Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection that affects the feet and is caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, shoes, and public showers. Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include itching, redness, burning, and painful skin, especially between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The skin may crack, peel, or become irritated, making walking uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the condition and recommending appropriate antifungal treatments. Care may also include guidance on foot hygiene, footwear choices and moisture control to prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing persistent itching, redness, or foot discomfort, do not ignore the symptoms. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

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 Adler Foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Hallandale and North Miami Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the joints in the feet, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to swelling, warmth, and decreased mobility. Symptoms in the feet may include difficulty walking, bunion formation, hammertoes, and joint deformities over time. Causes of RA involve genetic and environmental factors, while risk factors include family history, female gender, age, and smoking. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent joint damage and maintain mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, provide custom orthotics, recommend supportive footwear, and suggest targeted therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry consultation to protect foot function and relieve discomfort.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Adler Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin due to friction, pressure, or moisture, commonly occurring while hiking. They often develop when shoes rub against the foot, especially during long treks or with new or poorly fitting footwear. Preventing blisters begins with choosing the right socks made of moisture-wicking materials, breaking in new shoes gradually, and keeping feet dry throughout the hike. Proper foot care and attention to hotspots can significantly reduce the risk of painful blisters. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend suitable hiking footwear, provide protective padding, and offer guidance on prevention strategies tailored to your feet. If you have developed painful blisters on your feet from hiking, it  is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat them, and guide you on effective blister prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Adler Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Swelling in the feet develops when fluid collects in the soft tissues surrounding the ankles and toes. A sprain or fracture often causes blood and fluid to move into the injured area as part of the healing process, possibly leading to puffiness and discomfort. Edema can also cause swollen feet, especially when fluid gathers around the lower legs due to gravity. Long hours of standing, sitting in one position, or wearing shoes with inadequate support can contribute to swelling. Medical conditions, such as gout in the big toe, an infection in the foot, or circulation problems, can also result in swollen feet. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify the cause of the swelling, and recommend treatment to improve comfort and protect long-term foot function. If you notice abnormal swelling in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Adler Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Hallandale and North Miami Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.