Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin on the feet often between the toes. It is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte, which thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes and locker rooms. The symptoms include itching, redness, burning, and peeling of the skin, often accompanied by blisters or cracks. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the toenails or the soles of the feet. Diagnosing athlete's foot typically involves a physical examination of the affected area. A podiatrist may also take a skin sample for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the fungus. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Foot injuries are common, especially for those who are active runners, but many can be prevented with proper care and attention. Plantar fasciitis, which causes heel pain, often results from overuse or inadequate footwear. Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, typically from repetitive stress or tight calf muscles. Stress fractures in the foot can develop from overtraining or improper footwear, while shin splints cause pain along the shin due to overuse. Metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot, often caused by high-impact activities. Preventing these foot injuries involves wearing appropriate footwear, warming up before running, strengthening the muscles, and avoiding overuse. Stretching, maintaining a healthy weight, and gradually increasing activity levels also help protect the feet from strain and injury. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional prevention tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Huydran Vaughn, DPM of Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

For restaurant workers, wearing the right shoes is essential for comfort, safety, and overall well-being. These workers often spend long hours on their feet, which can lead to foot pain, fatigue, and even long-term health issues if the shoes worn do not provide adequate support. Proper footwear with cushioning helps absorb shock, reducing the impact on the feet, knees, and lower back. Non-slip shoes are especially important in restaurants to prevent accidents from spills and slippery floors. Additionally, shoes that offer proper arch support and a good fit can prevent conditions like blisters, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes during the workday, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on the proper shoes to wear.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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