It starts as a mild itch, just a little irritation between your toes. Maybe your skin feels dry or slightly cracked. Then, before you know it, that subtle annoyance turns into relentless burning, peeling, and redness. Athlete’s foot is not just a minor inconvenience. It is a fungal invasion thriving in warm, damp spaces like sweaty socks and shared locker rooms. Many people dismiss it, thinking it is just dry skin, but, left untreated, it spreads. Blisters can form, skin can crack open, and secondary infections can take hold. Some even find the fungus creeping into their toenails, making them thick and discolored. Scratching only makes it worse, spreading the infection to hands and other areas. Mild treatments may help, but if it keeps coming back or worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide stronger solutions to stop the cycle and restore healthy skin.

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 Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor 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 office located in Brownsville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A black toenail occurs when the nail becomes discolored, often appearing dark or bruised. This condition is usually caused by repeated trauma, such as from wearing tight shoes or excessive running, which leads to bleeding under the nail. Fungal infections, underlying health conditions, or injuries from dropping a heavy object on the toe can also contribute to nail discoloration. In some cases, a black toenail may indicate a more serious medical concern. Preventing black toenails involves wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe space, keeping nails trimmed, and maintaining good foot hygiene. Reducing repetitive stress on the toes and seeking prompt treatment for any infections or injuries can also help. If discoloration persists or is accompanied by pain and swelling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, in addition to ruling out any serious conditions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM of Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Trail running shoes are designed for off-road running, offering essential features to enhance performance and comfort. One key feature is waterproofing, which helps keep feet dry in wet conditions, preventing discomfort and blisters during rainy runs or when crossing streams. For runners with wider feet, wide-fit trail running shoes provide extra space, ensuring a more comfortable fit and reducing pressure on the toes. Mud shoes are another important type of trail running shoe, equipped with specialized traction to handle slippery and muddy trails. These shoes typically have deeper treads that provide better grip and stability, preventing slips. Whether running through wet terrain, navigating rocky paths, or tackling muddy routes, the right trail running shoes ensure durability, support, and comfort for every adventure. If you have sustained a foot injury while trail running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Renee Rodriquez, DPM from Foot Clinic of South Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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