Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. It often causes flaking skin, itching, cracking, and redness that can become uncomfortable, if left untreated. The condition develops in warm and moist environments, making shared areas around pools and locker rooms a common source of exposure. Prevention includes keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing appropriate shoes in pool areas to reduce contact with fungi. Prescribed medication can effectively clear the infection and prevent it from spreading or returning. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot, recommend the right treatment, and provide guidance on proper foot hygiene. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Choosing the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Start by understanding your goals and the type of running you plan to do. Knowing your arch type is important. A neutral arch provides balanced support, a low arch often leads to increased inward rolling of the foot, and a high arch may result in reduced shock absorption. Understanding your running gait also plays a key role. Neutral pronation allows even weight distribution, overpronation causes excessive inward movement, and supination results in outward rolling. Each pattern affects how your foot interacts with the ground. A podiatrist can help by evaluating your foot structure and gait to recommend proper footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot injury from wearing the wrong shoes while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions and guidance on choosing the right shoes and fit. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

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

Pedicures can feel relaxing and leave feet looking well cared for, but they also carry a risk of infection, if proper hygiene is not followed. Small nicks in the skin, aggressive cuticle trimming, or the use of non-sterile tools can allow bacteria or fungi to enter. This may lead to redness, swelling, pain, or changes in the nails, including thickening or discoloration. Shared foot baths that are not thoroughly cleaned between clients can also harbor microorganisms that increase the chance of skin or nail problems. Even minor irritation can become more serious if left untreated, especially for those with sensitive skin or underlying health conditions. Choosing a salon that follows strict cleaning protocols and avoiding shaving before a pedicure can help reduce risk. Paying attention to any changes after a visit is important. If you notice signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Statesville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot exercises performed while sitting at a desk can help maintain strength, flexibility, and circulation in the feet. The feet support body weight, absorb shock, and help with balance during daily movement. When these structures become weak or stiff, larger muscles in the legs must work harder, which can increase fatigue and injury risk. Simple desk exercises may include gently lifting and spreading the toes, raising the arch without curling the toes, or pressing the feet in different directions to activate stabilizing muscles around the ankle. These small muscles play an important role in joint stability, meaning they help keep the foot and ankle properly aligned when walking and standing. A podiatrist can evaluate foot function, identify muscle imbalances, and recommend specific exercises or supportive devices to improve strength and reduce strain. If you spend long hours at work sitting at a desk, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a targeted exercise program to improve foot health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Shalonda Davidson, DPM from Instride Carolina Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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