Athlete's foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, is not exclusive to adults, as children can also fall prey to this uncomfortable condition. Commonly caused by the same fungi responsible for ringworm and jock itch, athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments, making children's sweaty feet particularly susceptible. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and redness, often between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Children can contract athlete's foot by walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or communal showers. Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with an infected individual can also facilitate transmission. Teaching children proper foot hygiene, such as keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public spaces, can help prevent athlete's foot and promote overall foot health. If your child has itchy feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat athlete’s foot, 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 Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Measuring your foot correctly ensures a comfortable and supportive fit for your shoes, vital for overall foot health. For accurate measurement, first, measure at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest due to swelling from daily activities. Wear the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes for precise sizing. Using the tape paper to floor method, stand on a piece of paper, trace the outline of your foot, and then measure the longest distance from heel to toe. If your feet differ in size, always fit the larger foot and consider custom-made inserts for the smaller one. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot issues. Signs of a wrong shoe size include pain, rubbing, and difficulty in walking comfortably. If you would like help in determining your correct shoe size, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes necessitates meticulous foot care to prevent potential and often severe complications. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can harm blood vessels and nerves in the legs and feet, leading to reduced sensation and inefficient circulation. Consequently, even minor injuries can escalate into severe issues, like infections, ulcers, or amputations. Podiatrists play an essential role in diabetic foot care, offering comprehensive assessments and personalized management plans. They conduct regular foot exams to monitor signs of nerve damage, foot deformities, or ulcers while providing expert guidance on proper hygiene, nail care, and footwear selection. Podiatrists also address concerns about foot health, emphasizing the importance of daily foot checks and prompt treatment for any abnormalities. They can assist in managing foot complications with specialized treatments to promote healing and prevent further deterioration in the lower legs and feet. Collaborating with patients, podiatrists develop personalized strategies for foot protection and risk reduction, stressing the significance of avoiding barefoot walking and quitting smoking to improve circulation. If you have foot problems caused by diabetes, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your medical team for regular checkups and treatment. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.