Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often beginning between the toes. It thrives in warm, damp environments like locker rooms, showers, and sweaty shoes. The condition causes itching, burning, redness, and cracked or peeling skin. In some cases, small blisters or scaling may occur, making the feet uncomfortable and unsightly. To manage athlete’s foot, keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas and change your socks and shoes regularly. Disinfect shared surfaces to prevent reinfection. If symptoms persist, worsen, or cause significant discomfort, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend prescribed medications or advanced care to ensure the infection clears up effectively.

Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and unsightly. To learn more about preventing and treating this condition, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Athlete’s Foot? 

Athlete’s foot refers to an infection of the skin on the feet that is caused by a fungus. This fungus is contagious and thrives in warm and moist environments. It is often spread in common areas such as public pools, locker rooms, and showers. It can also spread when sharing personal items, like shoes or towels, with an infected person. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot may include: 

• Itching, stinging, or burning of the skin on the feet

• Cracking or peeling skin, especially between the toes and on the soles of the feet

• Scaly, red rash on the foot

• Blisters 

• Foul odor

Treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications on the feet. When over-the-counter options are ineffective, you may need to take prescription oral medications or topical antifungal drugs, or a combination of both. 

Prevention

Preventing athlete’s foot places an emphasis on good foot hygiene practices. 

You can prevent athlete’s foot by:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Wearing shoes when walking in public areas

• Not sharing personal items, like shoes or socks, with others

• Wearing shoes and socks made out of breathable materials

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

Regular physical activity is important in managing diabetes and preventing foot complications. Exercise improves circulation, reducing the risk of peripheral artery disease and neuropathy, which can lead to slow-healing wounds and infections. Weight-bearing activities like walking help maintain foot strength, flexibility, and balance, lowering the risk of ulcers and falls. Strength training can enhance muscle support around the ankles and arches, improving overall foot function. Additionally, movement helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation that contributes to nerve damage. However, not all exercises are suitable for individuals with diabetic foot concerns. A combination of proper footwear, stretching, and supervised activity works best. Always check for cuts, blisters, or pressure points after exercise. Pairing physical activity with routine foot care and medical oversight enhances long-term foot health. If you are a diabetic, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist as part of your diabetes care team.

Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including: 

• Poor circulation

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers

• Infection 

• Corns and calluses

• Dry, cracked skin

• Nail disorders 

• Hammertoes 

• Bunions

• Charcot foot

If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any: 

• Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds

• Bruising or discoloration 

• Swelling

• Rash

• Foul odor

• Nail changes 

• Hair loss 

• Warmth and inflammation

• Deformities 

• Lower limb pain

• Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)

If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stretching the feet and ankles is an effective way to improve flexibility, reduce discomfort, and support overall foot function. Regular foot and ankle stretching can help loosen tight muscles and tendons, increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness. It may also aid in preventing injuries such as Achilles tendon strains and heel pain. Improved flexibility and circulation contribute to better balance, particularly beneficial as people age. The circulation stretch involves pointing and flexing the toes while seated to promote blood flow and mobility. The towel foot stretch targets the muscles of the feet and calves by using a towel to gently pull the foot back while flexing and pointing against resistance. The calf and foot stretch involves lying on your back, bending the knees slightly, and using a towel to pull the foot toward the body to stretch the back of the leg and foot. A chiropodist can assess any limitations, recommend appropriate exercises, and address underlying foot issues. If you need guidance to manage foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist.

Stretching the feet can improve their flexibility and overall strength, and can help prevent or reduce the impact of foot injuries. For more information about stretching your feet, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Why Stretching the Feet Is Important

Your feet support the weight of your entire body as you go about your daily activities. As with any other part of your body, stretching and exercising the feet can help maintain their overall health, reduce foot pain, and prevent future injuries. 

How to Stretch 

There are a variety of foot stretches and exercises that you may try. It is recommended that you speak with a chiropodist to learn which exercises are best for you. 

Some examples include: 

• Heel Raises - Hold onto a wall for balance as you slowly rise up on your tiptoes. Hold the position for several seconds, then lower your feet back to the ground. Repeat 10 times. 

• Toe Splay - Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Spread your toes as far apart as you can, holding for several seconds. Repeat 10 times. 

• Towel Scrunches - Sit in a chair and lay a towel flat on the floor in front of you, placing your foot on top of it. Using only your toes, scrunch up the towel pulling it towards you. Repeat several times with each foot. 

• Plantar Fascia Massage - Sit in a chair and place a round or cylindrical object (such as a tennis ball, water bottle, or foam roller) under the arch of your foot. Slowly push your foot forward and backward while applying pressure to the object. Maintain the object between your heel and toes. Do this for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other foot. 

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

The foot and ankle are intricate structures designed to support the body's weight and enable movement. Comprising 26 bones, the foot is divided into three main sections, which are the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The ankle connects the foot to the lower leg, made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. Ligaments and tendons surrounding these bones play an essential role in stabilizing and guiding movement. Kinesiology, the study of body movement, focuses on how these bones and muscles work together to produce motion and maintain balance. The muscles of the foot, including the flexors, extensors, and abductors, provide control over walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, the foot's arches, formed by the longitudinal and transverse structures, help distribute weight evenly, absorbing shock during movement. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various foot conditions, and educate you on how the bones, ligaments and foot muscles work in harmony.

The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with Paul A. Scotti, D.Ch from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet. 

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