Though its name would imply the skin condition known as athlete’s foot is specific to athletes, that is not the case. Anyone can get this fungal infection. It is said to be more common in specific geographic regions, and tends to impact the elderly who have a weakened immune system or other conditions affecting the lower leg.  Athlete’s foot is also referred to as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot. It is generally characterized by flaking, itching, and a burning sensation between the toes and the skin on the feet. Sometimes the skin will appear to be blistered and may crack. This condition comes from a moist environment combined with a fungus called Trichophyton. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread through physical contact or from sharing towels, sheets, socks, and shoes. It is an infection that can also spread to the toenails causing them to become discolored, brittle, and ragged. If you believe you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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 James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and 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 offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Studies have shown there is a negative relationship between body mass index, foot biomechanics, and the feet. In short, the heavier you are, the more likely you are to experience foot, heel, and ankle pain. Excess weight can also contribute to gout, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation. It is commonly held that the feet can absorb from three to six times the weight of your body in force, such as walking, running, and jumping. A BMI over 30 doubles the risk of an ankle injury, but losing even five pounds can reduce the amount of pressure in the feet and ankles by 30 pounds. Some simple foot strengthening exercises such as scrunching up a towel with your toes can help reduce the effects of obesity. In addition, experts suggest wearing shoes that fit properly, provide ample arch support, and have adequate heel cushioning. And finally, a gradual weight loss regime can help to lighten the pressure on your feet. For more information on dealing with obesity and the resulting problems it may cause in the feet and ankles, please consult a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who has a serious foot condition and is considering undergoing some kind of foot surgery ought to know about complex regional pain syndrome, also referred to as CRPS. Importantly, CRPS is what is referred to as pain that can sometimes be felt as a symptom of foot surgery, and it can occur after a surgical procedure on the feet. The good news about CRPS is that it is not a relatively common condition. However, it can be helpful to be familiar with it. When an individual does feel CRPS as a result of foot surgery, they might experience a particular kind of burning pain in their legs. There are a variety of different ways that one might go about treating a case of CRPS, including physical therapy and nerve-stabilizing medication. If you are someone that is considering foot surgery, contact a podiatrist today to discuss the procedure and CRPS.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a particular foot affliction that can alter the shape of the feet. Specifically, this condition makes it so a bony bump or protrusion develops on the side of the big toe (or, less commonly, the pinky toe). Sometimes, individuals living with bunions have a more difficult time engaging in physical activity due to the condition. Some patients are interested to know whether or not they can still ski even if they develop bunions. If the bunions are a source of pain, then squeezing them into a tight pair of ski boots might not always be an advisable option. This is compounded by the fact that skiing, especially downhill, can exert pressure on the toes. If you are someone that likes skiing and are currently struggling with bunions, contact a podiatrist to schedule an appointment today. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact James Torhorst, DPM of Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.