Items filtered by date: June 2025

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, sweaty shoes, and public showers. The condition is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include itching, burning, peeling, and cracked skin, especially between the toes or on the soles of the feet. In more severe cases, redness, scaling, and blistering may occur. The infected area can feel painful or uncomfortable, especially when walking. A podiatrist can diagnose tinea pedis by examining the site and may take a skin scraping for lab analysis. Treatment typically involves topical antifungal creams or oral medications for more persistent cases. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

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 Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Sparta, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunion is a noticeable bump on the side of the big toe, often forming gradually as the joint shifts out of place. Signs include swelling, redness, and the big toe leaning toward the second toe. You may notice difficulty fitting into shoes or discomfort while walking. Wearing tight footwear, inherited foot shape, and certain health conditions can contribute to bunion development. Early care involves wearing shoes with a wide toe area, using cushions or splints to reduce pressure, and avoiding high heels. If pain becomes consistent or the bunion interferes with daily activities, further care may be needed. Custom orthotics or targeted exercises may help slow progression. In more advanced cases, surgical correction could be considered. If you suspect you have a bunion, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on the most effective treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot pain in runners is a common issue often caused by plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, while metatarsalgia refers to pain in the ball of the foot. Stress fractures result from repetitive impact and overuse. Stretching can help ease discomfort, including the seated towel stretch to improve flexibility and rolling a frozen water bottle under the arch to reduce inflammation. Wearing properly fitted running shoes with good support is essential. A podiatrist can evaluate pain, identify the underlying cause, recommend targeted stretches and footwear, and provide treatment to promote healing and prevent further injury for long-term foot health. If you have foot pain from running, it is suggested that you consult this type of doctor who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Philip C. Caswell, DPM of Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Heel pressure ulcers can develop when constant pressure reduces blood flow to the skin and tissue surrounding the heel. These wounds are more likely in people who spend long periods in bed or have reduced mobility. Early signs include redness, tenderness, or darkened skin. If not treated, the skin can break down and form deep wounds that are difficult to heal. Treatment includes relieving pressure, cleaning the area regularly, applying dressings, and using special shoes or heel protectors. Keeping the feet elevated and ensuring good nutrition can also help speed healing. Severe cases may require advanced wound care or surgery. If you notice skin changes, pain, or open sores on your heel, especially if you have diabetes or circulation issues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Philip C. Caswell, DPM from Family Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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