Strong, comfortable feet play an important role in maintaining balance during daily activities. When foot pain, deformities, or nerve problems are present, it becomes harder to move with confidence. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, and nerve damage can change the way a person walks and reduce stability. Thick toenails, poor sensation, or painful calluses may also make each step less secure. For older adults especially, these issues can increase the likelihood of losing balance during routine movement. Regular foot care can make a meaningful difference. Keeping toenails trimmed, treating painful skin conditions, wearing supportive shoes, and maintaining strength in the muscles of the feet and ankles all help support steadier movement. A podiatrist can identify structural problems, recommend treatment, and provide guidance on proper footwear and foot health. If you experience foot pain, numbness, or changes in the way you walk, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially the areas between the toes. The infection often causes itching, redness, peeling skin, and sometimes cracking or burning. The fungus grows best in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Research shows that tinea pedis occurs more frequently in males than in females. One reason is that men often spend long hours in closed shoes for work, sports, or daily activities, which creates the damp conditions that fungi prefer. Men also tend to sweat more from the feet, which further encourages fungal growth. Repeated use of shared athletic spaces may also increase exposure. Good foot hygiene, wearing dry socks, and breathable footwear can help reduce risk. When foot itching, scaling, or irritation does not improve, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arthritis of the big toe joint can make walking painful and limit daily activity. This condition develops when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. As the joint becomes stiff and inflamed, patients may notice swelling, reduced motion, and discomfort when pushing off the foot. Many people find relief through non-surgical treatment options. Wearing supportive shoes with a stiff sole can reduce strain on the joint. Custom orthotics help control motion and improve alignment during walking. Anti-inflammatory medications may decrease pain and swelling. In some cases, corticosteroid injections provide temporary relief. Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen surrounding muscles, which supports better joint function. Early care often slows progression and improves comfort. Ignoring symptoms may lead to worsening stiffness and limited mobility. If you are experiencing ongoing pain or reduced movement in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the big toe can affect walking, balance, and daily comfort, even when it seems minor at first. One common cause is arthritis, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain during push-off while walking. Another cause is bunion formation, where the joint shifts over time and creates pressure, irritation, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. Gout is also a frequent source of sudden big toe pain, often causing intense redness, warmth, and swelling that may appear overnight. In addition to these conditions, big toe pain may also be linked to tendon strain, nerve irritation, past injuries, or changes in foot mechanics. Because the big toe plays a major role in movement and stability, ongoing pain should not be brushed off. If big toe pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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