September 2024
Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Symptoms of Severe Athlete’s Foot
Severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet having intense symptoms and various risk factors. Defined by its persistent and extensive nature, it often causes severe itching, burning, redness, and cracking of the skin. In advanced cases, symptoms may include blisters that can ooze or bleed. Risk factors include frequent exposure to damp environments like swimming pools or locker rooms, wearing tight or non-breathable footwear, and having compromised immune systems. Additionally, sharing contaminated surfaces or personal items can facilitate the spread of the infection. Proper foot hygiene, including keeping feet dry is important. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer a comprehensive treatment plan.
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 one of our podiatrists from Bazzi 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 one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, Madison Heights, and Redford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Sever’s Disease
Sever's disease, medically known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a condition that affects children and adolescents, particularly those who are active in sports. This condition involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, which is a cartilage area where the heel bone and tendons attach. Risk factors include activities that put repetitive stress on the heel, such as running or jumping, as well as being overweight. Symptoms often result in heel pain, which may worsen with physical activity. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can recommend specific stretches for relief and guide you toward appropriate treatment methods.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, Madison Heights, and Redford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains can result in various symptoms that require attention, especially if the injury is severe. Typically, those individuals with a sprained ankle will experience sharp, localized pain that worsens with joint movement or when bearing weight on the affected foot. This pain often coincides with noticeable swelling, which may be more pronounced, depending on which ligament is injured. Bruising surrounding the sprain site is common, with discoloration ranging from reddish to purplish hues. These signs indicate torn ligaments and the presence of blood pooling in the area. In severe cases, individuals might hear or feel a pop at the time of injury, signaling a significant tear. This can also result in a restricted range of motion, making it difficult or even impossible to flex or move the foot normally. If you have severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Bazzi 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 one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, Madison Heights, and Redford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation Effects on Feet
Poor circulation, or peripheral arterial disease, occurs when blood flow to the extremities, particularly the feet, is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries. This condition often results from atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on artery walls, or from other factors like diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure. When circulation is compromised, the feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Common signs include cold feet, numbness or tingling. Cramping, discoloration, slow-healing sores, and in severe cases, tissue damage or infections are other signs. These symptoms can affect mobility and increase the risk of serious complications, such as ulcers or gangrene. If you suspect poor circulation, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can assess your condition, recommend treatments like compression therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication, and help prevent further complications.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Bazzi Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness
- Numbness or cramping in the legs
- Skin discoloration
- Slower nail & hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Detroit, West Detroit, Northwest Detroit, Sterling Heights, Hamtramck, Dearborn Heights, Madison Heights, and Redford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.