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Fungal infections of the foot can affect multiple areas of the body such as skin, hair, and nails. The most common foot fungus infections are Tinea Pedis and Onychomycosis. Tinea Pedis is often called Athlete’s Foot. Both types of foot fungus thrive in hot, humid environments.

Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis is common in males and young adults.  Hot and humid environments, excessive sweating, and prolonged exposure to water put a person at risk for tinea pedis. Certain footwear can put a person at higher risk for developing this type of foot fungus.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis typically affects a fingernail or toenail. This fungus can affect multiple nails if it gets severe enough.  Excessive sweating, warm and moist environments, obesity, and inappropriate footwear will make a person more likely to develop this type of foot fungus.

Preventing Foot Fungus

There are prevention and home treatment remedies for both tinea pedis and onychomycosis. Washing the feet every day and keeping feet dry are essential habits that prevent athlete’s foot. Wearing socks made of natural materials and not sharing clothing or shoes with others will also help prevent foot fungus. Keeping nails short and trimmed and wearing sandals in warm weather also aids in the prevention of onychomycosis.

Untreated foot fungus can cause more severe issues which is why if you are having problems with your feet, you will need to visit a podiatrist. Dr. Schwartz is among the top podiatrists in the Michigan area, with many years of education and experience and is happy to help you with all your foot care needs.

When you are at the podiatrist, the doctor can mold your feet and create custom orthotic inserts that you wear inside your shoes. The molds produce a custom map of your foot, allowing the doctor to get the right fit. Once the podiatrist has prepared the mold, they will either make a rigid or soft orthotic device, depending on your needs.

Types of Orthotics

There are two different types of orthotics consisting of functioning and accommodative orthotics. Functional orthotics, also called rigid orthotics, consist of plastic or carbon fiber. This form of orthotics fits into dress shoes and walking shoes. Functional orthotics relieve pain in the foot, back, and legs. On the other hand, accommodative orthotics, or soft orthotics, consist of soft compression materials. This form of orthotics takes the pressure off of sore spots. Athletes can purchase special orthotics for sporting equipment as well.

Conditions Orthotics Treat

The podiatrist may prescribe orthotics to treat a variety of issues. Some of these issues may consist of arthritis, osteoporosis, bunions, flat feet, etc. Arthritis and osteoporosis cause pain in the foot and poor positioning, which orthotics helps to correct. You can help back pain by use of orthotics. Bunions are the painful bump that develops at the base in the front of your foot at the big toe. Orthotics with a wide front portion can help reduce strain on the big toe. Flat feet cause foot, back, and ankle pain.  Orthotics help support the feet and improve posture.

Orthotics Help with Physical Therapy

When you are recovering from ankle injuries, you need good orthotic support. The custom insoles will balance your body weight evenly between both of your feet. The orthotics prevent unnecessary changes to the alignment of your ankles, knees, and hips. Orthotics will also allow you to heal your body back to its original movement dynamics. Many different foot and ankle ailments require the use of orthotics to treat. Treatment and type of orthotics vary according to the specific disorder dealing with the foot and ankle. Depending on the type of activity there may be a certain orthotic that may be better than another. Visit your podiatrist if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in order to see if a special orthotic

Plantar warts are abnormal growths on any part of the feet that bear weight. The pressure on your feet from your body weight causes the wart to grow inward under a layer of skin called a callus. HPV causes plantar warts. The virus makes an entrance through cuts on the bottom of your feet.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Symptoms that may persist are pain or tenderness in the foot when standing or walking is one example. A lesion on the bottom of the foot is another sign of warts that creates pain when pressure is applied to that area. A callus on your foot is the third and final symptom, resulting from the wart growing inwards.

Causes of Plantar Warts

As stated previously, HPV is the most common virus that causes warts. Minor cuts on the bottom of the foot allow the virus to enter. The virus most commonly thrives in warm and moist environments. Walking barefoot around swimming pools or a locker room can also cause plantar warts.

Prevention of Plantar Warts

The first and most significant way to prevent warts is to avoid touching a wart directly. If you do, be sure to wash your hands. Keep feet clean and dry; change socks and shoes often. Do not pick or scratch at warts. Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms or near swimming pools.

Warts are nasty and painful. They are not aesthetically pleasing. Warts are not contagious unless you come into direct contact with them. HPV is the leading cause of warts, although any virus that enters the body through cuts or weak spots on the foot can cause warts. Dr. Schwartz is here and ready to help you win the fight against warts and make it a thing of the past.