sports medicine podiatrist for athlete's footAthlete’s foot is a fungal infection that is highly contagious. Generally, it begins between the toes and can spread to other parts of the feet and body and even to other people. Athlete’s foot has a variety of symptoms that range from itching and burning to a red, scaly rash. Some cases of athlete’s foot can cause dry, cracked skin and lead to more serious problems. Athlete’s foot can often be treated at home, but for more serious cases, an experienced sports medicine podiatrist can recommend stronger treatment that can kill the fungus that is causing the infection. 

Common Causes of Athlete’s Foot  

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and the fungus can be found in dark, warm, and wet environments such as shower or locker room floors. It is common to come in contact with it if you walk barefoot on these surfaces or share towels or linens with another person who has a fungal infection. Athlete’s foot can also be caused by the following:

  • Wearing shoes that are too tight or socks that are damp
  • Not drying your feet or between your toes after a bath or shower

When to See a Sports Medicine Podiatrist

If your athlete’s foot is not improving or is worsening after two weeks of home treatment using over-the-counter products, consult with a sports medicine podiatrist for an evaluation. A podiatrist can examine your feet and determine what type of treatment will work best for your condition. If you are diabetic, it is important to have a podiatrist exam your feet for any type of infection and to help prevent the infection from spreading. If you notice signs such as swelling, drainage, redness, or warmth, seek immediate medical attention.

Some treatments a podiatrist may recommend for athlete’s foot include:

  • Topical medication. There are over-the-counter topical medications such as sprays or creams that are fine for mild cases of athlete’s foot. A sports medicine podiatrist can prescribe stronger topical medications that can get rid of the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
  • Oral medication. In addition to using a topical medication, an oral anti-fungal medication can be prescribed by a podiatrist.
  • Proper cleaning. Keeping your feet clean and dry is not only important in treating athlete’s foot but in preventing it as well.

5 Great Athlete's Foot Prevention Tips

There are many ways to prevent athlete’s foot. Five of the most common include:

  • Washing your feet daily and making sure to dry them thoroughly
  • Wearing clean, dry socks
  • Alternating your footwear
  • Never walking barefoot on public surfaces such as areas around a pool, locker room, or shower
  • Never sharing towels or other linens

Contact Our Sports Medicine Podiatrist in Tarrant County Today!

If you have signs of athlete’s foot, contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation with our experienced sports medicine podiatrist in Tarrant County. To schedule an appointment in our Grapevine or Keller office, fill out our convenient online contact form, or call us at 817.481.4000 today.

 

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