Items filtered by date: April 2022

Athlete’s foot is an ailment caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These often include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include severe itchiness, redness, and small blisters may develop. Effective prevention techniques can include wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of areas, in addition to practicing good foot hygiene. It is beneficial to frequently change socks and shoes, and to refrain from sharing them. If you are affected by athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this uncomfortable condition. 

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 Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle.  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 offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma can cause pain and discomfort, and it often makes walking difficult. The pain is generally felt in the bottom of the foot, and many patients describe it as a burning and stabbing feeling. Morton's neuroma affects the tissue that surrounds a nerve in the ball of the foot and can be caused by several reasons. These reasons can include having a poor running technique, wearing running shoes that are too tight, or possibly having flat feet or bunions. The pain is described as having the sensation of standing on a marble or pebble. Additional symptoms can include numbness in the toes, and if it is not treated, it may lead to severe pain, causing the patient to limp. A podiatrist is qualified to perform a proper diagnosis, which can consist of having an X-ray taken, or from a manual exam. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, who can provide you with correct treatment techniques.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Brett Dupont, DPM of Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who are diabetic often have to be concerned about their foot health. This disease can cause neuropathy, which is defined as a loss of feeling in the feet. When this occurs, it is often difficult to feel any cuts, bruises, or wounds that have occurred. These types of injuries can become infected, and may lead to foot ulcers, and possibly amputation, if not immediately treated. It may take longer for diabetics to heal, as a result of reduced blood flow to the feet. Preventative measures can include washing the feet daily, trimming the toenails properly, and always wearing shoes and socks. Additionally, checking the feet daily for minor cuts may help to avoid infections. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many foot problems can be solved by taking a look at the shoes you wear, whether it be running shoes, flip-flops, dress shoes or bedroom slippers. For instance, plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, can be the result of doing pounding exercises in shoes that lack proper cushioning and padding. Similarly, metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot, can be directly linked to shoving your feet into tight high-heeled shoes with pointy toes and then walking in them or standing for long periods of time. Flip-flops can be bearers of fatigue, caused by lack of arch support and cushioning in the heel. Any shoes with thin flat leather soles and uppers may be the root of calluses and corns that turn into painful areas on the toes and soles of your feet. Taking long walks, hiking, or running in shoes that are not specifically made for the activity, can result in painful blisters. A good way to find out which shoes are best for your feet and your lifestyle is to consult a podiatrist for guidance in seeking proper footwear.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Brett Dupont, DPM from Golden Gate Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Sonoma, San Francisco, and Oakland, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.