Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection of the skin of the feet - and it can affect more than just athletes. It is spread by contact between the skin of the feet and fungus, which can get in through tiny cracks in the skin. The fungus may be spread from walking on an infected surface or sharing personal items like shoes, socks, or towels with an infected individual. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like communal showers, locker rooms, and public swimming pools, so it is suggested that you wear shoes when walking in these areas to avoid direct contact with the fungus.

If you do find yourself with athlete’s foot, you may notice a scaly, red, and itchy rash forming on your foot that usually starts between the toes. The skin on the soles of your feet may also become unusually dry, leading to peeling of the skin, cracked heels, and blisters. The feet may also sting or burn. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your toenails, and sometimes to other people.

Athlete’s foot is usually treated by applying a topical antifungal medication directly to the feet. Over-the-counter antifungals are often effective in milder cases, while prescription-strength medication may be necessary to treat more severe cases. If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed, swollen, stiff, and painful. There are many different types of arthritis that can affect the joints of the feet and ankles. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the type of joint disease most frequently associated with aging. As we get older, wear and tear can break down the cartilage in our joints. Cartilage is important, as it lines our joints and gives them a smooth and cushioned service to move along. Without it, the joints rub against each other painfully, producing the classic symptoms of osteoarthritis such as pain, stiffness, tenderness, and a reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis tends to get worse over time, although the severity of your symptoms may vary day to day.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy joints. This can lead to symptoms much like those of osteoarthritis - joint pain, inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness - as well as systemic autoimmune systems. Rheumatoid arthritis can flare up and then remit, leading to temporary increases or decreases in symptoms.

Since both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, you should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing the aforementioned symptoms. A podiatrist can help you maintain the health of your feet, diagnose which joint condition you may be experiencing, reduce the severity of your symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.

Sprained ankles are a common podiatric injury. While athletes often suffer from sprained ankles sustained while playing sports, any sudden twisting, turning, or rolling of the ankle at an awkward angle can lead to an ankle sprain. Risk factors that increase your likelihood of an ankle injury include walking or running on uneven surfaces, having a poor physical condition, wearing high heels, and having a history of prior ankle injuries.

When your ankle is sprained, the ligaments that support the ankle joint and connect the bones to each other are overstretched or torn. This can result in symptoms such as ankle pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, a restricted range of motion, and ankle instability. It may become difficult or even impossible to walk, and without taking time to fully recover, repeated ankle sprains are more likely to occur.

Various treatment methods may be recommended to treat your ankle sprain. Less severe injuries can often be treated with conservative measures like resting, elevating, compressing, and icing the affected ankle. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. More severe ankle sprains may require immobilizing the ankle and wearing a bandage, sports tape, support brace, cast, or walking boot to stabilize the ankle. Performing certain ankle exercises can help strengthen and heal the ankle during recovery and prevent future injuries. In rare cases where all other treatments have failed, surgery may be recommended. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.