Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by fungi, which are tiny organisms that grow in warm and damp places. This condition often begins between the toes but may spread to the soles or sides of the feet. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking on contaminated floors in locker rooms, near pools, or shared shower areas. Tight shoes, sweaty feet, and small cuts in the skin can make infection more likely. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include intense itching, redness, peeling or cracked skin, and a burning or stinging feeling. Some people also develop small blisters or thickened, whitish skin over time. If untreated, this infection may spread to the toenails or other areas of skin. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, confirm the cause, and provide proper medical treatment to control the infection and prevent complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and 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 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.

An ingrown toenail is defined as the edge of a toenail growing into the surrounding skin, which leads to irritation and inflammation. This condition most often affects the big toe and can become painful if left untreated. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight fitting shoes, repetitive pressure on the toes, or injury to the nail. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort along the nail border, sometimes accompanied by infection. Among the risk factors are curved nail growth, excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, and repeated toe trauma. A podiatrist can safely treat ingrown toenails, relieve pain, and prevent infection through professional care. If you have toe pain or if swelling develops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat ingrown toenails. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

Long-standing high blood sugar can injure the small nerves in the feet, leading to reduced feeling or complete numbness. This nerve-related damage makes it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure sores. Without normal sensation, minor injuries may worsen before they are discovered. At the same time, circulation problems can slow healing and increase infection risk. Diabetic foot syndrome refers to a combination of nerve loss, poor blood flow, and skin breakdown that can lead to deep wounds or even bone infection. Dry skin, callus build-up, and foot-shape changes may add further pressure to vulnerable areas. What begins as a small sore can quickly progress without proper care. Daily foot checks, blood-sugar control, and wearing well-fitting shoes are critical protective steps. Early medical attention reduces the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes and notice numbness, tingling, color changes, or a slow-healing sore on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Heel pain often begins when too much pressure is placed on the bottom of the foot, especially where the heel meets supportive tissues and joints. Common causes include poor foot alignment, uneven arches, repeated stress from long periods of standing or walking, and changes in how the foot lands during each step. Symptoms may include aching or sharp pain in the heel, stiffness in the foot after rest, discomfort that grows worse during activity, and tenderness when pressing on the bottom of the heel. When the foot does not move and support weight evenly, surrounding muscles and joints must work harder. This can slow motion and increase strain across the foot. Orthotics are devices placed inside shoes that can help support the arches, improve how the foot contacts the ground, and distribute pressure more evenly during movement. By guiding better alignment and reducing strain on the heel, orthotics can help the foot move with less pain and more comfort. If heel pain is limiting daily activities or returning often, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to schedule an evaluation for orthotics. 

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH .