Foot and Ankle Injuries Common in Obese Kids
Researchers studied 632 overweight children who went to physical education classes for an hour and a half each week for two and a half years.
The group of children experienced 673 lower-limb injuries during this time. The children who were heavier had an average of 5.3 injuries for every 1000 “athletic exposures,” as compared to only 4.4 per 1000 for lighter children. "In the bigger picture the need to get all kids more active, and particularly overweight children, is imperative," sports medicine researcher Malachy McHugh said. McHugh was not involved in the study.
As an epidemic, obesity negatively affects all life stages. Seek the help of Dr. Paula F. Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry. Our doctor will examine your child’s feet and provide the right care and treatment for them.
How Obesity Affects Your Feet
Extra weight can sneak up on anyone unprepared. It’s not until your feet begin to hurt at the end of the day when you realize they have been carrying your entire body weight. There are many side effects that occur in the feet as a result of having a few extra pounds.
- Leaning forward (uneven posture)
- Extra weight placed in the wrong parts of your feet
- Development of Type-2 diabetes
- Loss of sensation in the legs and feet
- Small sores
- Plantar Fasciitis
Treating your feet can be helped by paying special attention to your footwear and your own body. Investing in yourself can help to lead you on a better road to health as well as serve to relieve some of the issues related to your feet.
- Invest in shoes that allow for good circulation and support
- Losing weight can help prevent and treat diabetes in addition to other diseases
- Activities such as yoga and water aerobics can help keep you active and mobile without placing stress on your feet
- Foot stretches can help alleviate some pain associated with foot conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Proper Fitting Shoes are Optimal for Exercising and Avoiding Diabetes
Proper fitting shoes are essential to one’s overall health. Speak to podiatrists Dr. Paula F. Raugellis and Dr. Michael C. Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc to learn more about the detrimental effects of shoes that fit incorrectly. Our doctors can assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in properly fitting shoes:
- Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
- Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
- Even though they may look fashionable, improperly fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
- Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity
For more information about Proper Shoe Fitting, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Frederickstown, PA. We offer all the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
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NFL Player Acknowledges Foot Injury After Trying to Push Through It
The injuries, sustained during a Week Two game against the Seahawks, slowed him down for most of the rest of the season. “It was something that was always there,” Kaepernick said. “Never spoke about it, never said anything about it because you’re a football player; you play through pain … If it’s something you can play through, that’s what you do.”
Playing sports with foot or ankle injuries can sometimes be safe, but it shouldn’t be done without a doctor’s approval. If you are injured, see one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Playing Sports With Foot Injuries
Many types of foot injuries affect athletes over the course of their athletic career. Despite their setbacks, many of these athletes will continue to play with mild foot injuries and attempt to ‘push’ through the pain. In order to be able to prevent injuries, it’s important to stretch before any activity, wear proper footwear and replace shoes as needed. Some of the foot injuries athletes are at risk for include:
- Turf toe- upward bending of the big toe outside normal range of motion
- Stress Fractures
- Overpronation- excessive foot movement during gait
- Plantar Fasciitis- swollen ligament in the foot’s base
- Strains
There are many types of treatments that are necessary to keep the injury from becoming more serious. Ice is often used to reduce swelling and inflammation while applying a compression bandage can help reduce pain and stress on the foot. For more serious injuries it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist as fractures and other serious conditions may require surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Alternative Methods for Bunion Pain Relief
In response to a concern over increasing bunion pain and shoes that hurt, Mayo Clinic reports that while surgery is an option to consider for bunion pain, it is not the only treatment available for the condition. One of the first steps one should take to relieve bunion pain is to change footwear and wear shoes with a wide toe box and soft leather uppers, which will relieve pressure on bunions. Stretching out shoes can also aid in decreasing irritation and make them feel more comfortable. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are pain-relieving medications one can take that may help control bunion pain, as well as cortisone injections.
To avoid extended pain, consider bunion treatment as soon as possible. For more information about bunion treatments, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality care.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big to become inflamed and often painful.
Why do Bunions Form?
- Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians
- Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form
How are Bunions Diagnosed?
Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:
- Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease
- Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion
For more information about Bunions, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Corns and Other Podiatric Issues Can be aided by Mother Nature
Acorns can be especially helpful in removing ingrown toenails. Grind the acorns up, soak them in water, and then dunk your feet in for a surprisingly effective treatment. For blisters or lesions, apply crushed plantains or yarrow to the afflicted area and cover the wound with a bandage.
Although nature has many surprising aids and tips, it cannot resolve everything. If you have a corn or any other podiatric concern, contact Dr. Paula F. Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Dr. Raugellis will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treating corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.
For more information about Corns on the Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs
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Wet Weather makes practicing Everyday Foot Care Important
Everyday foot care is a practice that should be maintained year-round, regardless of the season. There is no denying, however, that the unpredictable wet weather of fall and winter makes it a season where extra care should be taken. Prolonged exposure to moisture and water can create bacterial growth on the feet. Washing and scrubbing cracked feet can help remove dead cells, and the space between toes should be cleaned regularly. Toenails should be kept trimmed to prevent dirt from accumulating and makes cleaning the nails much easier. The feet should always be kept dry and clean, and it is important to wear waterproof shoes if possible when out in the rain or snow.
Everyday foot care is necessary all year round, regardless of weather. To learn more about daily foot care practices and how to maintain optimal foot health, consult with podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Every Day Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. After all, without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks. It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before, for example.
For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops.
Also, wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
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Scientists of the University of Calgary Study Running Shoes
University of Calgary scientists want to build the perfect running shoe through studying the effects of comfort and its effect on the rates of injury. Even though the idea of the perfect running shoe has circulated for years, modern schools of thought claim that shoe design has no effect on the rate in which running injuries occur.
Advocates of the ‘comfort theory’ suggest that people should just go with the pair of running footwear that feels best for them. The scientific team still wants willing participants for their study, hoping to learn more through research.
For help with selecting an appropriate shoe size, consult with podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
Sometimes it may be difficult finding the right shoe size especially because shoe sizes tend to vary depending on the brand and company you are looking for. A size 6 for one brand may be a size 7 in another. Although many people know their exact shoe size, it can range within 2 sizes depending on where they shop.
So it is important not to always go for a size 7 just because you think you might be a size 7 universally. It is best to try on the shoe and walk around for a bit to see how it fits and how it feels. Comfort is essential and the fitting has to be well otherwise it can lead to blisters, bruises at the back of the ankle and it can also hurt your toes if the shoe is too tight for example.
People walk a lot, so it is important for you to find what is comfortable when it is possible.
For more information about Getting the Right Shoe Size, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Foot Muscles Provide More Support than You Think
University of Queensland scientists conducted research indicating the plantar fascia is not the only muscle in the foot that can provide arch support. The first experiment involved weights being tied to the knees of two test subjects. The scientists monitored the responses of the muscles in their feet.
The second experiment involved electrical stimulation was performed soon after, showing that when activated, these tissues caused the arch to rise. Dr. Glen Lichtwark believes this could play an important role in fields focusing on the feet.
The biomechanics are the cogs behind the gears that manage your feet. If you would like more information, see podiatrists Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. C. Michael Irvin of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide in-depth information as well as measure your personal foot biomechanics.
A History of Biomechanics
- Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
- In 1974 biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination to the area.
Modern technology improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes providing a better understanding of podiatry concepts for biomechanics. Computers provide accurate determinations about the forces, moments and patterns of the foot and lower legs with the most important information captured.
Advances in materials and more awareness of biomechanics have developed enhanced corrective methods, offering further options for foot-related injuries. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more about Biomechanics of Podiatry.
Baylor College Professor’s Tips for High Heel Wearers this Holiday Season
According to Baylor College of Medicine assistant professor Dr. Jason Ahuero, women should be sensible this holiday season about how often they wear high heels. Wearing high heels regularly can lead to many foot problems such as foot pain and ankle sprains. Ahuero states that women should not wear heels for long periods of time and they should alternate heel height if they are unable to just wear flats. High heel wearers should also roughen up the bottoms of their heels to avoid slipping during inclement weather. When buying new high heels, Ahuero suggests that women have their foot measured each time, purchase shoes with thicker heels for stability, and to avoid high heels that are uncomfortable to wear. At the end of a day of wearing high heels, elevating the feet as well as icing them may reduce any pain or swelling.
High heels are very fashionable and a necessity to some, but they can cause a tremendous about of harm to the feet and ankles. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer all of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Effects of High Heels on the Feet
High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.
What parts my body will be affected by high heels?
- Ankle Joints
- Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
- Balls of the Feet
- Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
- Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.
What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?
- Corns
- Calluses
- Hammertoe
- Bunions
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Plantar Fasciitis
How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?
If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Jon Beason Back to the Doctor after Broken Foot Doesn’t Fully Heal
New York Giants’ veteran linebacker Jon Beason broke his foot during the preseason and has been using custom orthotics and special shoes to rehabilitate the problem. Officials are well aware that Beason is not fully healed yet are planning on sending him back to doctors for treatment before the team plays against the Indianapolis Colts. Many are even taking into consideration that the linebacker should take the rest of the season off to heal and not hurt the injury even more. Taking the rest of the season off will help the entire team as well as allow Beason to prepare and come back stronger than ever for the 2015 season.
Foot orthotics serve a wide range of usefulness when it comes to foot and ankle conditions. If you are feeling discomfort in your feet, contact one of our podiatrists, Dr. Paula Raugellis and Dr. Michael Irvin, of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can treat your foot and ankle needs.
What are Ankle Foot Orthotics?
Orthotics are physical aids used to support weak limbs or direct the proper function of limbs. Often they are used to support the ankle and foot. Such orthotics are known as AFOs. AFOs help strengthen the muscles or train them to function in the proper position. AFOs can also benefit muscles that need to be lengthened or loosened.
Why might you need orthotics?
Orthotics are often prescribed when someone is suffering from diseases that affect the musculature, like polio and multiple sclerosis. However, more common conditions like arthritis and stroke, or those that “toe in”, may also require orthotics.
Modern orthotics have improved dramatically from the metal braces of previous years. Many of today’s orthotics are made of lightweight plastics and other advanced materials to provide new levels of comfort and support. Often the orthosis is designed in a rigid L shape that is contoured to the calf and flesh colored.
For more information about Ankle Foot Orthotics, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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UK Academies Adopt Strickland Procedure
Jenny Strickland, a physiologist at Greenwich University, is a leading voice on Osgood-Schlatters Disease research. Strickland founded the Strickland Protocol for treatment of Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s Disease. The Strickland Protocol has been selected by major UK football academies as their treatment of choice for those contending with Osgood-Schlatters and Sever’s disease. According to PR Underground, these diseases have affected—and been treated—in four thousand young children globally.
Sever’s disease is common in children and young athletes. If your child has Severs Disease, contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors can diagnose provide treatment and healing for the feet.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
Improper pronation – the rolling of the foot during walking or running and obesity are all linked to causing Sever’s disease.
Treatments
Rest – the feet and legs needs rest. In order to speed up any kind of healing time, one should refrain from sports activity.
Medication- over the counter meds will help with inflammation and also reduce heel pain.
One can also purchase shoe inserts which will help support the heel and foot. Heel pain usually diminishes after wearing the supported heel inserts.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all of your foot ankle injuries.
Learn more about Sever’s Disease here.
How to Keep Your Feet Healthy while on the Job
If you have an occupation as a worker that is always on his or her feet, you are probably very familiar with experiencing soreness and pain at the end of the day. Endurance can easily be maintained by considering several important tips. Shoes should be checked to ensure that they offer support, as ill-fitting shoes can contribute to pain and fatigue. When standing, the feet should be planted firmly on the ground with your weight distributed evenly between the two. Take the time to stretch the feet if possible; stretches such as toe curls, toe raises, and toe flexion and extension can help flexibility and reduce stress.
Employees who are always working on their feet should pay special attention to their foot health. If you work on your feet and have foot concerns, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc.. Our doctors can attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.
Working On Your Feet
Long periods of standing often times lead to pain and discomfort around the feet. Every day the body undergoes a series of stresses, especially during work. To minimize these stresses on your feet, better shoe choices and proper posture will significantly help.
Better Choices
A Negative Heel
- This is where the heel is slightly lower than the ball of the foot.
Going Barefoot
- Having your feet crammed into shoes for long periods of time increases pressure. Giving your feet some exposure to air and walking barefoot helps tremendously.
Exercise Your Feet
- A foot workout helps correct movements and stimulates the blood flow and muscles of the feet. Implementing yoga exercises to your daily routine is a good example of this.
Foot Care
Spending a majority of the time on your feet will most likely trigger pain; even more so if you suffer from poor circulation. Proper footwear and appropriate stretching will alleviate pain and prevent further issues. When your feet hurt, it is best to take care of them right away.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Fitbit Smartphone App Fuels Washington, D.C.’s Competitive Nature
The Fitbit allows users to track their steps, miles, calories burned, and heart rate with the help of assisting smartphone apps and sensors. Recently, lawmakers and administration officials of Washington, D.C. are using these new forms of technology to fuel their competitive ways. Many employers are even allowing in-office competitions, which helps workers reach their doctor recommended 10,000 steps a day. “The type of people you find on Capitol Hill are very competitive by nature,” Alexa Marrero says, “You have a bunch of Type A personalities in jobs prone to keeping you behind a desk all day, so there are a lot of people who have found this as a fun way to get up.”
Walking is a tried and tested way to successfully exercise the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.
Exercise for Your Feet
If you spend most of your time on your feet, or don’t either way your feet should deserve attention. There are many people who exercise regularly and still don’t spend enough time to care for their feet. Your foot does get exposure that requires maintenance since your health has a lot to do with footing.
Exercises
Toe rise – this exercise involves standing on the tip-toes for a count of 15 seconds, then resting your feet on ground. This exercise should be repeated three times a day to strengthen the feet.
Toe Pick-ups – the toes are exercises that are done by picking up small items using your toes. This helps strengthen the muscles on the upper part of the feet. Three sets along with 15 seconds being held should be completed. Small items like marbles or stationary will work.
Ankle Pump – can be performed upwards or downwards. The workout can be completed both ways at the same time. This involves flexing the foot either towards the shin or to the ground. This makes the foot work very well, working large parts of the muscles.
For more information about Exercise for Your Feet, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Avoid Drug Side Effects by using Natural Remedies to treat Athlete’s Foot
To avoid the possible side effects that accompany prescription drugs, natural remedies are available for use to treat Athlete’s foot. Apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil can be rubbed directly onto areas affected by Athlete’s foot. To create a solution to soak your feet in, mix one part white vinegar and two parts warm water. Soak the feet in this for fifteen minutes. Similarly, garlic can be grinded into a fine paste, mixed into a tub of water, and used as a fifteen-minute soak for the feet. Another remedy can be found in neem leaves, which can be boiled in water for ten minutes. After the water has cooled, wash feet twice a day in the solution to treat Athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot can be treated successfully using any of the aforementioned methods. If you would like assistance with the treatment of Athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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