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 one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors 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 Antioch, Martinez, and Concord, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur suddenly, often at night, causing severe pain and swelling in the affected joint. It is the result of uric acid building up in the bloodstream and forming crystals that deposit in joints, particularly in the big toe. This can result from consuming too many purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol, or due to kidney issues that prevent uric acid from being excreted properly. Symptoms include intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, which can feel like a throbbing or burning sensation. The pain may be so severe that even the weight of a sheet can be unbearable. Gout attacks can last for days and may recur if left untreated. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing gout through a physical exam, blood test, or joint fluid analysis. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other specific treatments to relieve pain and prevent future attacks. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

A foot corn is a thickened area of skin that forms in response to pressure or friction, usually on the toes or sides of the feet. Corns often develop from mechanical stress caused by ill-fitting shoes that rub against the skin or from abnormal foot structure that creates uneven pressure during walking. Symptoms include a hardened bump, tenderness, and pain while wearing shoes or standing for long periods of time. A podiatrist can identify the underlying cause, safely remove the corn, correct mechanical issues, and recommend proper footwear or custom inserts to prevent it from returning. Corns can be painful. If you have developed a painful corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Choosing the right running shoe can prevent discomfort and support your training goals. Many runners benefit from selecting a shoe that is a half size or even a full size larger than their regular shoes to allow room for swelling and natural foot movement. It is important to know your running goals, whether you want support for long distances or speed for short runs. Look for materials that enhance comfort such as air pockets for cushioning, foam for softness, and gel for shock absorption. Additionally, replace your shoes regularly to maintain proper support. A podiatrist can assess your foot type, gait, and training needs to recommend the right shoe. If you have foot or ankle pain from wearing the wrong shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional tips in choosing the right running shoe for your goals.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Off-loading is essential for helping diabetic foot wounds heal because it reduces pressure on the ulcerated area. People with diabetic neuropathy often lose sensation in their feet, so they continue to walk on a wound without realizing it, which damages new tissue and delays recovery. A podiatrist can use specialized off-loading techniques to remove pressure from the affected area. This can involve therapeutic shoes, custom insoles, padded dressings, removable cast boots, or total contact casts that closely fit the foot and restrict joint motion. These approaches protect the wound from repetitive stress and shear forces, giving tissue the time it needs to repair. When necessary, surgery can also be performed to correct deformities or redistribute pressure to prevent recurrence. Consistent podiatric care ensures the wound remains clean and healing is monitored. If you have a diabetic foot wound, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment, including off-loading management.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Sun Healthcare & Surgery Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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