Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters on and between the toes. Athlete’s foot can spread which is why it’s important to treat properly and immediately.

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Blisters on the feet are caused by friction and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid built up in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue. You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E oil or aloe-based cream. If you do need to pop a blister, do so with a clean needle and remember to seek medical care if the liquid is yellow or has an odor.

You can prevent blisters by using a wax-based balm or petroleum jelly on the affected area before putting on socks and shoes. Wear proper fitting socks and be sure to wash and dry your feet daily to avoid infections.

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This is a condition that is most common with adults over age 50 or those with long-term diabetes. Thyroid dysfunction, gastric restriction in morbidly obese people, and heavy use of alcohol have also been linked with burning feet. Nerve problems, such as neuromas may also be associated with the sensation of burning feet

Here are some ways to deal with the discomfort:

• Make sure you wear shoes that fit properly and provide support for your unique foot structure
• Take foot baths daily to treat hot and sweaty feet
• Wear cotton socks
• Avoid long periods of standing
• Try cushioned or shock-absorbing insoles in your shoes to make standing more comfortable
• In some cases, orthotics may be helpful to correct any underlying mechanical problems

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A callus is hard area of built up skin that is the result of repeated pressure or friction over time. Although, considered a skin condition, calluses are actually a problem associated with the bones in the feet and ankles. Calluses can range from unsightly and annoying to very painful

PMPT recommends the following to prevent and treat calluses:

• Switch to a well-fitting shoe or use orthotics to create a better environment for your foot.
• Buy socks with reinforced heels and toes and wear nylon pantyhose with woven cotton soles on the bottom of the feet.

To treat calluses, try an over the counter acid-based callus remover product or try soaking the callus to soften the tough skin and relieve pain.

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Corns are calluses that form on the toes because of bones that push up against shoes and build up pressure on the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens, irritating the tissues underneath. Hard corns are usually located on the top of the toe or on the side of the small toes. Soft corns resemble open sores and develop between the toes as they rub against each other.

Improperly fitting shoes are the leading cause of corns. Toe deformities, such as hammertoe or claw toe, can also lead to corns. Self-care for corns includes soaking feet regularly and using a pumice stone or a callus file to reduce the size of the corn. Special over-the-counter, non-medicated, donut-shaped foam pads can be worn to help relieve the pressure and discomfort.

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Cysts are fluid-filled masses located under the skin, in the tendons in the foot and ankle, or on bone. Many cysts eventually become painful, especially if they are located in the tendons or if they grow and press on a nerve.

PMPT recommends the following steps to help prevent and treat cysts:

• Wear proper fitting shoes
• Avoid repeated foot injuries or injuries left untreated
• Some persistent types of cysts can be treated simply by numbing the area and then using a needle to remove fluid from the cyst. A steroid or hardening agent may then be injected into the cyst to prevent it from again filling with fluid.

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Extreme exposure of your feet to cold for a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. This is followed by numbness in toes or feet and changes in skin color, from pale or red to bluish-gray or black. People with a history of frostbite often get it in again in the same place.

Frostbite can affect only the skin and underlying tissue or be as severe as to affect deeper parts of the foot and ankle, such as the muscle, tendons, nerves, and bones. The extent of the injury impacts the prognosis for healing and long-term complications.

Children, the elderly, and diabetics are most susceptible to frostbite because those groups generally have poor circulation in the lower extremities. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these issues and symptoms, it’s important to have a podiatrist examine the feet to diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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Skin lesions refer to any variation in skin color or texture anywhere on the body. Some skin lesions are present at birth, such as moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Others are acquired over time, such as warts, allergies, sunburn or abrasions. Most skin lesions are harmless. However, it is important to keep an eye on them because they can change over time, which may be a sign of a more serious condition, like cancer. Skin biopsies are easily taken of any suspicious lesion at chair side under local anesthesia. The specimens are then sent to a pathologist for evaluation. A report is generated explaining what the lesion is and treatments can be considered.

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Gangrene is caused by loss of blood supply to the foot and ankle or by a bacterial infection as a result of open sores or ulcers. Diabetics are most prone to gangrene because they typically have poor circulation or nerve damage, which can lead to loss of blood supply. Any sudden onset of foot or leg pain accompanied by lower skin temperature and skin color changes may indicate a sudden blockage of blood flow to the legs.

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Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by round, reddish, dry, and scaly patches covered by grayish-white or silvery-white scales. Lesions from psoriasis are sometimes found on the feet and ankles and can be difficult to distinguish from Athlete’s foot or a fungal infection of the toe nail.

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The feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body and because of all those sweat glands, foot odor can be a big (and embarrassing) problem. Foot odor mainly occurs for two reasons: foot sweat and choice of footwear. The interaction between the perspiration and the bacteria that thrive in shoes and socks generates the odor.

Treating foot odor can be as simple as selecting different shoes, socks, or using a talc-based foot powder to reduce moisture. PMPT recommends an evaluation so proper diagnosis can be determined.

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Swelling of the feet is also called edema. It is often caused by an abnormal build-up of fluids in the ankle and leg tissues. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, particularly in older people. It may affect both feet and ankles or just one side. However swelling in the feet and ankles can be a symptom of something more serious such as heart failure, renal failure, or liver failure.

If your swelling is not due to an underlying health issue, you can reduce swelling by elevating your legs while lying down. Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. Avoid putting anything directly under the knees when lying down, and don’t wear constricting clothing on the upper legs.

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Ulcers are wounds on the skin that are slow to heal. The ball of the foot is most the most common area because of the greater amount of pressure experienced in that location. Over time, the skin becomes thick and calluses form, which leads to pockets of fluid, infection, and ulcers.

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A neuroma is painful condition in the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes, and may create the feeling of standing with a rock in your shoe. The type of shoe a person wears is often linked to neuroma. Women who wear high-heels have higher instances of suffering from this condition. Besides the sensation of standing on a rock, neuroma can cause burning pain in the ball of your foot that moves into your toes, or tingling and numbness in your toes.

Other causes of neuroma are trauma caused by spots injuries or repetitive movements, and foot deformities.

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