo Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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