Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, and public places like locker rooms and public showers. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, scaling, cracking, or peeling skin. Some cases cause painful fissures or blisters. Treatment focuses on eliminating the fungus and keeping skin dry. Topical antifungal medications are commonly effective, while more stubborn infections may require prescription therapy. Good hygiene, breathable footwear, and regular sock changes help prevent recurrence. Untreated infections can spread to nails or other skin areas. Chronic moisture exposure, wearing tight shoes, weakened immunity, and shared surfaces increase risk, making early treatment important for comfort, skin integrity, and overall foot health and mobility. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

The arches of the foot act like a built-in support system that helps the body move efficiently. The three arches include a higher inner arch, a flatter outer arch, and an arch that runs across the ball of the foot. Together, they form a spring-like structure that carries body weight, absorbs impact, and returns energy with each step. Bones create the framework of the arches, while ligaments and tendons hold them together and allow controlled flexibility during walking and running. Problems develop when arches are too low or too high, which can place strain on the heel, mid-foot, or forefoot and change alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate arch structure, foot mechanics, and walking patterns, provide a diagnosis and treatment to reduce stress and restore balance. If you have pain in the arches of the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

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 in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

The bottoms and sides of walking shoes often show clear signs of how the feet move and bear weight. Uneven wear along the outer edge may suggest that weight rolls outward during each step, while heavy wear on the inner sole can point to inward rolling. Excessive breakdown at the heel may indicate hard heel striking, which can increase stress on the lower legs. Wear concentrated under the ball of the foot may reflect increased forefoot pressure or toe driven push off. The upper part of the shoe can also offer clues. Stretching, creasing, or breakdown in certain areas may signal toe crowding or joint stiffness. Over time, these patterns can contribute to discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, or back. When shoes wear unevenly or pain develops during walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, in addition to evaluating your gait and foot mechanics.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Foot exercises support strength, flexibility, and coordination in the feet, toes, and ankles after pain or injury. Controlled movement encourages circulation, helps tissues recover, and improves joint motion needed for walking and balance. Gentle strengthening of the toes and arch muscles can improve stability at the ankle and reduce stress on joints during daily activity. Stretching motions can improve range of motion and support smoother foot mechanics over the long-term. Progress should be gradual, with attention to discomfort so movement stays within a tolerable range as the foot adapts. Consistent practice can make movements easier over time and help restore confidence with standing and walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics and safely guide appropriate exercise selection. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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