Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist, warm environments. This makes it common for people who wear tight, sweaty shoes for extended periods or use communal showers and locker rooms. The fungus infects the skin in the toes and causes itching, burning, and peeling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may suggest antifungal medications to apply topically, usually for a couple of weeks until the infection clears up. For more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Preventative measures include keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and wearing well-ventilated shoes. Antifungal powders for shoes and socks may also be suggested as prevention. In addition, avoiding barefoot walking in public areas and using separate towels for your feet can help prevent the spread and recurrence of athlete's foot. If you suspect an athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for relief. 

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 Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center.  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 office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a heel condition affecting children and adolescents during periods of rapid growth. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel bone becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or tension from activities like running, jumping, or participating in sports. This condition is not a true disease, but is a temporary condition that typically resolves once the growth plate matures and fuses with the rest of the bone. Symptoms of Sever's disease include heel pain, especially during or after physical activity, limping, and discomfort when pressing on the heel. Factors contributing to its development include overuse or excessive strain on the heel bone, tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, improper footwear, and biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches. It is suggested that any active child that has heel pain be taken to a podiatrist who can expertly diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Big toe joint pain can be a nagging and debilitating issue, affecting mobility and daily activities. Understanding the root causes is imperative to finding effective relief and restoring comfort to your feet. One common culprit is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. When osteoarthritis affects the big toe joint, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly during movement or weight-bearing activities. Another potential cause is gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden and intense pain in the big toe joint. Additionally, injuries such as sprains or fractures, as well as conditions like bunions or sesamoiditis, can contribute to big toe joint pain. Identifying the specific cause through a thorough evaluation by a podiatrist is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment methods.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Metatarsalgia, a common foot condition, manifests as pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, specifically the metatarsal region. This discomfort can vary in intensity, from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, often exacerbated by standing, walking, or running. The causes of metatarsalgia are diverse, encompassing both biomechanical factors and lifestyle choices. High-impact activities, improper footwear, and excessive pressure on the forefoot can strain the metatarsals, leading to irritation of the surrounding tissues and nerves. Additionally, foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and Morton's neuroma can contribute to the development of metatarsalgia. Poorly fitting shoes with inadequate cushioning or support exacerbate symptoms, worsening the condition. Furthermore, age-related changes in foot structure, such as loss of fat padding and decreased elasticity of ligaments, increase susceptibility to metatarsal pain. If you are experiencing pain in this area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat metatarsalgia.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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