Items filtered by date: December 2025

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, usually starting between the toes. It thrives in warm and moist environments and can cause itching, redness, burning, and peeling. If not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the toenails, hands, and groin. Risk factors include wearing damp socks, using shared showers, having sweaty feet, and walking barefoot in public places. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the infection, providing effective treatments, and offering guidance to prevent it from returning. Professional care can also address complications such as cracked skin or nail involvement. If you notice signs of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

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 Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wounds on the feet can take longer to heal than injuries in other areas because of constant pressure, friction from shoes, and the distance from the heart, which can affect circulation. Even a small cut or blister can become a concern if it is not cared for promptly, especially for individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve changes that reduce sensation. Keeping the area clean, protected, and free from pressure allows new tissue to form more effectively. Paying attention to signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage helps catch problems early before the wound becomes deeper or infected. Choosing supportive footwear and monitoring the skin daily can make a meaningful difference in recovery. If a wound does not show steady improvement or becomes more painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper assessment and appropriate care.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common concern that can interrupt daily movement and make each step feel heavier than the last. One frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which develops when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. Other sources include Achilles tendon strain, inflammation in the heel pad, nerve irritation, or bursitis that forms from repeated pressure. Some individuals notice discomfort after long hours on hard surfaces, while others develop pain from sudden increases in activity or shoes that lack support. Early attention helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Resting the foot, improving footwear, gentle stretching, and targeted care can ease symptoms and encourage healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Regular foot care helps keep you moving comfortably and prevents small issues from becoming painful problems. Clean your feet daily with warm water, then dry them well, especially between the toes, where moisture can linger. A gentle moisturizer keeps the skin soft, but avoid applying it between the toes to prevent irritation. Keeping toenails trimmed straight across helps reduce the chance of ingrown nails. Choosing shoes that fit well and offer good support protects your arches and reduces pressure points during daily activities. Inspecting your feet regularly allows you to notice changes early. Look for redness, swelling, thickened nails, or areas that feel tender. These small checks are especially important if you have diabetes or circulation concerns. When something feels off, early guidance can prevent long-term complications. If you notice persistent foot pain, skin changes, or have difficulty walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday 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. 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 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. 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 our office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken foot occurs when one or more of the 26 bones in the foot fracture due to injury or stress. These bones include the metatarsals, phalanges, tarsals, and heel bone, all of which are vital to balance and mobility. A break can result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or dropping something heavy on the foot. Symptoms vary depending on severity but often include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight. In severe cases, the bone may protrude through the skin or cause visible deformity. People with improper footwear or weakened bones are more likely to experience foot fractures. A podiatrist can help by ordering X-rays to determine the location and extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve immobilization or surgery. If you have broken a bone in the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and guidance on returning to activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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