Items filtered by date: May 2020

Blisters on the feet can hinder a runner’s ability to enjoy the sport. They typically develop as a result of excess friction, and from shoes that do not fit correctly. Common areas for blisters to develop can include the arch, heel, and the sole of the foot. A blister is the body’s natural process to heal the area that has become damaged. It is defined as a small bubble that is filled with liquid, and this protects the raw area as new skin forms. It can be covered with a bandage until it gradually drains. Additional reasons why blisters may develop can consist of medical conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, frostbite, or allergic reactions. If you desire more information about blisters on the feet, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When pressure is put on the joint of the big toe over a period of time, the foot condition referred to as a bunion may develop. This condition, or foot deformity, appears as a bump on the side of the big toe. One of the most common causes of this deformity is ill-fitting or tightly worn footwear. Existing conditions may also factor into the development of a bunion. Flat feet, gout, injury to the foot, and connective tissue or neuromuscular disorders may all increase the risk of developing a bunion. Bunions can be rather painful, often causing discomfort when wearing shoes or walking. This condition can also cause the big toe to feel numb, as well become red and inflamed. For more information on how to treat a bunion, please speak with a podiatrist for professional advice.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is a foot condition that is often recognized as fallen arches. Those affected with this condition will have feet in which their soles lay completely flat on the ground. Arch supports, as well as performing certain exercises, may help to reduce the pain that may coincide with having flat feet. There are a number of different exercises you can practice to help with your flat feet, one of them being arch lifts. To perform this exercise, stand on the floor with your back straight. Then, slowly begin to lift the outer edges of your feet, with your toes remaining on the floor. Continue to practice a couple of repetitions for about 15 minutes. Calf stretches are another helpful exercise for flat feet. Again, stand on the floor with you back straight, then begin to slowly lift your heels, bringing them up and down, not allowing the heels to hit the floor. Lastly, roll stretches can be performed by sitting in a chair and rolling a foam roller, ice-cold can, or water bottle back and forth with the bottom of your foot. For additional recommendations and more exercises for treating flat feet, it’s suggested you consult with your local podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who are overweight may have an increased risk of experiencing ankle and foot pain. This may be a result of the excess body weight the feet must bear as everyday activities are completed. The natural pad in the heel area may become thin, and this may lead to heel pain which can be indicative of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. People who are obese may have difficulty in performing daily exercise routines, which may contribute to the inability to lose weight. Pain may be experienced in the joints, ligaments, and muscles of the feet, and a sedentary lifestyle may be preferred. Research has indicated that foot pain may be controlled by maintaining a healthy weight, and this can be accomplished by eating healthy foods, and starting an exercise regime. If you have questions about how excess weight can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Beachwood, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Tallmadge, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.