Foot Conditions

Athlete's Foot is a widespread fungal infection that affects the feet. The fungus thrives in communal areas like public showers and grows in warm, moist environments, such as inside shoes. As the infection progresses, the affected skin may become itchy, scaly, and flaky. In some instances, blisters and cracking may appear, causing pain, swelling, and potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections.

Preventing Athlete's Foot involves keeping the feet clean, dry, and exposed to air, as the fungus requires both heat and moisture to survive. While the condition may resolve on its own, it can also be treated with topical and oral medications. Receive consultation, advice on self-care, and recommendations for antifungal sprays and over-the-counter solutions to treat athlete's foot.

Fungal nails, or onychomycosis, represent the most prevalent type of nail disorder. Affected toenails may appear thickened and discolored, ranging from shades of yellow, green, white, or black. If left untreated, the nails can become brittle and prone to cracking. As the fungus continues to spread, the toe may experience inflammation and significant pain around the nail.

Various methods can be employed to remove the fungus as part of our routine nail care service at Tread Well. We also offer Fungal Free Nails (FFN), a topical product available for purchase that can effectively treat fungal infections. Debride and file down nails, over-the-counter or prescription lacquer, laser therapy (Cutera GenesisPlus), and photodisinfectant therapy (Clear Toe Therapy).

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, supporting its arch. Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of this tissue, often resulting from overuse and stress. This condition is also known as "Policeman's Heel." If left untreated, it can become extremely painful and challenging to manage. Heel spurs, which are excess bone growths on the heel, can cause similar painful symptoms as plantar fasciitis. Tread Well offers a variety of services to address plantar fasciitis and heel pain, including orthopedic shoes, custom foot orthotics, ART, acupuncture, laser therapy, and ultrasound therapy.

High arches, or "pes cavus," represent a condition that is essentially the opposite of flat feet. Feet with high arches have a significantly pronounced mid-foot arch, which can cause pain and potentially lead to other issues such as Achilles tendonitis. The causes of high arches can be both genetic and acquired. Similar to flat feet, high arches can be managed with proper care, custom foot orthotics, and orthopedic shoes that provide support for the arch. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be considered as a treatment option.

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail grows in a manner that cuts into the toe itself. If left untreated, this condition can become extremely painful. Ingrown toenails can affect one or both of the outer corners of the toenail or even the entire leading edge of the nail. Common causes include improper nail care practices or ill-fitting shoes that exert downward pressure on the toenail. Infections caused by bacteria can lead to inflammation and swelling, which may also result in ingrown toenails. Tread Well offers a variety of treatment options for this condition, ranging from routine nail care to in-office toenail surgeries and antibiotics.

Plantar warts typically appear on the soles or toes of the feet. Over time, these warts can become painful, form mosaic clusters, and spread. They often present as small lesions resembling cauliflower, with tiny black marks beneath the surface at the center. The virus responsible for plantar warts can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces, such as public pool decks and shower floors. To remove warts, the process involves shaving or filing down the wart and chemically destroying its "root" to prevent recurrence. Depending on the severity of the wart(s), this procedure can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to achieve permanent results.

Sprains and strains are related injuries that affect ligaments and muscles, respectively. Ligaments are fibrous structures connecting bones within a joint, and a sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched, resulting in a partial or complete tear, often in the wrist or ankle. Similarly, a strain happens when a muscle is overstretched and tears. Both sprains and strains typically cause pain, swelling, and potential bruising. In severe cases, the joint may become unstable, and the affected limb may be difficult to move or use. 

The initial treatment for sprains and strains is RICE therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Minor cases should heal independently with proper care and precautions. For chronic sprains, custom foot orthotics can help promote optimal ankle alignment, reducing the strain on damaged tissues. We use ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, taping, exercises, footwear, and orthotics for sprains and strains.