Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often starting between the toes. The skin may appear red, flaky, or cracked, and itching or burning sensations can become persistent. In some cases, the area may feel moist or develop small blisters, especially after wearing tight or non-breathable shoes. This condition thrives in warm, damp environments, such as locker rooms, sweaty footwear, or shared surfaces. It can spread easily and may worsen without proper care. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete’s foot through a clinical exam and recommend treatment based on severity. Care may include antifungal medications, improved foot hygiene, and guidance on keeping the feet dry and protected. Early treatment helps prevent the infection from spreading to the nails or other areas. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An Achilles tendon injury, commonly known as Achilles tendonitis, is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It often develops from overuse while walking and running. Symptoms include pain that is worse in the morning, swelling, and a warm to- the-touch sensation along the back of the ankle. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and sudden increases in activity level. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and limit mobility. A podiatrist can provide diagnosis, recommend stretching and strengthening programs, and offer supportive care. If you have symptoms of this type of injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia underneath the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. The plantar fascia is a wide band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch. A major sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain may lessen with movement but often returns after standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Some people feel aching or tightness in the arch or sole, and the heel may become tender. Mild swelling or a burning feeling can also develop at the Achilles tendon. Symptoms begin gradually and worsen over time. A podiatrist can assess the foot, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to reduce strain and improve function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Hammertoe is a foot-related deformity in which one or more of the smaller toes develops a bend at the middle joint, causing the toe to rise up in the middle rather than lie flat. This condition often develops from a muscle-related imbalance that places abnormal pressure on the toe joints over time. Causes include poorly fitted footwear, inherited foot structure, or prolonged pressure on the forefoot. Symptoms include pain along the top of the bent toe when wearing shoes, irritation from friction, and corns forming on the top of the toe joint. Risk factors include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes and having certain foot shapes. A podiatrist can evaluate the deformity and recommend treatment. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for prompt, effective care.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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