Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection and the most widespread form of dermatophytosis affecting the feet. It develops when fungi grow on the skin, often in warm and moist environments. Excessive foot sweating can easily facilitate fungal growth, making the condition more likely to appear between the toes or on the soles. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling skin, redness, and an unpleasant odor. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis, recommend effective treatments, address moisture issues, and provide guidance to prevent the infection from returning. If you are noticing irritation or persistent changes in your skin, it is suggested that you seek professional podiatric care to begin effective 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 Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics.  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 McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Finding the right shoes for marathon running is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Shoes should provide enough length to allow natural toe movement, proper width to avoid pressure, and a secure heel fit that prevents slipping. The overall feel should support your stride without causing rubbing or tightness. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, plantar fasciitis, or even stress fractures, over time. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait and any existing conditions, as well as recommend footwear that match your needs. If you are training for a marathon, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to ensure you have the right support for your feet and reduce your risk of painful setbacks.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Webbed toes, also called syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are joined together at birth. This condition develops during fetal growth when the tissue between toes does not fully separate. Webbed toes may appear alone or as part of a genetic condition, and the type depends on how much tissue is involved. In simple syndactyly, only skin and soft tissue connect the toes. Complex syndactyly involves bones, with some or all toes fused together. Complicated syndactyly goes further, where abnormal bone or tendon formation creates additional changes in the foot. The most common form affects the second and third toes, but fusion can also occur between the fourth and fifth toes. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of fusion, discuss whether surgery is needed to improve function or appearance, and guide the recovery process. If you have a child born with webbed toes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The feet are made up of a variety of bones, tendons and ligaments, and running can put stress on any them.  While runners can experience different minor issues with the feet, there are many issues that can lead to severe pain and sideline a runner.  One common cause of foot pain in runners is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to heel pain.  Stress fractures, which are hairline fractures in the bones of the feet, are also common among runners.  Runners should also be aware of extensor tendonitis, which results in the inflammation of the tendons that help with the movement of the toes.  A tight abductor or adductor hallucis, both muscles that help with movement of the feet, can lead to debilitating pain as well.  If you are a runner and you notice severe pain in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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