Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet and thrives in warm moist environments. One type of athlete's foot is interdigital athlete’s foot, which develops between the toes causing redness, itching, peeling skin and burning discomfort. Moccasin-type athlete’s foot involves the soles and sides of the feet leading to dry thickened cracked skin that can spread slowly. Vesicular athlete’s foot has fluid-filled blisters often accompanied by intense itching and inflammation. Additionally, ulcerative athlete’s foot is the most severe form and may cause open sores, swelling, pain and secondary bacterial infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the specific type and provide targeted treatment. Included are prescription antifungal medication, skin care guidance, and preventive strategies. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can make a proper diagnosis and provide 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 Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is common in runners and can affect performance and daily comfort. Frequent causes include plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from irritation of the plantar fascia, and metatarsalgia, a condition that leads to aching or burning in the ball of the foot. Injury stress fractures may also develop from repetitive impact and overuse. Simple stretches, such as the seated towel stretch, can help improve flexibility in the arch and calf, reducing strain during runs. A podiatrist can identify the source of pain, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide treatments that promote healthy movement. If foot pain is interrupting your training, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can restore comfort and prevent further injury with effective treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

A hammertoe forms when a toe bends upward at one joint and downward at another, creating a curled or raised appearance that can make shoes feel tight or uncomfortable. This change often develops gradually as muscles and tendons lose their usual balance, sometimes due to genetics, arthritis, past injuries, or footwear that does not allow the toes enough room. Many people notice rubbing on the top of the toe, the formation of corns, or increasing stiffness that makes straightening the toe difficult. Walking may become uncomfortable as pressure shifts to areas that are not meant to carry extra weight. Early attention helps prevent the deformity from becoming rigid or more painful. If you see changes in toe shape, have difficulty moving a toe, or develop irritation from shoe pressure, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Reliable mobility depends on feet that feel supported, flexible, and free of irritation. Caring for the skin, monitoring nail health, and selecting footwear that matches your activity level all play a role in keeping each step steady. Light stretching for the toes, heels, and ankles can enhance flexibility, while addressing small concerns early prevents soreness that may interrupt daily routines. Conditions such as calluses, cracked skin, fungal infections, and numbness can gradually make walking less comfortable if they are ignored. Many adults also benefit from routine foot evaluations, which help identify changes that may interfere with balance or endurance. When the feet stay comfortable, staying active becomes far easier. If you notice persistent discomfort or difficulty with walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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