June 2024

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging sensations, often accompanied by redness, peeling, and cracking skin. The affected areas may also appear swollen and develop blisters. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a podiatrist, who may scrape a small sample of the affected skin to examine under a microscope or send it to a lab for testing. Identifying the presence of fungal elements confirms the diagnosis. Early recognition and treatment of athlete's foot are essential to relieve discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading. Proper hygiene, antifungal medications, and keeping the feet dry and clean are effective measures to manage and prevent athlete's foot. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition, 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 one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. 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 Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Psoriasis of the feet, particularly palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by thickened, red, and scaly patches on the soles. This form is often accompanied by painful fissures and can severely impact mobility. Another variant, localized pustular psoriasis, presents as pus-filled blisters surrounded by inflamed skin. Nail involvement is common, leading to pitting, discoloration, and onycholysis, or separation of the nail from the nail bed. Triggers for psoriasis include stress, infections, skin injuries, and certain medications. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by a skin biopsy if necessary. Treatments range from topical therapies like corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs to systemic treatments, including biologics and oral medications for more severe cases. Phototherapy is another effective option. In refractory cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove painful, thickened plaques. If you have discomfort in the feet from psoriasis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for optimal management and personalized care.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

A bunion, medically termed hallux valgus, is a bony protrusion on the inner side of the foot, precisely at the base of the big toe. This condition arises from the misalignment of the bones in the forefoot, compelling the big toe to angle towards the lesser toes, consequently protruding the joint at its base. Bunions can cause significant discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. If you have exhausted nonsurgical options like padding or orthotic shoes, bunion surgery may be the next step to relieve your pain and improve mobility. During the procedure, a podiatrist may remove the bunion, realign bones, or release tight ligaments to straighten your big toe. Risks of bunion surgery include nerve damage, bone healing issues, or overcorrection. The recovery process often takes up to six months. Initially, you may need to keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling, and it can take weeks before you can comfortably wear regular shoes again. Among the long-term benefits of bunion surgery are improved comfort and mobility. If you are struggling with bunion pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss whether surgery is right for you. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Ankle arthroscopy represents a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of ankle joint problems. Through small incisions, a podiatrist inserts a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, into the ankle joint, allowing for a detailed examination of its structures. This procedure offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker recovery times. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to address a range of conditions, such as ankle impingement, ligament tears, cartilage damage, and loose bodies within the joint. During the procedure, specialized instruments may be utilized to repair or remove damaged tissue, restore joint stability, and alleviate symptoms. By providing direct visualization of the ankle joint, arthroscopy enables precise diagnosis and targeted treatment, ultimately facilitating improved outcomes for patients experiencing ankle-related issues. As a minimally invasive approach, ankle arthroscopy continues to evolve, offering patients a less disruptive option for resolving ankle joint problems. If you have chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if ankle arthroscopy is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.