Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin between toes, underneath the soles, and around the ankles. Athlete's foot often causes itching, scaling, cracking, and occasional discomfort due to inflammation and moisture buildup in the foot's natural crevices. In some cases, small blisters may appear, and skin may fissure, especially in areas subject to friction from shoes or socks. When left untreated, the infection can spread across the foot and create openings that allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of secondary infection. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the infection, identify secondary complications, and recommend an appropriate course of treatment to restore skin integrity. This may involve debriding thickened skin, prescribing appropriate topical or systemic antifungal agents, and advising on footwear modifications to reduce moisture and friction. If you have developed an athlete's foot infection that has become problematic, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry.  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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often causing sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. It can be caused by overuse, poor footwear, excessive standing, or foot structure issues. Symptoms include heel pain, tightness, and tenderness along the arch. Helpful exercises include toe lifts to strengthen the foot, towel stretches to improve flexibility, and heel raises to support the arch. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend custom orthotics, and guide treatment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist to begin healing, enabling an accelerated return to normal activity.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Flat foot surgery is a procedure used to correct fallen arches when conservative treatments do not provide relief. Flat feet may result from genetics, injury, or conditions such as arthritis and tendon dysfunction. The surgery typically involves repairing tendons, realigning bones, or fusing joints to restore proper foot shape and function. Recovery time varies based on the type of procedure, but often includes rest and gradual return to activity. A podiatrist can determine if surgery is necessary after a thorough evaluation and imaging studies. They also guide patients through each phase of treatment. If flat feet are affecting your mobility or causing pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist about your options for long-term relief and improved function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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