Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often occurring between the toes. Symptoms include a burning or itchy sensation, scaly, dry, cracked, or peeling skin, blisters on the feet, and sometimes a noticeable odor. This condition is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and swimming areas. Athlete's foot can spread easily, if left untreated, leading to discomfort and skin damage. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the infection, recommend antifungal treatments, and provide guidance on proper foot hygiene and footwear to prevent recurrence. If you have persistent itching, burning, or peeling skin on your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective 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 Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, often caused by a sudden twist, fall, or misstep. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Common causes involve sports injuries, uneven surfaces, or unstable footwear. Early treatment is vital to prevent long-term weakness or instability. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of an ankle sprain through an examination and imaging tests, provide proper bracing, and guide the safe return to activity. Timely care ensures full recovery and helps prevent future sprains. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment solutions that are right for you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Preventing falls at work begins with maintaining a safe environment and following proper safety practices. Regularly inspecting work areas for hazards, using the right equipment, and following safety procedures reduces the risk of slips and trips. Wearing proper footwear with good traction and support is essential, especially in environments with uneven surfaces or wet floors. Being aware of weather conditions, such as rain or ice, helps prevent outdoor accidents. A podiatrist can assess foot health, recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics, and address pain or balance issues that may increase fall risk. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist for foot care that supports safety and stability at work.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Ankle pain is a common complaint that can make daily activities difficult. It is an uncomfortable sensation or ache in one or both of the ankle joints. Possible causes are varied. They include minor sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, or tendon inflammation. The feeling is often described as a throbbing, sharp, or burning pain, sometimes accompanied by stiffness and swelling. It may hurt when you walk or bear weight. Prevention is key. Choose supportive footwear, maintain a healthy weight, and always stretch properly before exercise. Additionally, build strength in your lower legs and ankles. If pain does strike, rest and elevation are important first steps, and gentle compression may reduce swelling. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the issue and offer specialized treatments, such as custom orthotics or targeted exercises for effective relief. If your pain is severe, if you cannot bear weight, or if swelling persists for more than two days, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.