Myths about Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that causes red, itchy feet. Here are a few myths about athlete’s foot:

1 - Only athletes get athlete’s foot.

Anyone exposed to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot can get infected. The condition got its name because this particular fungus is common in areas where athletes hang out, such as showers and locker rooms.

2 - Only people with poor hygiene get athlete’s foot

You can get athlete’s foot even if you wash your feet constantly and washing them will not clear up the fungus.

3 - You can only get athlete’s foot by walking barefoot in areas where fungus is present.

Walking in an area where the fungus lives is only one way to get athlete’s foot. You can get infected by sharing a towel, socks, shoes or bed sheets with someone who has athlete’s foot.

4 - If the skin between your toes is not peeling, you do not have athlete’s foot.

There are many different symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can get peeling between the toes, but you may just have redness or dryness on the bottom of the feet.

5 - You cannot get athlete’s foot if your feet are covered in shoes and socks.

Fungus thrives in dark, damp places. If your shoes or socks are wet, it is possible to get athlete’s foot.

6 - Once athlete’s foot is treated, it won’t return.

Athlete’s foot can reappear if you do not take steps to prevent it.

Image by Teresa Trimm. Athlete's Foot03. (2012). Flickr.

What do you know about caring for your feet?

Taking care of your feet can help to prevent foot problems down the road. Test your knowledge to see if you know how to properly care for your feet.

1. You should moisturize every part of your foot except:

A. Heels

B. Balls of the feet

C. Between the toes

2. You should clip your toenails so that they are:

A. Straight across

B. Rounded

3. It is important that shoes are not too tight. Corns and calluses can develop when there is too much pressure against your foot. The difference between corns and calluses are where they are located on your feet. One forms on the top of the foot, sometimes on a toe. The other appears on the bottom of the foot. Which is which?

4. Sweaty feet can cause smelly feet and infections. What is a good way to get sweaty feet under control?

A. Wash your feet

B. Dry feet well

C. Wear moisture-wicking socks

D. All of the above

5. Small growths of hardened skin that are caused by a virus are called warts. They can most commonly be caught by walking on a dirty, wet surface. True or false?

6. Shoe inserts and orthotics can help with foot problems like flat arches and foot pain. Which of these has to be prescribed by a doctor?

7. Foot pain can be caused by the following:

A. High heels

B. Being overweight

C. Foot injury

D. Abnormal gait

E. All of the above

8. Good circulation is important for healthy feet. The following can reduce the flow of blood to the feet and should be avoided:

A. Standing for long periods

B. Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight

C. Stretching 

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Thomas Galvez. Question Everything. (2014). Flickr.

Less Common Foot Problems

Everyone has heard about foot problems such as athlete’s foot, bunions, hammer toes, warts, nail fungus, etc. Podiatrists see and treat these types of problems every day. However, there are many other lesser known conditions that involve the feet. Here are a few interesting ones you may not have heard of before:

Metatarsalgia: Common overuse injury. This pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot is typically found in athletes who participate in high-impact sports.

Acrocyanosis: Blueness of the extremities. This blue discoloration of the skin can appear on toes and ankles. It is caused by the narrowing of tiny arteries toward the end of the legs.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A problem with blood flow. Feet feel cold and numb because the body does not send enough blood to your feet.

Turf Toe: Frequent constant jamming of the toe causes ligaments around the big toe to sprain. This is most commonly found in athletes who repeatedly push off their big toe.

Hallux Rigidus: A disorder that affects the joint at the base of the toe causing pain and restricted movement. This condition is progressive. It starts as limited movement and ends with stiffness of the toe.

Foot Drop: A muscle weakness in the front part of the foot that results in the dragging of toes while walking. 

Image by Craig Sunter. Two Foot Long. (2013). Flickr.

Foot Exercises for Heel Pain

Heel pain can develop for a variety of reasons. It can sometimes be relieved by some simple exercises. Here are a few to try out.

Stretching tight calf muscles

Stand about a foot away from a wall and place the palms of both hands against the wall at chest level. Step back with one foot, keeping that leg straight at the knee, and bend the other leg at the knee. Press on the wall with your hands. You will feel a stretch on your back leg.

Toe Curls

Sit with a towel on the floor in front of you. Grip the towel with the toes of one foot, curling the toes to pull the towel toward you. Repeat this process with the other foot. You can use weights on the end of the towel to make it harder and build more strength.

Towel Stretch

Lie down and use a rolled up towel looped over one foot to stretch the front of your foot. Take one end of the towel in either hand and pull gently until you feel the stretch.

If these exercises do not help to relieve pain, cause pain, or make your pain worse, it is time to see a physician. He will be able to accurately diagnose what is causing your pain and will suggest a course of treatment.

Image by Elvert Barnes. 07.Stretch.NatioanlMall.WDC.10apr06. (2006). Flickr.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch that runs lengthwise along the bottom of the foot has not developed normally. It is lower than normal or flattened out. This can affect one or both feet.

Flatfoot can be caused by:

• An inherited condition
• An injury
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Both children and adults can be flat footed. Most children develop the longitudinal arch between the ages of 3 - 5 years old. Until this time, they are flat footed.

Some common treatments for flat feet include:

• Wearing roomy shoes with good arch support
• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Padding for the heel

There can be pain associated with flat feet. Some ways to help relieve the pain include:

• Foot strengthening exercises
• Calf stretching exercises
• Heat
• Massage
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

Image by Thomas Abbs. Sunshine Feet. (2010). Flickr.

What do you know about Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging is used to diagnose a variety of foot problems. Let’s test your knowledge on the types of imaging your doctor might order to diagnose your problem.

1. Which test is a form of radiation focused into a beam that creates a picture?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

2. Which test uses sound waves to develop images of what is happening inside the body?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

3. Which test uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to create pictures of structures within the body?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

4. Which test is used to detect soft tissue injuries?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

5. Which test is used to detect fractures or dislocations?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

6. Which test is used to detect torn ligaments or tendons?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

7. Match the color to the area of the x-ray.

White

Gray

Black

Muscles

Bones

Air

8. True or False? For ultrasounds, the echoes the sound waves make determine the size, shape and consistency of soft tissues and organs.

The correct answers are listed in the comments below.

Image by Tiffany Terry. Question Mark? (2011). Flickr. 

Foot Changes as you Age

As you get older, it is normal for your feet to experience some changes. Here are a few of the common ones:

Feet spread out. This will most likely affect your shoe size. Be sure to measure feet before buying shoes, instead of relying on the size you typically buy.

The bottoms of feet loose the fat pads that provide cushion to the feet. The heel pad is the area most affected. This can make feet vulnerable to pain and injury.

Skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This can make you more prone to injury and infections.

Ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity. This can reduce flexibility and/or reduce joint motion.

Cartilage can break down. This can cause joint inflammation and arthritis.

Nails can get thick and brittle. This can cause nails to split and break.

Start caring for your feet at an early age. If changes occur that cause concern to you, speak to a physician about what can be done. 

Image by Ale Art. Feet. (2013). Flickr.