Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and between the toes. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, making it more likely to develop in people who wear tight, non-breathable shoes for extended periods. Symptoms of an athlete's foot infection include scaly or cracked skin, itching, burning, and in some cases, fluid-filled blisters that can cause pain when walking or standing. The infection spreads through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like locker room floors, socks, or shoes. Without treatment, athlete’s foot can lead to secondary bacterial infections that may cause swelling, warmth, and pus drainage. To manage athlete’s foot, keeping the feet clean and dry is essential. Wearing breathable footwear and changing socks regularly can help reduce moisture buildup. A podiatrist can diagnose the severity of the infection and provide topical or oral antifungal medications. If blisters or open sores develop, additional care may be required to prevent infection. If you have an athlete’s foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can stem from a variety of factors, with improper footwear being one of the most common culprits. Wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper support can lead to a range of foot problems. One common condition caused by poor footwear is plantar fasciitis, where inflammation occurs in the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel pain. Corns, which are thickened areas of skin, can also develop from pressure or friction from ill-fitting shoes, leading to discomfort. Ingrown toenails, another frequent cause of foot pain, occur when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and swelling. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury affecting the tendon at the back of the heel, causing pain and stiffness, especially during physical activities. Proper footwear, regular foot care, and addressing these issues early can help alleviate foot pain and prevent further complications. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patrick Bruton, DPM from Big Country foot and Ankle. 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 offices located in Abilene, and Brownwood, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and osteoarthritis, OA, both affect the joints of the feet, toes, and ankles, but are distinct in their causes and progression. RA is a disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness that can affect both feet symmetrically. Over time, this can result in joint deformities and decreased mobility. OA is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing against each other. This wear and tear often results in extreme pain, swelling, and the development of bony growths, which may affect one foot more than the other. Risk factors for RA include family history and being female, while OA is more common with age, obesity, or previous joint injuries. A podiatrist can manage arthritis in the feet, by determining the type of arthritis, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting options to reduce pain and preserve joint function. If you have foot problems resulting from arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Patrick Bruton, DPM of Big Country foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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