Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by fungi, which are tiny organisms that grow in warm and damp places. This condition often begins between the toes but may spread to the soles or sides of the feet. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking on contaminated floors in locker rooms, near pools, or shared shower areas. Tight shoes, sweaty feet, and small cuts in the skin can make infection more likely. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include intense itching, redness, peeling or cracked skin, and a burning or stinging feeling. Some people also develop small blisters or thickened, whitish skin over time. If untreated, this infection may spread to the toenails or other areas of skin. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, confirm the cause, and provide proper medical treatment to control the infection and prevent complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot deformities occur when the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments that support the foot move out of their normal position. The foot is built to be strong and flexible so it can support body weight and allow smooth walking. When its structure changes, the shape of the foot and the way a person walks may also change. Several types of foot deformities can develop. A splayfoot occurs when the bones in the front of the foot spread apart, making the forefoot wider. Flat feet develop when the arch, the curved area under the foot that helps absorb shock, becomes lowered. High-arched feet have an arch that is higher than normal and place more pressure on the heel and ball of the foot. Some deformities, such as clubfoot, are present at birth. Others develop over time due to injury, arthritis, tight shoes, or repeated strain on the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and recommend treatment to improve comfort and walking ability. If you have a foot deformity, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which a newborn foot appears twisted inward and downward due to abnormal development of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The exact cause is not always known, but genetics play a significant role and the condition may run in families. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also contribute. Diagnosis is often made at birth through a physical examination and sometimes confirmed with a prenatal ultrasound. Symptoms include a visibly rotated foot, limited range of motion, and stiffness, although the condition is not typically painful in infancy. A podiatrist provides early evaluation, guidance, and ongoing care through stretching, casting, bracing, and monitoring progress. Early treatment improves long-term mobility and function. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure the best outcome for your child’s development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

When three parts of the ankle break at the same time, the injury is serious and often unstable. The ankle is made up of the lower ends of the two leg bones and the back portion of the shinbone, all of which work together to form the joint that allows the foot to move up, down, and side to side. These bones also help hold strong bands of tissue in place that keep the ankle steady. A broken ankle of this type usually happens during a high-impact event, such as a car accident, a fall from a height, or a sports injury that causes the ankle to twist forcefully. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity, and an inability to stand or walk are common symptoms. Diagnosis requires imaging to see how the bones are positioned. Treatment likely involves surgery to realign the bones and secure them with hardware so the joint can heal properly. If you have broken an ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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