Items filtered by date: June 2025

Fungal infections of the feet, including athlete’s foot and fungal toenail infections, often develop in warm, moist environments where fungi thrive. Fungal foot infections are more likely to occur when the feet are frequently damp from sweat, confined in enclosed shoes, or exposed to shared areas such as locker rooms, communal showers, and around swimming pools. Wearing synthetic socks and shoes that do not allow air circulation can also raise the risk. Additional risk factors include certain health conditions, like diabetes or circulation issues, as well as a weakened immune system. Athlete’s foot may cause itching, peeling, or flaking skin, especially between the toes, while fungal nail infections can lead to thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails. The infection may begin in one area and gradually spread across the foot or nails if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by providing a proper diagnosis and selecting the most effective treatment based on the severity of the infection. If you believe you have developed a fungal foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for 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 Michael Bess, DPM from Florida.  Our podiatrist 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 West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy can bring several changes to the feet due to weight gain, hormonal shifts, and fluid retention. Flat feet may develop as the arches collapse from added pressure and increased ligament laxity. Swelling in the feet and ankles is also common as circulation changes. Ingrown toenails can result from wearing tight shoes and altered foot shape. Cracked heels may appear due to dry skin and increased strain. These issues can cause discomfort and affect mobility. A podiatrist can provide personalized care through proper footwear guidance, safe treatments, and prevention strategies. If you are experiencing foot problems during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with this type of doctor for effective relief and support during this important time.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is often caused by repetitive stress, improper footwear, or abnormal foot mechanics. Risk factors include high-impact activities, wearing tight or narrow shoes, and foot deformities like bunions or flat feet. Symptoms include a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, numbness, or the sensation of walking on a pebble. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, providing custom orthotics, and recommending appropriate footwear. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

A cut on the bottom of the foot requires prompt and careful attention from a podiatrist to prevent infection and promote healing. This begins by gently cleaning the area with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. After the wound is cleaned, it is inspected for signs of foreign objects, excessive bleeding, or indicators of infection such as redness or swelling. The area is kept dry and covered with a clean dressing can support healing. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent further injury. If the cut is deep, painful, or not healing properly, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist who can ensure the foot wound heals correctly and helps prevent complications that could affect mobility and overall foot health.

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 Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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 feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.