Items filtered by date: December 2024

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, causing itching, burning, and peeling. It is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers. The infection spreads through direct contact or by sharing contaminated items such as towels or shoes. Those who sweat excessively or wear tight, non-breathable shoes are at higher risk. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include red, scaly skin, blisters, and cracked skin, often between the toes or on the soles of the feet. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the nails or groin, and may lead to bacterial infections. Persistent infections may require stronger medications or specialized care. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment plan. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. 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 Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot ailments often signal underlying health issues that require attention. Conditions like dry, flaking skin on the feet might suggest fungal infections such as tinea, or could point to dermatitis conditions like eczema or psoriasis that are often linked to stress. Morning foot pain may result from wearing improper footwear or increased physical activity, but persistent pain could indicate more significant problems, like plantar fasciitis or other structural concerns. Cold feet might suggest poor circulation, which can have broader and more serious implications for vascular health. Clawed toes, commonly caused by wearing tight or pointy shoes, can also be associated with nerve damage or improper footwear sizing. Swollen feet, or edema, may result from poor venous circulation, indicating potential vascular or systemic health issues. A podiatrist can address underlying causes and recommend custom orthotics, footwear adjustments, or other treatment to improve your foot health. If you have unexplained foot or ankle issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Blisters are a common issue for hikers, often caused by pressure, direct friction, and moisture. When shoes rub against the skin repeatedly during a hike, the friction creates heat, which can cause the skin layers to separate and form a blister. This is especially true if the shoes are too tight or not broken in properly. Moisture from sweat or wet conditions also plays a significant role, softening the skin and making it more prone to damage from friction. To prevent blisters, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes that provide enough room in the toe box and good arch support. Choosing moisture-wicking socks and changing them regularly can help keep feet dry. Additionally, applying blister prevention tape or lubricants to hot spots can reduce friction, keeping feet comfortable and blister-free during hikes. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, causing patients to temporarily cease hiking. They may also become infected, needing prompt medical attention. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat foot blisters, and guide you on additional prevention techniques.

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 Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor 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 office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Spending long hours on your feet can lead to several issues, from foot pain and fatigue to more serious conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and joint discomfort in the knees, hips, and lower back. Constant standing and walking place stress on the feet and lower body, increasing the risk of muscle strain, joint misalignment, and poor posture over time. Custom orthotics offer a solution by providing targeted support and cushioning to reduce these risks. By redistributing pressure more evenly across the feet and enhancing arch support, orthotics help maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the entire lower body. They also absorb shock, which minimizes the impact on joints, helping to prevent pain and injury. If you work on your feet and experience foot discomfort it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to learn how custom orthotics can improve your comfort, support, and long-term physical health.

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts are not just for cushioning the soles; they are about supporting the foundation of our body - our feet. The advantages extend far beyond immediate relief from discomfort. These personalized solutions, that Our doctor can prescribe, can significantly impact a person’s posture, alleviate pain in various parts of the body, and even enhance athletic performance.

As we lace up our shoes each day, having the right support can make a world of difference. Custom orthotics are like tailored suites for our feet, offering a bespoke solution to address our unique biomechanical needs. They provide stability where it is lacking, correct imbalances, and ensure that every step is a confident and pain-free one. 

Custom orthotics and shoe inserts offer long-term health benefits. By addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, etc. orthotics can help prevent injuries and mitigate the progression of existing conditions. It’s an investment not just in the present, but in the future health of your feet and consequently, your overall well-being. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the nerve becomes thickened or irritated, often due to pressure or compression. The main symptom is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, which may radiate to the toes. People with Morton’s neuroma may also experience tingling, numbness, or a feeling of a lump in their shoe. The primary causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, abnormal foot mechanics like flat feet or high arches, or running and sports activities that put repeated pressure on the forefoot. Treatment options include conservative measures, such as switching to supportive footwear, using custom orthotics, and getting corticosteroid injections, as well as more advanced treatments like surgery. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma and recommend the best treatment to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you suspect Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and guidance.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Bunion surgery is performed to correct a bony outgrowth, called a bunion, at the base of the big toe, which causes the top of the toe to angle inward. While minimally invasive options may result in shorter recovery times, more severe bunions often require traditional open surgery for adequate correction. There are a number of surgical techniques used to correct this deformity. A bunionectomy involves removing the outgrowth and realigning surrounding soft tissues. Osteotomy cuts the toe bone and repositions it with screws or pins. Arthrodesis fuses bones at the damaged joint. Arthroplasty replaces the damaged joint with an implant. All of these procedures aim to restore foot alignment, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Risks include infection, scarring, nerve damage, and potential recurrence of the bunion. A podiatrist can help determine the best surgical approach based on the bunion’s severity. If you have a problematic bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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