Posts for: August, 2018
Tinea pedis is a fungus that infects any part of the body. When the foot is infected, it's called athlete's foot. There are several precautions to take, according to your Colorado Springs, CO, foot doctors, Dr. Eric Gessner, Dr. Bryan Groth, and Dr. Jacob Fassman help prevent or manage this foot condition.
More On Athlete's Foot:
Athlete's foot is mostly associated with athletes, but this fungus can infect anyone. The fungus thrives in dark, moist, warm environments, such as a shoe, which is why they usually attack feet.
Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Scaly rash
- Stinging and burning sensation
- Raw, moist skin between toes
Foot Care in Colorado Springs:
Fungus grows in moist places, like showers, swimming pools and locker rooms, and common during warm weather.
There are several preventative measures to take:
- You should wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when near pools, in gyms, or public showers and locker room areas.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. The fungus thrives when your feet are wet and when you're wearing tight-fitted shoes. This is especially a problem when it's hot outside and your feet sweat profusely.
- Don't share towels, linens, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact and touching a contaminated surface like a blanket or doorknob.
- Avoid synthetic socks. Wearing socks made from natural fabrics, or fabrics that quickly dry and/or wick moisture to help keep your feet dry.
- Don't walk around barefoot in hotel rooms since foot fungus may be on the floor.
- Change your socks when they get wet, instead of waiting for them to dry while on your feet.
- Make sure you wash your feet every day with soap and water, then completely dry them.
- Don't wear the same shoes every day. Give your shoes a chance to air out and dry before wearing them again.
Athlete's foot shouldn't be a serious problem, but if it takes too long to heal, you need to speak to your foot doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about athlete's foot, call your Colorado Springs, CO, foot doctor at Colorado Foot and Ankle today!
Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or discolorations in your feet?
Even though poor circulation isn’t a condition, if you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet this is often a symptom of a much larger issue. This is why it’s important to understand the warning signs of poor circulation and when to see a podiatrist, as many of these conditions can be serious or cause further complications to your health.
Causes of Poor Circulation
There are many reasons why someone may have poor circulation. The most common conditions include:
1. Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
This causes poor circulation in the legs due to a narrowing in the arteries and blood vessels. Over time this condition can cause damage to nerves or tissue. While this condition can occur in younger people, particularly smokers, it’s more common for people over 50 years old to develop PAD.
2. Blood Clots
A blood clot causes a block or restriction in blood flow and can develop anywhere in the body. The most common places for a blood clot include the arms or the legs, which can lead to symptoms of poor circulation. In some cases, a blood clot can cause serious complications such as a stroke.
While this condition does affect blood sugar levels, it is also known to affect circulation within the body. Those with circulation issues may experience cramping in the legs that may get worse when you are active. Those with diabetic neuropathy may experience nerve damage in the legs and feet, as well as numbness or tingling.
4. Raynaud’s Disease
A less common condition, Raynaud’s disease causes chronic cold fingers and feet due to the narrowing of the arteries in the hands and toes. Since these arteries are narrow it’s more difficult for blood to flow to these areas, leading to poor circulation. Of course, you may experience these symptoms in other parts of the body besides your toes or fingers, such as your nose, ears, or lips.
Warning Signs of Poor Circulation
You may be experiencing poor circulation in your feet if you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Pain that may radiate into the limbs
- Tingling (a “pins and needles” sensation)
- Muscle cramping
If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation that don’t go away it’s best to play it safe rather than sorry and turn to a podiatric specialist who can provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best approach for improving circulation. Don’t ignore this issue.