Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and swimming areas. Unlike simple dry skin, athlete’s foot often causes persistent itching, redness, burning, peeling, cracking, or blisters. The skin may appear scaly and irritated, and the infection can spread to toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can examine the feet, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend effective antifungal treatments, foot hygiene strategies, and preventive measures. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, 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 Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive 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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Supination describes how the foot rolls during walking when weight stays toward the outer edge, causing the sole to turn inward instead of flattening evenly. During a step, some supination is expected at heel contact and push-off, but excessive motion can strain the feet and ankles. People with higher, rigid arches often place more pressure on the heel and outer toes, which can lead to ankle instability, calluses, overall discomfort, and uneven stress. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, arch height, and wear patterns on shoes to determine how supination affects gait. Treatment focuses on improving alignment and shock absorption through footwear guidance, custom orthotics, and monitoring whether surgery is needed. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Construction work places constant stress on the feet, making proper footwear essential for safety and comfort. Safety shoes are specially designed work shoes created to safeguard feet from falling objects, heavy equipment, and hazardous surfaces. Their primary purpose is protecting feet against physical injuries such as crushing, punctures, and slips, while also providing stability on uneven ground. Wearing appropriate safety shoes can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and help prevent long-term foot problems caused by poor support or repeated impact.  Wearing ill-fitting or worn out shoes may contribute to pain, fatigue, or injury over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, work demands, and existing discomfort to recommend supportive safety footwear or custom orthotics. If foot pain or fatigue is affecting your job performance, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear for your workday. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken foot moves through several healing stages, each with its own timeline and purpose. The first stage begins immediately after the injury, when the body forms a protective clot and swelling develops around the broken bone. Over the next few weeks, soft tissue starts to repair and a temporary bridge of healing cells begins to form. As time passes, this early repair gradually hardens into stronger bone, allowing the foot to tolerate more movement and light pressure. Most uncomplicated fractures take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to heal, although some bones need more time depending on their location, severity, and blood supply. Even after the bone has healed, the foot may feel stiff or weak until strength and flexibility return. A podiatrist can guide each stage with imaging, protective footwear, and activity recommendations. If your recovery feels slower than expected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for guidance on effective healing tips.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.