Alcohol consumption can have several surprising effects on foot health, often going unnoticed until discomfort begins. Drinking alcohol may lead to a sensation of heaviness in the limbs, making the feet and legs feel sluggish or difficult to move. It can also contribute to foot swelling due to fluid retention and impaired circulation. Regular alcohol use may increase uric acid levels in the body, raising the risk of developing gout, a painful condition that often targets the joints of the big toe. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate the body, leading to dry, scaly skin on the feet, which may crack or become irritated. Paying attention to how alcohol impacts the body, including the feet, is important for maintaining overall wellness. If you have any kind of foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Severe athlete's foot occurs when the fungal infection extends beyond the toes and affects the entire foot. This condition can cause intense itching, redness, and discomfort, often accompanied by painful blisters called vesicles, or open, pitted sores on the skin. The skin may peel, crack, or become inflamed, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. The infection can also spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, leading to a more persistent condition. The cause of severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. Poor foot hygiene, sweaty socks, tight shoes, and walking barefoot in public places can increase the risk of becoming infected. Symptoms often worsen with movement or activity, causing a burning or stinging sensation. A podiatrist can provide treatment by prescribing antifungal medication or other oral treatments. They may also recommend proper foot care techniques to prevent reinfection and address any complications. If you have severe athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate 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 one of our podiatrists from Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery.  Our doctors 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 . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail, usually on the big toe, grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Surgery for ingrown toenails is often recommended when the problem does not improve or keeps coming back. A podiatrist may perform a procedure called a wedge excision, where part of the toenail and the tissue it grows from are removed. In more severe cases, the entire nail may be taken out, termed nail avulsion. A chemical or heat may be used afterward to prevent the nail from growing back, a process known as nail-bed ablation. Another option, Zadek’s procedure, involves removing both the nail and the underlying tissue that causes the nail to regrow. Ingrown toenail surgery is typically done under local anaesthetic and takes about 10 minutes. Infection or toenail regrowth can occur, but many patients experience no such repercussions. If you are experiencing ongoing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, treatment, and possible surgery.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Pima Foot and Ankle Surgery. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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