Items filtered by date: September 2023

The rise of drug-resistant fungi on the feet or elsewhere on the body is an alarming and underappreciated trend in healthcare. Cases of severe invasive fungal infections are increasing, and the costs of treating these infections are a growing concern. Currently, there are limited classes of antifungal drugs, but new treatments are being developed. Beyond new drugs, researchers are exploring the possibility of fungal vaccines. These vaccines could be a game changer, especially for high-risk patients, as they may protect without antifungal drugs. Predicting and diagnosing fungal infections remains challenging, but advances in understanding genetic risk factors can pave the way for early interventions. The future of combating drug-resistant fungi lies in developing new drugs, improving diagnostics, and preventing infections in vulnerable individuals. If you have athlete’s foot or any other fungal foot infection, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper 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 the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When it comes to foot comfort, wearing the right shoe size is crucial. Many people unknowingly wear the wrong size, which can lead to foot pain and various conditions. Determining your proper shoe size is essential for getting the best support and comfort for your feet, whether you are shopping for running shoes, athletic shoes, or everyday footwear. To measure your shoe size, you can place your bare foot on a piece of paper, trace its outline, mark the longest and widest points, and measure both length and width. You should add about half an inch to the length measurement to find your ideal shoe size. If you are in between sizes, going up a size is recommended for added comfort. Regularly measuring your feet is advisable as they can change over time. If you have further questions about how to find the right size shoes for your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with additional tips.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When considering your workout routine, it is easy to overlook your feet and ankles. These often neglected body parts bear your body weight and support nearly all your movements. The foot and ankle complex is a marvel of anatomy, with 26 bones, numerous muscles, and countless nerve endings. During activities such as running and jumping, the foot and ankle endure significant forces, sometimes exceeding your body weight by several times. Moreover, they manage forces in multiple directions, contributing to their intricate biomechanics. Stretching and strengthening the foot and ankle complex is vital for overall physical health and injury prevention, as it can reduce the shockwave of force traveling into the shins, knees, and beyond. Neglecting this area can lead to common injuries. Stretching is also vital to maintain balance. An easy exercise to do for balance training consists of standing on one leg for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Alternate between the two legs for three rounds. Once you can complete that with ease, repeat the progression on a soft surface such as a pillow. For advanced balance training, repeat the sequence above and close your eyes. If you would like to know more about various foot exercises you can do for balance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Recurrent ankle sprains are a common issue, often resulting in chronic symptoms like pain, swelling, and instability. Reasons for this chronic problem include ligament laxity, proprioception deficits, and muscle weakness. There is a higher risk of this among younger individuals and athletes. A thorough evaluation, involving MRIs, diagnosis, and assessment of the severity of ankle injuries should be done to distinguish between functional and mechanical instability. Treatment options range from conservative methods like rest and elevation of the ankle, neuromuscular training, and bracing, to surgical interventions. If you find that you are spraining your ankle repeatedly, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to evaluate your ankle and determine the best way to manage this for the best possible outcome.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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