Items filtered by date: July 2022

The Achilles tendon is a large band of tissue which attaches the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. It is engaged while walking, running, jumping, and elevating on the toes. Athletes, and especially runners, can aggravate this tendon from overuse, which may cause it to become thickened and inflamed. This is known as Achilles tendonitis. Pain from Achilles tendonitis is usually felt above the heel or in the back of the lower leg. A podiatrist can examine you if you are experiencing this type of pain, which may intensify after sprinting, stair climbing or running for a long period of time. They may suggest certain strengthening and stretching exercises, along with resting the leg and icing the affected area, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help with the pain. Long-term relief may include using custom orthotics and special types of footwear to offload pressure on the affected area. For more information or to receive treatment for Achilles tendon, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Bradley Olson, DPM from North Dakota. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

There are several types of fungi that are classified as dermatophytes which can cause skin infections, including athlete’s foot. There are different types of athlete’s foot, and each have their own symptoms. The most common form of athlete's foot is called chronic interdigital athlete’s foot, and the skin is generally itchy between the fourth and fifth toes. It can develop by wearing shoes that are too tight, creating a moist environment that can encourage fungal growth. Chronic scaly athlete's foot, which is also referred to as moccasin-type, can be found on the sole of the foot. The skin is typically dry, and underneath it can be pink and tender. The least common type of this kind of skin infection is referred to as acute vesicular athlete’s foot. The symptoms that are associated with this can consist of blisters that develop on the bottom or top of the foot, and is caused by multiple fungi. Athlete's foot is considered to be contagious, and it is advised to wear appropriate footwear while in public swimming pools, locker rooms, and standing on shower room floors. If you have signs of this skin infection, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can start you with the appropriate treatment.

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 Bradley Olson, DPM from North Dakota. 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 offices located in Fargo and Wahpeton, ND . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Protecting and caring for your heels is a critical component of maintaining proper foot health. However, a heel spur is a troublesome condition that can negatively impact your heels’ vigor. Heel spurs, also referred to as calcaneal spurs, are essentially bony bulges that form on the heel bone either on the back of the heel or under the sole of the foot. Heel spurs usually develop in response to plantar fasciitis and especially when stress is exerted on the plantar fascia for an extended period of time. Individuals who are middle-aged or overweight may be at an increased risk of developing this unfortunate foot affliction. Although some cases of heel spurs are asymptomatic and do not produce pain, many individuals with heel spurs can experience heel pain when beginning to walk after a period of rest. If you have a case of heel spurs, a podiatrist can help you address the condition. If your heel spurs are related to plantar fasciitis, they might be treated with orthotics such as night splints, heel inserts, or special footwear. When it comes to caring for your heels, it is highly suggested you consult with a podiatrist instead of taking chances.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Bradley Olson, DPM from North Dakota. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Fargo and Wahpeton, ND . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Toenail fungus can undoubtedly be an unpleasant and troublesome ailment of the foot. This condition often occurs when a case of athlete’s foot or another rash spreads to the toenail. Time is certainly of the essence when it comes to treating a toenail fungus. Since the fungus becomes more severe as time passes, an individual may be able to more effectively treat a toenail fungus if it is identified relatively early in its formation. To catch early forms of toenail fungus, you might be especially vigilant about identifying any yellow or white spots underneath the toenails. There are various types of treatment for toenail fungus that an individual has at their disposal. To treat the fungus, one might take an oral medication, especially when multiple toenails have been affected. Besides oral antifungals, other treatments include using topical medications for prolonged periods of time. The efficacy of these and other treatments often depend on how long the toenail fungus has been left untreated. It is suggested that you consult with a trusted podiatrist to address this ailment.

For more information about treatment, contact Bradley Olson, DPM of North Dakota. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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