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Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that commonly affects the feet, especially the spaces between the toes. It develops when fungi grow in warm, moist environments and spread across the outer layer of skin. This condition is contagious and can be transmitted through shared surfaces such as locker rooms and showers. In some cases, small bumps may appear along with other skin changes, which can make the infection more noticeable. Understanding how to identify athlete’s foot early can help prevent progression and reduce discomfort.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot often include itching, burning, and irritation of the skin. The affected area may appear red, flaky, or cracked, particularly between the toes. Some individuals develop small fluid-filled bumps that may cause additional sensitivity. The skin can become soft or soggy due to excess moisture, and an unpleasant odor may also be present. These symptoms may worsen with continued exposure to damp conditions or tight footwear.

Several causes contribute to the development of athlete’s foot. Fungi thrive in consistently warm and damp environments, making sweaty feet and enclosed shoes a common factor. Walking barefoot in public areas increases exposure to infectious organisms. Additional contributing factors include minor skin injuries and poor hygiene habits. Individuals with a weakened immune system, a genetic predisposition, or poor circulation may be more vulnerable to infection and slower healing.

Risk factors include frequent use of communal facilities, prolonged moisture exposure, and wearing non-breathable shoes. People who experience excessive sweating or have underlying health conditions may face increased risk. Identifying athlete’s foot involves recognizing persistent itching, peeling skin, and the presence of bumps or irritation in typical areas. Early treatment and proper foot care can prevent spread and recurrence. If you have athlete’s foot or related bumps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which  may include prescribed medication.

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 the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for maintaining foot health, preventing pain, and supporting daily activity. A well-fitted shoe provides adequate space, stability, and alignment for the foot while allowing natural movement. Shoes should match the shape of the foot and provide proper arch support and cushioning. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, whether too tight or too loose, can lead to discomfort and long-term complications. Choosing the correct shoe size and design is a key step in preventing avoidable foot problems.

Common foot conditions from wearing poorly fitting shoes include blisters, toe pain, and bunions. Shoes that are too loose can lead to instability, friction, and an increased risk of falls. Individuals may also experience heel pain or arch strain when support and cushioning are inadequate. These symptoms can interfere with walking and reduce overall comfort throughout the day.

Several risk factors contribute to improper shoe fit. Many individuals wear the wrong size due to changes in foot shape over time. Feet should be measured regularly to ensure an accurate fit, especially as aging, weight changes, or medical conditions can alter foot size. Proper shoes should grip the heel securely without slipping and allow enough room in the toe box. Selecting footwear designed for a specific sport or activity is also important, as different movements require different types of support and cushioning.

Wearing properly-fitted shoes can prevent many common foot conditions and improve overall comfort. Supportive design, proper sizing, and activity-specific features all contribute to better foot health. Taking the time to choose the right footwear can make a significant difference in daily mobility. If you have foot pain related to wearing shoes that do not fit right,it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on how to choose shoes that fit properly.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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

Offloading in wound care is an important part of helping foot wounds heal. Offloading means reducing pressure on the injured area so the skin and tissue have a better chance to recover. Every step places force on the feet, especially on the bottom of the foot. When pressure continues on an open wound, healing slows and the wound can become larger or deeper. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet face an even greater risk because they may not notice the damage while walking. A podiatrist carefully examines the wound, identifies the source of pressure, and develops a treatment plan that protects the injured area while supporting healing. Offloading also helps lower the chance of repeated injury that can delay recovery.

A podiatrist selects the best offloading method based on the wound's location, the shape of the foot, and the patient's daily activities. Options include specialized walking boots, custom shoe inserts, or protective shoes that spread body weight more evenly across the foot. Some patients benefit from casts or other devices that limit pressure on the wound while walking. A podiatrist also checks for foot deformities, calluses, and areas of excess pressure. The wound is routinely measured and examined for progress. The treatment plan can be adjusted whenever healing slows or new pressure points develop.

Offloading works together with wound treatment by protecting healthy tissue and helping new tissue develop. A podiatrist also monitors circulation, watches for signs of infection, and recommends the most appropriate shoes to reduce future problems. Early treatment gives many patients the best opportunity for healing before a wound becomes more serious. Careful offloading also helps lower stress on nearby skin and reduces the chance of another wound developing in the same area. If you have foot wounds that will not heal, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and management solutions.

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 the podiatrists from New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Milton, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain is a common complaint that can affect daily movement, balance, and comfort. It is defined as discomfort that occurs in one or more of the toe joints, often caused by inflammation, structural changes, or underlying medical conditions. One of the most frequent causes of persistent toe pain is arthritis, which involves joint inflammation that leads to stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. When arthritis develops in the toes, it can interfere with walking and standing, especially if left untreated.

Symptoms of toe arthritis often begin with mild discomfort but can progress over time. Common signs include joint stiffness, redness, and a limited range of motion. Many patients report pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Inflammation may also cause the toes to feel warm or tender to the touch. As the condition advances, deformities or changes in toe alignment may occur, making it more difficult to wear shoes comfortably.

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the toes. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and damage. Gout is another common form, resulting from the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, often leading to sudden and severe pain. Psoriatic arthritis is associated with skin conditions and can affect the toes with swelling and stiffness. Infectious arthritis, although less common, occurs when bacteria enter the joint and cause inflammation. Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, prior joint injuries, and chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Understanding the cause of toe pain is essential for proper treatment and long term relief. Management may include anti-inflammatory care, footwear modification, orthotics, and lifestyle changes to reduce joint stress. Early diagnosis can help prevent further joint damage and improve mobility. If you have toe pain, it may be toe arthritis, and it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective relief and management solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the podiatrists of New England Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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