Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, including locker rooms, sweaty shoes, and public shower areas. The skin may look red, scaly, or cracked, and in some cases may appear white and soggy between the toes. It often feels itchy, with discomfort that can worsen after activity. Some people also experience dryness or painful fissures. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the condition and confirming that symptoms are not related to other skin disorders. Treatment may begin with prescriptions or medical grade antifungal therapies, skin care guidance, and hygiene education. Care can then move into preventive strategies, footwear recommendations, and ongoing management to reduce recurrence and protect skin health. If you are dealing with persistent athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. 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 office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot stress fractures develop when repeated pressure on the bones of the feet builds faster than the body can recover. Risk increases with a sudden increase in activity, such as adding distance, speed, or training days too quickly. Moving from softer ground to harder surfaces raises impact through the toes, midfoot, and heel. Foot problems like bunions or blisters can change how weight is placed, forcing one bone to absorb extra stress. Shoes lacking adequate support, poor fit, stiffness, or heavy wear increase strain, especially during long-term walking or standing. Flip-flops can worsen this effect. Sports that involve running, jumping, or quick direction changes raise the risk of stress fractures, but extended walking on uneven ground can also lead to problems. Bone weakness and a prior stress fracture further increase risk. For help with foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals within a joint, most often affecting the big toe, foot, and ankle. Although commonly associated with men, women can also develop gout, especially after menopause when protective hormone levels change. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of intense joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness, often beginning in the big toe. Causes may include genetics, diet, dehydration, kidney function changes, and certain medications. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through a clinical evaluation, managing acute flare ups, reducing joint inflammation, and providing guidance on footwear and lifestyle modifications to protect the feet. If you develop sudden pain in your big toe, it is suggested that you promptly schedule a podiatry appointment to receive a proper evaluation and personalized care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Proper foot care during childhood supports healthy growth of the feet, toes, and ankles and helps guide normal movement as a child becomes more active. Babies and young children rely on flexible, developing bones and soft tissues that respond to pressure, footwear, and activity levels. Watching for changes such as inward or outward turning of the feet, persistent toe-walking, or frequent tripping can help identify concerns early. Shoes that lack adequate support, including flip-flops, can create problems if they are worn for long periods, especially once a child begins walking outdoors. Footwear should allow room for the toes to move and match the natural shape of the foot to reduce the risk of pain or deformity. A podiatrist can evaluate a child’s gait, identify early structural issues, and guide care when symptoms affect walking or activity. If your child is exhibiting foot or mobility problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Wendy K. Stinson, DPM of New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.