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An itch between the toes might seem minor, but it could signal athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that affects the skin. Despite its name, this infection also affects people who never play sports. The fungus thrives in warm, damp places like shared showers and locker rooms. Contact with contaminated floors or infected skin allows it to spread. Sweaty feet and shoes that trap moisture create conditions that encourage fungal growth. The rash frequently starts between the fourth and fifth toes. It also affects the soles or sides of the feet, where dry, scaly skin sometimes resembles ordinary dryness.

Symptoms include itching, burning, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks that make walking uncomfortable. Skin between the toes might look white and softened, while other areas appear inflamed. Redness is sometimes less noticeable on darker skin. Scratching damages the skin and increases the risk of spreading the infection to other areas. Untreated athlete’s foot sometimes spreads to the toenails, making treatment more difficult. Breaks in the skin also provide an opening for bacteria. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation face greater risks from skin injuries and should seek prompt assessment. Spreading redness, warmth, or increasing pain requires urgent medical attention. 

A podiatrist examines the affected skin and asks about symptoms to identify the likely cause. Because eczema and other skin conditions resemble athlete’s foot, a small skin scraping helps confirm a fungal infection when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment targets the fungus and depends on the infection’s extent and severity. A podiatrist selects appropriate antifungal treatment and explains the expected recovery period. Follow-up visits help assess healing and address persistent symptoms. The podiatrist also checks for nail involvement and evaluates factors contributing to repeated infections. This helps guide treatment when symptoms return. If you have symptoms of an athlete’s foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. .  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. In the foot, these injuries often affect the long bones that connect the toes to the middle of the foot. These bones absorb force when you push while walking or running. Pain usually begins gradually and becomes stronger with activity. The sore area may feel tender when touched. Swelling of the foot or bruising can develop. Unlike a sudden break caused by an accident, a stress fracture can develop without one clear injury. Daily movement may become painful.

A sudden change in activity is a leading cause of stress fractures. Running farther than usual or increasing exercise days can place more pressure on bones than they can handle. People who rarely walk far can also develop an injury after a busy vacation. Uneven ground adds to the risk. Changes in how the foot moves can increase risk when a bunion changes weight distribution. Shoes that lack proper support can also affect how the foot absorbs impact. A podiatrist can examine your walking pattern and identify factors contributing to the injury.

Treatment aims to protect the injured bone while it heals. A podiatrist examines the painful area and orders imaging to help confirm a stress fracture. Treatment options include a protective walking boot, crutches, or custom shoe inserts to help reduce pressure on the affected bone. A podiatrist also evaluates your shoes and may recommend a stiff-soled design that limits painful bending. Follow-up visits help track healing and guide a safe return to activity. Continuing to push through pain can delay recovery. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Edward D. Hutson from Easton, PA. . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Easton, and Northampton, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.