Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal skin infection that loves damp, warm environments. Fungi, which are tiny microorganisms, thrive in these conditions and can cause mild but annoying rashes when they infect the skin. Though typically not dangerous, athlete’s foot can be quite irritating. Symptoms include itching, burning, and redness between the toes or on the soles of the feet. You might also notice peeling or cracking skin, which can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial infection if left untreated. While athletes are often associated with this condition due to their sweaty feet, anyone can get athlete’s foot. To prevent it, keep your feet dry and clean, and avoid walking barefoot in public showers or pools. If you suspect you have athlete's foot it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a condition characterized by the growth of fibrous nodules, or fibromas, in the plantar fascia, the tissue on the sole of the foot. Its cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors, trauma, or repetitive stress on the feet. It is more common in individuals with other fibromatoses, such as Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm thickens, causing the fingers, usually the ring and pinky, to curl inward over time. Diagnosis involves a physical exam where firm nodules can be felt under the skin. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI scans, may be used to assess the extent of the condition and rule out other issues like plantar fasciitis. Management typically begins conservatively with treatments like orthotics to relieve discomfort. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be needed to remove the nodules, though recurrence rates can be high post-surgery. If you have a nodule on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Minimally invasive bunionectomies are transforming the approach to treating bunions, offering a less disruptive alternative to traditional surgery. Unlike conventional procedures, which involve large incisions and a lengthy recovery period, minimally invasive techniques use small incisions and specialized instruments to realign the bones. This results in less tissue damage, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times. Patients typically experience less postoperative pain and are able to resume normal activities sooner than with traditional surgery. Another advantage is a lower risk of complications, such as infection or stiffness, due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. It offers a more patient-friendly option with similar long-term outcomes. If you are seeking quicker recovery and less disruption to your daily life from bunion surgery, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to see if this minimally invasive procedure will work for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Ankle injuries are a frequent concern and can range from minor to severe. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, causes pain and stiffness in the ankle, often due to wear and tear over time. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, typically from sudden twists or falls, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement. Fractures or broken bones in the ankle can result from trauma or severe impact, leading to intense pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Additionally, gout, a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, can also affect the ankle, causing sudden, severe pain and swelling. If you have ankle pain or any of the above conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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