People who have had athlete's foot are aware of the discomfort it can cause. The skin often becomes dry, red, and can itch too. It is considered to be a fungal infection and typically affects the soles of the feet and between the toes. It is a contagious infection and appropriate shoes are suggested to be worn while in public swimming areas, locker rooms, and shower room floors. This fungus lives in warm and moist environments including socks and shoes that are wet. There are three types of athlete's foot. A toe web infection can cause the skin to peel and crack between the third and fourth toes. Cracked skin on the heel can be referred to as a moccasin-type infection, and a blister on the sole of the foot is known as a vesicular type of infection. There are effective prevention techniques for athlete’s foot including keeping the feet clean and dry, refraining from sharing towels or shoes, and alternating the shoes worn daily. If you have been affected by athlete's foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best type of treatment is for you.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have heel spurs may describe the feeling as stepping on a thumb tack. The pain may be worse in the morning upon arising and it is often difficult to walk. A heel spur is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the bottom of the heel and can be diagnosed by having an X-ray performed. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include pain that travels from the heel to the lower leg and the affected heel may feel warm. It can gradually develop as a result of standing on hard surfaces for extended periods or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people who have heel spurs also have an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. These two conditions have similar symptoms and need to be properly diagnosed for effective treatment to begin. Mild relief may come from taking frequent breaks and elevating the feet, and it can help to massage the heel. Different types of shoes may need to be purchased that can accommodate the heel spur and provide additional comfort. If you have a heel spur, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment options for you which may include surgery.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

There is a risk of foot and ankle injury to those who play volleyball because of the repetitive jumping and side-to-side movements required in the sport. Foot injuries can also occur from overuse and under-resting when participating in volleyball. Ankle sprains, tendon injuries, and fractures are the most common injuries sustained from playing volleyball. Foot injuries can recur if not treated in a timely manner and properly healed. Taking proper care of sports injuries is sometimes a conundrum for athletes as they are eager to get back to doing what they love and may not take the necessary time to heal correctly. Chronic foot pain or ankle instability can develop and affect an athlete for a lifetime from improper care. If you or your child plays volleyball, consider seeing a podiatrist who can guide you in proper footwear, form, and exercises to prevent injury or treat an injury incurred.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Most blisters form due to the constant rubbing of the skin with the inside of your shoe. This forms tears in the layers of skin which signals your body to protect it from further distress. In this case, fluid forms a cushion of sorts between the torn skin (epidermis) and the uppermost layers underneath the epidermis. The usual cause is ill-fitting shoes worn over long periods of time. In addition, a narrow toe box, too much room in the heel, and raised seams inside the shoe can also cause blistering. Besides forming on the side of the toes, blisters can form on the bottom of the toes too. Seams in socks can cause blisters on the top of your toes, and protruding bunions and hammertoes are frequent sites for blisters to form. Blisters may be worse if the feet get wet, so wearing socks that wick moisture from the skin may help to reduce them. If you have recurring or infected blisters, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist who can treat them safely as well as provide various prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Focal hyperhidrosis is when the palms of the hands or soles of the feet sweat excessively. This condition can be inherited, be due to an underlying health problem (such as menopause, obesity, or diabetes), be a side effect of medications, or have no known cause. Though not serious itself, hyperhidrosis can lead to other uncomfortable skin problems or infections and can cause anxiety and embarrassment. This condition usually starts in adolescence. Clammy or wet soles of the feet can be reduced by wearing footwear made of natural materials, like leather, wearing moisture absorbing socks, and using foot antiperspirants.  People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may be afraid to seek help or may not know that several other treatment options exist. Consulting with a podiatrist will help you identify if there is a possible underlying cause for this problem, and to assist you with obtaining a more effective treatment plan.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is when the immune system attacks the tissue of the joint lining, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. RA can hit many parts of the body, including the feet. Symptoms include stiff, painful joints and ligaments, aching in the feet during prolonged standing or activity, unusual warmth of the feet, and swelling in the toe joints or ankles. If untreated, more serious symptoms, such as bursitis, hammertoes, and skin and circulatory issues can develop. With increasing age, overall health, and time spent on one’s feet, flare-ups can become more severe and painful. RA cannot be cured, but when symptoms are present, one can use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), soak feet in warm water, wear open toed shoes, get orthotics, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, take anti-inflammatory medication, or wear braces/boots to relieve joint pressure. Surgery may be called for if nothing else works. If you have RA, regular visits with a podiatrist are suggested to help you best handle foot problems that may arise from your condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A corn on the foot is defined as a small area of thickened skin. It can form on top of the toes, on the bottom of the feet, or between the toes. Corns are caused by excess friction that can come from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns that are found between the toes are referred to as soft corns, and constant moisture keeps them soft. Hard corns are often found on the side of the pinky toe, or on top of the toes. This type of corn can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may be difficult to walk and complete daily activities. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn, and it is suggested that larger shoes are worn. Some people have medical conditions that can consist of bunions and hammertoes, and corns can develop on top of the affected toes or on the side of the bunion. If you have corns on your feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of foot condition.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It may be difficult for you to know if your child is having heel pain because it is not often associated with children. However, certain conditions that cause heel pain can afflict the young, even if they do not know how to properly communicate their distress. Sever’s disease, for instance, is a form of heel pain that stems from irritation to the growth plate in the heels of growing children. Children can also develop plantar fasciitis from overuse of the heel or wearing shoes that do not fit. This condition is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that connects to the heel to the toes. Active children can also develop tiny stress fractures of the heel bone which can occur gradually over time and be quite painful. There are certain clues your child’s condition may provide if you know what to look for. If your child limps or changes the way they walk or run, cuts back on physical activities, complains that their feet or heels feel odd or stiff, or that something is stuck in their shoe, they may have a painful heel condition. It is suggested that you make an appointment for your child with a podiatrist to have your child’s condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.