April 2024

Athlete's foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It thrives in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. This condition is caused by various types of fungi, primarily belonging to the dermatophyte group. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, frequently between the toes or on the soles of the feet. As the infection progresses, the skin may become red, cracked, and blistered. In severe cases, it can lead to the development of painful ulcers or secondary bacterial infections. Athlete's foot is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or by sharing contaminated items like towels or shoes. Practicing good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, and keeping feet dry can help prevent the occurrence of this bothersome condition. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who will often prescribe medication for relief and healing.

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 Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle.  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 Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Prolonged standing or walking at work can put excessive strain on the feet and lower limbs and lead to foot pain. Various foot conditions can arise from this, including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch pain. Improper footwear or not taking regular breaks can make these issues worse. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can diagnose and treat foot pain caused by these occupational factors. They can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs, including advice on proper footwear and stretching exercises to alleviate discomfort. Podiatrists may also offer custom orthotic devices to provide support and cushioning, reducing the strain on your feet and improving overall comfort. People who work on their feet don’t have to suffer. It is possible to find relief from pain, work more efficiently, and preserve overall foot health. If you are experiencing foot pain due to work or standing all day, make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your options. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Poulsbo, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can affect anyone, regardless of age or activity level, and can stem from various causes. Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, often results from overuse or improper foot mechanics, leading to stabbing pain in the heel. Bunions, bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, can cause discomfort and difficulty walking due to pressure on the joint. Turf toe, an injury to the ligaments surrounding the big toe, commonly affects athletes and results from hyperextension during activities like running or jumping. Treatment for foot pain typically involves rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive footwear. In severe cases, custom orthotic devices or surgical intervention may be necessary. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot ailments, offering personalized care plans tailored to each patient's needs. If you want to alleviate existing foot pain, correct foot deformities, or prevent future injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to help you restore and maintain foot health.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Daily habits for diabetic foot care are essential to prevent complications that can arise from diabetes, such as infections and ulcers. Regular inspection of the feet for cuts, blisters, or red spots can help address any issues head-on. It is also important the feet are kept clean and moisturized, while avoiding lotion between the toes to prevent fungal infection. Proper shoe choice can enhance comfort and prevent blisters. It is helpful not to walk barefoot to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, managing blood sugar levels helps maintain healthy circulation and nerve function in the feet. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist play a key role in diabetic foot care. These foot doctors can professionally assess the health of your feet, provide specialized care for any issues detected, and offer personalized advice on proper foot care practices. These visits help in early detection and treatment of potential foot problems, reducing the risk of serious complications. If you are a diabetic patient at risk for foot complications, it is suggested that along with daily foot care, you add a podiatrist to your health care team. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Cuboid syndrome, a lesser-known foot ailment, often eludes mainstream attention. However, its impact can be significant for those affected. This condition occurs when the cuboid bone, situated in the outer midfoot, becomes dislocated or irritated, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. Typically overlooked or misdiagnosed, Cuboid syndrome manifests through symptoms like pain along the outer foot, swelling, and difficulty in bearing weight. One of the perplexing aspects of cuboid syndrome is its elusive nature, often mimicking other foot conditions, complicating accurate diagnosis. It commonly arises from activities involving repetitive stress or sudden trauma to the foot, such as running, dancing, or jumping. Additionally, certain foot structures and gait abnormalities can predispose individuals to this syndrome. Despite its obscurity, recognizing the signs and seeking timely treatment is critical for managing cuboid syndrome effectively. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Kirk Sherris from Liberty Bay Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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