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Nail Clinic - Established Patients Only - Mondays 9am-12pm

Ainsley Roberson Rusevlyan, DPM

(252) 946-1181Washington, NC

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September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

Contagious Athlete’s Foot

The foot condition known as athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable and many people are embarrassed at how their feet look when they are afflicted with this ailment. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist environments including shower room floors, public swimming pools, and locker rooms. The fungus can invade the body through small cracks in the skin on the feet and initial symptoms of athlete’s foot can consist of itchiness and redness. It is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas as this may help to control the spread of athlete's foot. It is a contagious foot condition, and it is suggested that towels, shoes, and socks should not be shared. The symptoms of untreated athlete’s foot may gradually worsen and if you suffer from this ailment, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment methods.

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 Ainsley Rusevlyan, DPM from InStride Roberson Footcare. 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 Washington, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's Foot
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Shoe Shopping In-Store

If you are a runner, you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of selecting the right kind of running shoe. While shopping for your first pair of running shoes on the internet might be convenient and fast, you may consider shopping for that first pair in an actual store. When visiting a store (such as a specialty running shop), it might be possible for you to receive a gait analysis, which can help you identify exactly what features your shoes should have. Additionally, since selecting the right running shoe is all about finding the correct fit, being physically in the store can make it easier for you to try on a variety of different sizes that first time. This can also help you identify which brands of running shoes tend to run smaller or larger compared to others. Lastly, shopping in the actual store will enable you to take any orthotics that you use with you and try them out in potential running shoes. If you have any more questions about picking running shoes, contact a podiatrist.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Ainsley Rusevlyan, DPM from InStride Roberson Footcare. Our doctor 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 office located in Washington, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Plantar fasciitis is a very common foot condition that affects a wide variety of individuals across the country. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that runs along the arch of the foot, becomes aggravated and inflamed due to repeated pressure and strain. Although plantar fasciitis causes pain that is primarily in the arch and heel of the foot, pain can sometimes feel like it is emanating to other areas such as the ankle. Plantar fasciitis can be confused with a ruptured plantar fascia. Although both conditions involve the plantar fascia, plantar fasciitis is defined by micro-tears to this band of tissue, as opposed to the more significant tears involved in a ruptured plantar fascia. Additionally, plantar fasciitis is often confused with the entrapment of the nerves. For example, when the tibial nerve becomes pinched, sensations of pain can be felt in the soles of the feet in a way that is similar to plantar fasciitis. One of the distinguishing factors, however, is that tingling and numbness can be felt in the soles of the feet with a pinched tibial nerve. If you are having difficulty determining whether or not your pain is due to plantar fasciitis or another condition, contact a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis.


 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Ainsley Rusevlyan, DPM  from InStride Roberson Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Thursday, 08 September 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Of the twenty-six bones in the feet that allow you to walk, five are called metatarsals. These are the long bones that connect the toes to the ankles and help to control the movement of the leg and foot. When one or more of these bones causes pain it is known as metatarsalgia. Conditions that contribute to metatarsal pain include trauma, overuse, arthritis, bone or foot structure, and wearing high heels. Common symptoms of metatarsalgia include a feeling of walking on a pebble, a shooting or burning ache, and a general aching under the ball of the foot. Symptoms may worsen when standing, walking, running, or flexing the toes. Metatarsalgia can occur in one or both feet and range from mild to severe. One risk factor is high heels, which force the toes into a tight space and increase the weight on the metatarsals. In addition, being overweight, aging, and running for long periods are thought to be risk factors as well. If you are experiencing continued pain in the ball of the foot, it is a good idea to seek the help of a podiatrist for treatment options.


 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ainsley Rusevlyan, DPM from InStride Roberson Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
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