Understanding the condition
A fungal infection that loves warm, damp shoes
Athlete’s foot — tinea pedis — is a fungal skin infection that thrives in warm, moist environments like the inside of a shoe. It most often starts between the toes, causing itching, burning, redness and peeling, and can spread to the sole and sides of the foot.
It is contagious and spreads through direct contact or by walking barefoot where the fungus lives. Without treatment it can crack the skin, let bacteria in, and spread into the toenails, causing fungal nail infection.

Why it happens
4 ways athlete’s foot takes hold
The fungus is common; it causes infection when feet stay warm and damp or come into contact with it in shared spaces.
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Communal Showers & Pools
Walking barefoot in locker rooms, gyms and pools is the most common way people pick it up.
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Sweaty Feet
Feet that sweat heavily, especially in closed shoes all day, create ideal conditions for fungus.
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Damp Socks & Shoes
Wearing the same shoes daily or keeping on damp socks lets the fungus multiply.
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Shared Towels & Footwear
Sharing towels, socks or shoes passes the infection between people.

25+ Years
Serving Calgary patients
3 Podiatrists
“Specialized foot and ankle care
Know the signs
When the Itch Will Not Go Away
Athlete’s foot usually starts as itching, stinging or burning between the toes, with red, peeling or flaking skin. Some people develop dry, scaly skin across the sole, and in more severe cases blisters or painful cracks.
If over-the-counter treatment has not helped within two weeks, the skin is cracked or weeping, or the nails are changing, have it assessed.
- Itching & Burning
- Peeling Skin
- Cracks Between Toes
- Blisters
- Dry, Scaly Soles
What to Avoid
- Walking barefoot in shared showers
- Wearing damp socks or shoes
- Sharing towels or footwear
- Stopping treatment as soon as it itches less
How we treat it
Clearing the infection and keeping it away
Your podiatrist confirms it is athlete’s foot — eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis can look similar — and checks the nails for signs of spread.
Treatment clears the infection and then focuses on prevention so it does not keep returning.
- Most common
Antifungal treatment
Clearing the skin infection
Prescription-strength topical antifungals with clear instructions on how long to use them so the infection fully clears.
Skin & nail care
Treating cracks and nail spread
Care for cracked or thickened skin and assessment of any nails that the fungus has reached.
Prevention plan
Stopping it coming back
Practical advice on drying feet, socks, rotating shoes, treating footwear and protecting feet in shared spaces.
FAQs
Athlete’s foot questions, answered
Common questions about athlete’s foot, treatment and prevention.
How long does athlete’s foot take to clear?
Most cases clear within two to four weeks with consistent treatment. Keep treating for the full recommended time even after it looks better.
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads through direct contact and through floors, towels, socks and shoes.
Why does my athlete’s foot keep coming back?
Usually because treatment stops too early or the fungus survives in shoes and socks. A prevention plan helps break the cycle.
Can athlete’s foot spread to my toenails?
Yes. Untreated athlete’s foot can spread into the nails and cause fungal nail infection.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If pharmacy treatment has not worked within two weeks, the skin is cracked or weeping, or you have diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Trusted by Patients Across Calgary
See how personalized podiatric care at Achilles Foot Clinic has helped patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more confident with every step.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Went to two podiatrist prior to this clinic, so I was coming in very informed and able to identify my specific issue. This seemed to be helpful to the doctor and he was able to discuss more well rounded options. I'm really surprised by the poor reviews here. Front desk ladies seemed to be busy and straight to the point, I see no issue with that at a busy clinic. Had to pay the $100 fee upfront but this was told to me when the clinic called to confirm appointment, I was well informed on the cost
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Gatenby & his team are simply amazing. They have been very helpful and effective in treating my foot pain because of which I have been limping. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is an exceptional doctor and he has been continuously empathetic and helpful with the treatment of my ankle. 10/10 recommend him for any of your foot related injury/treatments.
However, whenever i try to call the clinic, there is lot of waiting, then they still don't pick up and take you straight to voicemail. - 5 out of 5 stars
Needed a short notice appointment for my mom, who has dementia. They were able to get us in the same day and Dr Rory was AMAZING. My mom’s toenails needed to be trimmed and she had a bit of an ingrown nail and he was able to take care of all of it. I was super grateful as I live out of province.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had a great experience with Dr. Gurbir Mann. He saw me last minute for a fracture in my foot and I felt at ease the whole time during my appointment, he was friendly, calm and explained everything thoroughly to me. I am very grateful for how well I have been taken care of
- 5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Mann is the best! Always answers all my questions and has plenty of solutions for me to keep moving. Always very thorough, explaining every procedure and very gentle. Just the best! Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service at the front desk.
Convenient ways to make appointments.
The Podiatrist is friendly, welcoming and treated our minor child with patience and respect.
Wheelchair accessible location with above and underground parking options.
Definitely would go back if needed. - 5 out of 5 stars
Dr Mann was awesome! Very friendly and got me in and out in no time. Making an appointment was very easy got one just a few days after calling thank you for the amazing service Achilles!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I went there because i had an ingrown toe nail and it was getting really bad and was hurting me a lot. I did not have to wait long and was able to book an appointment through call for the following day.The staff there took really good care of me and especially Dr Rory who performed the surgery for me. Throughout the surgery he reassured me that it was going to be painless and was fast which helped me to calm myself down. It indeed was quick and painless. I highly recommend going to this clinic as the staff there are really nice and things get done really quickly. I will be going back there again if I have anymore injuries/problems in the future!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I never thought I would be bringing a teen to a foot clinic but after 18 months of hell with my son's feet we were off to Achilles foot clinic this week. I was absolutely blown away by the customer service. My son was nervous and the doctor took immense care to calm him down. They took breaks. Easily put in the freezing with no pain. This was night and day to any other medical experience we have had. Highly recommend this clinic for being on time, affordable, clean, filled with loving smiling faces and ready to cater to all sorts of needs. 100% recommend. Will not go anywhere else in the future but Achilles' Foot Clinic.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I saw Dr. Gatenby today after stepping on a piece of glass. I don't know how this clinic could receive anything less than 5 stars. Everyone is so friendly and efficient. From the reception, to the nursing staff and especially Dr. Gatenby. The clinic is clean, well run and he was able to remove a piece of glass from my foot with no complications. Thank you!
- 5 out of 5 stars
My son had an appointment with Dr.Gatenby and can’t say enough good things about the clinic. They were able to get us in quickly and Dr.Gatenby was one of the nicest doctors we have seen in the city. He solved my son’s issue quickly and explained the procedure to him as he worked. Would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone with foot issues.
- 5 out of 5 stars
The entire process was easy, pleasant and efficient. Booking was easy, and I visited Dr Gatenby. His manner is professional and personal. It was obvious he enjoys his profession and serving people!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I called and was able to make an appointment very quickly to be seen by Dr. Gatenby about an infection in my cuticles. The doctor was incredibly nice and helpful, and even when he had to do a procedure on my toes and my anxiety was going crazy, he reassured me and helped me calm down and feel much better. The ladies at the office are also all incredibly nice. I couldn’t recommend this clinic enough, seriously great staff and great doctors!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see Dr Rory about my ingrown toenails .
He is the most kind caring and gentle of doctors. I have been putting up with pain and discomfort for way too long because I was nervous about having surgery to fix the problem. Dr Rory Gatenby put my fears at ease straight away and he and his team took care of me from start to finish. If I know of anyone looking for a great foot clinic team to take care of them I will highly recommend they go to see Dr Rory Gatenby. He is the best and my surgery was nothing to be worried. I can’t say enough about my whole experience - 5 out of 5 stars
So far. So great! A+ I've been to another foot clinic in the nw, this location explained my situation fully addressed my issue and set me up with a plan moving forward. I saw Dr.Purych regarding some foot pain, heel pain and corns. Solved. Thanks a bunch!
- 5 out of 5 stars
Definitely 5 stars for this place! First off, I had called to get an appointment and the receptionist was amazing. She had empathy for my concerns and was able to get me in the next day. We met with Dr Mann, amazing again. His bedside manner was impeccable, he was very informative and understood my concerns and eased my mind very quickly. And lastly the reception staff again were great again to deal with in person with their friendly attitudes and fast responses. I definitely enjoyed my experience at this clinic and the friendly, informative service was great to see!
- 5 out of 5 stars
I will never not reccomend Archilles foot clinic. I had an incredible experience here a few years ago with Dr Mann. I waited years to deal with my ingrown toenails after watching my brother's horrible recovery at another place, but Dr. Mann was absolutely wonderful, and I regret waiting so long. My ingrowns have never come back thanks to Archilles. I send all of my friends here when they have ingrown toenails because of how much I appreciated my experience here.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I was very impressed with Dr. Mann. He takes the time to actually explain what's going on with your feet. Very personable and professional. Finally I found someone to help me about my bunion. Highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 stars
I had to shop around before I found Achilles .... because of the painful, expensive and lengthy treatment plans I was being offered by other clinics. At Achilles, I can truly report that the problem was painlessly resolved in only a few visits ... at fraction of the cost (and pain!). I received excellent treatment from Dr. Purych ... who successfully treated my long standing, stubborn plantar wart problem. I have no hesitation in providing this clinic a "five stars plus" review ... for their professionalism and focus on their patients.
Serving Calgary & Nearby Communities
Expert Foot Care Close to Home
Achilles Foot Clinic welcomes patients from Calgary and surrounding communities with personalized care for foot and ankle pain, injuries, and ongoing conditions.

Our Service Area
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Okotoks
- Cochrane
Need an Appointment?
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