Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The fungi responsible for the infection grow well in warm, damp areas. Athlete’s foot can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Locker rooms, swimming areas, and shared showers can provide conditions where the fungi survive. The infection frequently begins between the toes, where moisture can collect. People whose feet sweat heavily can have a greater risk, especially when shoes keep their feet warm and damp.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary depending on the type of infection. Skin between the toes can become cracked, peeling, or irritated. Itching and burning can also develop. Another form can cause dry, scaly skin across the sole and sides of the foot. Some infections cause small blisters or areas of inflamed skin. Scratching affected skin can spread the fungi to other areas of the body. Athlete’s foot can also return after treatment, especially when the feet are repeatedly exposed to environments where the fungi thrive. Certain cases can spread to the toenails and cause additional problems.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether the symptoms are caused by athlete’s foot or another skin condition. In some cases, a small skin sample can be tested to confirm a fungal infection. A podiatrist can recommend antifungal treatment based on the location and severity of the infection. Prescription treatment can be considered when an infection is persistent or more difficult to control. Proper diagnosis is important because other skin problems can resemble athlete’s foot and require different care. 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

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 Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot color changes can sometimes provide an important clue about circulation and underlying health conditions. Systemic sclerosis, also called scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause changes in the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect blood vessels, particularly those supplying the fingers and toes. People with systemic sclerosis may notice that their feet or toes change color when exposed to cold temperatures or during periods of stress. The skin may appear pale, blue, or purple, as blood flow changes. These episodes can occur with other symptoms, such as cold feet, numbness, or discomfort.

One common circulation-related symptom associated with systemic sclerosis is Raynaud phenomenon. During an episode, blood vessels in the toes can narrow temporarily, reducing blood flow and causing the affected area to become pale or bluish. As circulation returns, the toes may become red and feel warm, uncomfortable, or tingly. Foot color changes can also have many other causes, so they should not automatically be assumed to be related to systemic sclerosis. A professional evaluation can help identify the reason for the change.

Risk factors for circulation problems associated with systemic sclerosis include having the condition itself, repeated exposure to cold, and vascular involvement. Symptoms that deserve attention include persistent color changes, unusual coldness, and tingling. In more serious cases, reduced blood flow can contribute to ulcers or tissue damage. A podiatrist can examine the feet for changes in skin condition, temperature, and areas of pressure. 

Foot color changes should not be ignored, particularly when they are new, persistent, painful, or accompanied by wounds. Early evaluation can help identify circulation concerns and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include protecting the feet from cold, addressing pressure areas, and providing appropriate footwear. If you have unexplained foot color changes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective management solutions.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches are low or absent while standing. Some people are born with this foot shape without discomfort. In other patients, the arches flatten because of an injury or weakened tendons. Arthritis and excess body weight can also contribute. Symptoms include aching in the arches, heel pain, and swelling near the inner ankle. A person also may have tired feet after standing or notice changes in the way their shoes wear. Flat feet can affect how weight moves across the feet, placing added strain on joints and soft tissues.

A podiatrist can determine whether flat feet are responsible for the pain or another problem is involved. The examination includes checking the arches while the patient sits and stands. The podiatrist studies joint motion and the patient’s walking pattern. X-rays can show bone position, arthritis, or an injury. Other imaging can provide a closer look at tendons when damage is suspected. These findings help distinguish flexible flat feet from rigid flat feet. A flexible arch appears when no weight is placed on the foot, while a rigid arch remains flat. Identifying the type and cause allows the podiatrist to recommend care that matches the patient’s needs.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving support, and helping the feet work efficiently. A podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics that support the arches and guide weight across the feet. The doctor can also recommend shoes with firm heel support, adequate cushioning, and enough room for the toes. An ankle brace can provide added stability in certain cases. When a damaged tendon or severe bone misalignment causes lasting symptoms, surgery can repair the affected structures or improve their position. Regular podiatry visits can track changes in the arches and help prevent added strain on the ankles, knees, or hips. If you have foot pain related to flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Swelling of the feet is a common problem that can make standing, walking, and wearing shoes uncomfortable. It occurs when extra fluid builds up in the tissues of the feet, causing them to appear larger than normal. Foot swelling may develop after an injury or prolonged standing. It can also be linked to certain medical conditions that affect circulation or joint health. Many people notice tightness, aching, or tenderness along with the swelling. Others may have stiffness that limits normal movement or makes daily activities more difficult. Because swollen feet can have many causes, a professional evaluation is important to determine the source of the problem and the most appropriate treatment.

In some cases, swelling affects one foot, while other conditions cause both feet to become swollen. Persistent swelling may place added stress on the joints and soft tissues, making it more difficult to maintain normal mobility. Pain, skin changes, or difficulty bearing weight may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. A thorough podiatry evaluation helps identify whether the swelling is related to an injury, inflammation, or another foot problem. If needed, additional testing may be recommended to better understand the cause. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and support better long-term foot health.

A podiatrist specializes in evaluating swollen feet and identifying conditions that affect foot structure and function. During an examination, the podiatrist assesses your symptoms, foot mechanics, and overall mobility to develop a personalized treatment plan. Professional care focuses on reducing discomfort, improving movement, and addressing the underlying cause of the swelling. Early podiatry care may also help prevent worsening symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If swelling of the feet is causing pain, limiting your mobility, or becoming more frequent, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.