It starts as a mild itch, just a little irritation between your toes. Maybe your skin feels dry or slightly cracked. Then, before you know it, that subtle annoyance turns into relentless burning, peeling, and redness. Athlete’s foot is not just a minor inconvenience. It is a fungal invasion thriving in warm, damp spaces like sweaty socks and shared locker rooms. Many people dismiss it, thinking it is just dry skin, but, left untreated, it spreads. Blisters can form, skin can crack open, and secondary infections can take hold. Some even find the fungus creeping into their toenails, making them thick and discolored. Scratching only makes it worse, spreading the infection to hands and other areas. Mild treatments may help, but if it keeps coming back or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide stronger solutions to stop the cycle and restore healthy skin.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC.  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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot often experience discomfort, pain, and fatigue due to the collapse of the arch. Customized arch support insoles can provide significant relief by offering targeted support and helping to restore proper foot alignment. These insoles are specifically designed to address the unique needs of a child's developing feet, promoting healthier movement patterns and reducing excessive stress on joints and tissues. By improving arch support, customized insoles help to distribute weight more evenly across the foot, minimizing discomfort and preventing further complications. They also aid in correcting abnormal foot mechanics, reducing the risk of pain or deformities in the future. For children with flexible flatfoot, customized arch support insoles can provide a practical, non-invasive solution that supports their foot health and promotes active, pain-free movement. If your child has flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine which type of orthotics your child will benefit from wearing.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe surgery is designed to correct toe deformities, but certain risk factors can make the procedure less successful. Poor circulation, often seen in people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Individuals with severe arthritis may struggle with joint stiffness even after surgery, limiting mobility and causing lingering discomfort. Weak bones due to osteoporosis can also make surgical correction less stable, increasing the chances of recurrence. Chronic swelling from conditions like lymphedema may lead to prolonged recovery and difficulties wearing shoes comfortably. Smoking and obesity further hinder healing by reducing oxygen supply and placing excess pressure on the feet. Non-surgical options such as orthotics, toe splints, and targeted exercises may be better alternatives for those at high risk. If you are in a high-risk group and would like relief for your hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help determine the safest and most effective treatment based on your specific health concerns.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.