Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, often between the toes, however, there is also a moccasin variety that affects the bottom of the feet. It is caused by dermatophytes, fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or locker rooms. The condition is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or people. Common symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, burning, peeling, and redness. In more severe cases, the skin may crack, blister, or become painful. It can also spread to the toenails or other areas of the body if left untreated. Treatment typically involves antifungal creams or powders, which help eliminate the infection. Keeping your feet dry and wearing breathable shoes are also key to preventing reinfection. In stubborn cases, a podiatrist may prescribe stronger antifungal medications or recommend a more tailored treatment plan. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and 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 one of our podiatrists from Bangor 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 our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot problems are a significant concern for the elderly, as they can greatly increase the risk of falling. Common foot issues such as foot pain, swelling, redness, tingling, and numbness can affect a person’s ability to walk safely. Pain in the feet can lead to a person favoring one side, causing imbalance and instability. Swelling and redness may be signs of arthritis or infection, which can also impair movement. Tingling or numbness in the feet, often associated with conditions like diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, can reduce sensation and make it harder to feel the ground beneath. These symptoms may result in poor posture, difficulty walking, and an increased likelihood of tripping or falling. Regular foot care, wearing proper footwear, and seeking medical advice from a podiatrist for foot-related issues can help reduce these risks and improve overall mobility in the elderly. If you are a senior with one or more foot conditions, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can treat various foot ailments and provide fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds require prompt and proper care, especially for individuals with diabetes, as their condition can impair healing and increase the risk of severe complications. Even minor cuts or blisters can progress to infections or ulcers if left untreated. Treatment begins with cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, and applying appropriate dressings to protect the area. Infections may require antibiotics, while advanced wounds might need specialized treatments like skin grafts or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For diabetic patients, poor circulation and reduced sensation often mask the severity of wounds, delaying care and increasing the risk of amputation. Regular foot inspections are critical for early detection. A podiatrist plays a key role in wound management, offering professional care, monitoring healing progress, and preventing complications. If you have sustained a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a common complication of diabetes, where poor circulation affects the blood flow to the feet and legs. This reduced circulation can cause the skin to become dry, pale, or even develop ulcers. If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications, including infections or amputation. PAD typically results from long-term high blood sugar, which damages blood vessels. The symptoms may include cold feet, slow-healing sores, or numbness. Without proper treatment, the lack of blood flow makes it harder for the body to fight infections and increases the risk of foot ulcers. Once the ulcers form, they can be difficult to heal and are linked to more adverse outcomes, including infections. Regular foot exams, proper wound care, and managing blood sugar levels are key to preventing complications. A podiatrist can help monitor and treat PAD, ensuring the best possible outcomes. If you have foot issues as the result of diabetes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.