Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It usually develops between the toes, but it can also affect the bottoms and sides of the feet. The infection spreads through contact with fungus on an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Walking barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, or shared shower areas can increase exposure. Warm, moist feet can also create conditions that allow the fungus to grow. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and discomfort. These symptoms can affect more than the skin’s appearance and can make standing or walking uncomfortable.

A podiatrist can evaluate the skin and determine whether the changes are consistent with athlete’s foot or another foot condition. A careful examination can help identify the location and severity of the infection. Treatment from a podiatrist focuses on controlling the fungal infection and protecting the affected skin. Depending on the findings, care can include an appropriate antifungal medication, monitoring the skin for changes, and guidance on preventing the infection from spreading. A podiatrist can also look for problems that could make the skin more vulnerable to irritation or infection. This is especially important when cracking or other skin changes are present. Prompt attention can help reduce discomfort and support healthier skin.

Athlete’s foot can sometimes resemble other conditions that cause redness, scaling, or irritation. Because the appearance of a foot problem does not always reveal its cause, a proper evaluation is important before choosing treatment. A podiatrist can also assess whether the infection has affected other areas of the foot and whether additional care is appropriate. Signs like persistent itching, painful cracks, or spreading redness should not be ignored. Getting podiatric care can help identify the cause of symptoms and create a treatment plan based on the condition of the feet. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a 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 Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center.  Our practitioner 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 Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet support every step, yet they rarely receive the attention they deserve. Simple daily foot care habits can protect comfort, balance, and movement. This routine takes only a few minutes each day. Wash your feet with mild soap and warm water, then dry them well, especially between the toes. Apply moisturizer to dry skin, but keep it away from spaces between the toes. Trim toenails straight across to lower the chance of an ingrown nail, which grows into nearby skin. Check your feet for cuts, swelling, or color changes. Contact a podiatrist when a change does not improve or causes concern.

Shoes also have a major effect on foot health. Choose shoes with enough room for your toes, a firm heel, and proper arch support. A shoe should feel comfortable when you first try it on. Do not expect a painful pair to become comfortable after repeated use. Replace shoes when the soles become worn, or the support breaks down. Before exercise, warm up and gently stretch your feet and calves. Increase activity at a steady pace because sudden changes can lead to heel pain, sore muscles, or ankle injuries. 

A podiatrist can identify problems early and recommend care based on your feet, health, and daily activities. An exam can reveal the cause of heel pain, nail changes, or numbness. This foot doctor can also assess how your feet move when walking and determine whether custom shoe inserts could improve support. Patients with diabetes should schedule regular foot checks because reduced feeling can allow even a small injury to become serious. Seek prompt care for an open sore, sudden swelling, or severe pain. Good foot care helps you stay active and lowers the risk of preventable problems. If you have foot, toe, or ankle problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This tissue helps support the arch and absorbs stress during walking. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, pain can develop, especially near the heel. Many people notice sharp discomfort with their first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. The pain may improve with movement but often returns after standing or walking for extended periods of time. Because heel pain can have several causes, a professional evaluation is important to determine whether plantar fasciitis is responsible for the symptoms.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. These include prolonged standing, repeated stress from physical activity, and foot mechanics that place extra strain on the plantar fascia. Carrying excess body weight may also increase pressure on the feet. Ongoing irritation can make daily activities more difficult and change the way a person walks. This altered movement may place additional stress on the ankle, knee, or hip. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps identify the source of heel pain while evaluating foot structure, movement, and overall function. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before symptoms become more persistent or interfere with normal mobility.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis while evaluating the overall health of the feet. Professional care focuses on relieving heel pain, improving foot function, and reducing stress on the plantar fascia. Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, activity level, and foot structure. Regular follow-up visits also allow recovery to be monitored and treatment plans to be adjusted as needed. If you have consistent heel pain or discomfort on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM  from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This problem most often affects the big toe and can become increasingly painful if left untreated. Early symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and redness along the edge of the nail. As the nail continues to press into the skin, the area can become warm, inflamed, or at risk of an infection. Walking, exercising, or wearing shoes can become uncomfortable because of the added pressure on the affected toe. Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, toe injuries, and naturally curved nails. A professional evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

Without proper care, an ingrown toenail may continue to irritate the surrounding skin and increase the risk of infection. In some cases, the tissue around the nail becomes swollen and may begin to grow over the nail's edge. Persistent pain can also affect normal walking patterns, placing additional stress on other parts of the foot. Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation may face a greater risk of complications because healing can take longer. A comprehensive podiatry examination helps evaluate the severity of the ingrown toenail while identifying any signs of infection or underlying foot conditions. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the problem becomes more painful or leads to additional complications.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating ingrown toenails, while protecting the overall health of the foot. Professional treatment focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing future complications. Care is tailored to each patient's condition and may include procedures designed to safely correct the problem. Regular podiatry visits also allow ongoing monitoring for patients who are at higher risk of recurring nail problems. If you have persistent toe pain, swelling, or signs of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM of Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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