Featured

Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles of skin that can appear on any part of the body and are particularly common on the feet. Most foot blisters form due to friction. As you walk, run, or go about your daily activities, your shoes may rub against specific areas of your feet, causing the skin to become damaged. The top layer of skin then separates from the lower layers of skin. The area between the separated layers fills with a fluid called serum, whose purpose is to cushion and protect the raw skin below the blister. 

If you find a friction blister on your foot, it is highly recommended that you do not pop it. Popping the blister drains the fluid inside of it and exposes the raw skin underneath, increasing your risk of infection. Instead, protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage. You can also use special padding around the blister to protect it. Typically, friction blisters naturally heal over the course of one to two weeks. Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks. Wearing soft bandages over areas of your foot that tend to blister may also help. 

Sometimes foot blisters can be caused by problems other than friction. Blisters can develop due to a sunburn, frostbite, or exposure to an allergen, as well as from medical conditions such as fungal infections or eczema. If you frequently find blisters on your feet, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Like any other part of the body, the feet are vulnerable to wear and tear throughout our lives. As we age, our feet may require more care and attention. Elderly people are especially prone to developing a variety of foot problems, including dry skin, corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, deformities, arthritis, fungal infections, and plantar warts. Additionally, systemic conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation can have noticeable effects on foot health. 

The first step to preventing foot health problems at any age is to establish a good daily foot care routine. Washing the feet with soap and warm water daily, then drying them thoroughly is very important. Applying a moisturizer to the soles of the feet can help prevent dry skin. When trimming the toenails, use nail clippers to trim them straight across. This can prevent painful ingrown toenails. Doing daily foot exercises and stretches can help maintain the strength and flexibility of the feet. 

A critical step of the daily foot care routine, especially for those who have systemic conditions like diabetes, is the daily foot inspection. Check your feet each day for any cuts, scrapes, sores, or other abnormalities. By catching and treating any foot problems early, you can prevent infection and other serious complications. A hand mirror can be used to help you see any hard-to-reach areas. 

Another important aspect of caring for your feet is wearing the right shoes and socks. Footwear should be comfortable, supportive, flexible, and made of breathable materials. For some people, orthotic inserts can help make shoes more comfortable. 

If you have any foot problems, or questions about maintaining the health of your feet, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Participating in sports is great for maintaining your health and fitness, but can sometimes result in injuries to your feet or ankles. Common sports-related foot and ankle injuries include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, turf toe, and plantar fasciitis. 

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury in which the Achilles tendon located at the back of your ankle becomes inflamed due to overuse or biomechanical issues with the feet. Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain in the lower calf, swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, and reduced strength and range of motion. 

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the sprain, a limited ability to move the affected ankle, and difficulty walking. 

Stress fractures are fine cracks that occur in the bones when they can’t bear the load placed on them. These fractures often occur in the foot bones and get worse over time if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms of stress fractures in the feet include tenderness, deep and dull or sharp and localized pain, weakness, swelling, and bruising. 

Turf toe is a sprain of the largest joint in the big toe. It can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or tenderness that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury. 

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition usually causes stabbing heel pains, arch pain, and pain when taking your first steps after a long period of rest.

If you have injured your feet or ankles while playing sports, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can diagnose and treat your condition and get you back on your feet. 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage located on the ends of joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is very important, as it protects and cushions the bones during movement. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is associated with aging. It can affect any of the joints in the body, and frequently affects the joints of the feet and the ankles. Though rarer, osteoarthritis can also occur as a consequence of an injury, such as as a sprain or fracture, or as a result of abnormal foot biomechanics. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints, swelling, and difficulty walking or bending the joints. In some cases, bony protrusions called bone spurs can develop on the affected joints. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. Diagnosing the condition early allows for earlier treatment, which can help preserve the health and function of your joints. 

A variety of treatment options are available for osteoarthritis. Pain can often be minimized by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections into the affected joints, and wearing orthotics. Bracing or immobilizing the affected foot or ankle may help reduce inflammation and prevent deformity of the joint. Doing specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the feet and ankles to prevent injuries. In cases where more conservative treatments have failed or in which arthritis has progressed significantly, surgery may be an option. If you have osteoarthritis in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the lower limbs. This occurs due to a buildup of a fatty substance called plaque in the arteries that supply the lower limbs. The plaque buildup causes the arteries to narrow and harden, restricting blood flow. 

In its initial stages, PAD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, the first sign of PAD is usually claudication, a pain or cramping in the lower legs that occurs during walking or exercise. Claudication is caused by reduced blood flow to the muscles in the lower legs. Other symptoms of PAD that may appear over time include pain, numbness, heaviness, or achiness in the leg muscles, weak or absent pulses in the legs and feet, slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet, skin discoloration, poor toenail growth, poor hair growth on the legs, and low leg temperature. These are all signs of decreased circulation in the legs. 

PAD is a particularly dangerous condition because it can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Complications or a total loss of circulation can also increase your risk of limb amputation. A chiropodist can screen you for peripheral artery disease using quick, noninvasive vascular tests. The Ankle-Brachial Index, a test that measures the blood pressure in your arm and in your ankle and then compares the two numbers to see if you are at risk for PAD, and ultrasound imaging of the blood vessels in your legs, are frequently used as screening measures. 

If you have symptoms of PAD, or if you have been diagnosed with PAD and would like to learn more about maintaining the health of your lower limbs, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Stress fractures are small, fine cracks that can happen in the bones of the feet. Stress fractures occur when the affected bones are not able to bear the weight placed on them. They are often the result of repetitive overuse and injury from activities such as running, jumping, or dancing and are therefore common in athletes. Stress fractures are also more likely to occur in people who have other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, bunions, tendinitis, or abnormal foot biomechanics. 

While stress fractures can occur in any bone in the foot, they are most common in the metatarsal bones, the calcaneus bone, and navicular bone. The metatarsal bones are in the center of the foot and connect the toes to the rest of the midfoot region. The second and third metatarsal bones, which connect the second and third toes to the midfoot, are the most likely bones to incur a stress fracture. The calcaneus, or heel bone, is located at the back of the foot and is the second most common site of stress fractures in the feet. The navicular bone is located near the top of the foot. 

The symptoms of a stress fracture include pain, tenderness, weakness, bruising, and swelling. This can lead to difficulty putting weight on the affected foot, which may change your gait or manner of walking. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset and become progressively worse over time. Without treatment, a stress fracture may progress to a full fracture, in which the bone breaks completely. The affected bone can also move out of proper alignment, causing more pain. 

Stress fractures are diagnosed through a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, bone scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other causes for your symptoms. Treatment for a stress fracture depends on the severity of the injury. You may be asked to cease certain weight-bearing activities and to rest, ice, compress, and elevate the affected foot to help it heal. Protective footwear, a cast, or crutches may be provided to protect and stabilize your foot while it heals. Surgery may be necessary if the stress fracture has occurred in an area that does not typically heal well through non-surgical means, such as the sesamoid bones. 

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stress fracture in your foot, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes thickens. This thickening is typically the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The nerve becomes larger and causes pain. Left untreated, this could lead to permanent nerve damage. 

The symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma include pain and tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot. A Morton’s neuroma can produce a unique sensation similar to something being stuck in the ball of the foot or in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma symptoms often have a gradual onset. Initially, they may occur only while doing specific activities or while wearing shoes with a narrow toe area. However, over time the symptoms worsen and can last for several days or weeks. Without treatment, the symptoms can become increasingly severe and the nerve can become permanently damaged. 

People who often wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with narrow toe boxes and those with certain foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Involvement in activities that put repetitive stress on the ball of the foot, such as running or tennis, can also irritate the nerve and lead to Morton’s neuroma. 

This condition is diagnosed through a physical examination. An imaging study, such as an ultrasound, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any other potential causes for your symptoms. Treatment for Morton’s neuroma varies depending on the severity of the neuroma. Padding the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or choosing wider and more comfortable shoes may be suggested to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Icing the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain. In very severe cases, surgery may also be an option. To learn more about Morton’s neuroma, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Winter can be a time of new or worsening foot and ankle problems. Wintertime foot problems can be caused by a combination of cold weather, a more sedentary lifestyle, an increase in body weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and weather conditions that can increase the risk of injury.

The cold weather can wreak havoc on your feet. A cold, dry climate can be responsible for dry, cracked heels. More than just an aesthetic problem, these cracks can be deep, painful, and prone to bleeding. To prevent them, it’s suggested that you take extra care to exfoliate and moisturize your feet in the winter and wear shoes and socks that protect your feet from the cold. Cold weather can also cause the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your toes to spasm, leading to problems such as chilblains and Raynaud’s disease. 

On the other hand, feet that are too wet from sweat are also a problem. In the winter, many people wear warm, thick socks made from materials that trap moisture. This creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails infections. Wear moisture-wicking socks to avoid this issue. 

A more sedentary lifestyle and weight gain during the winter can put strain on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injuries that are caused by excess strain and pressure. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, and general foot pain are both common. 

Icy weather conditions can increase your risk of twisting an ankle or falling and sustaining an injury. To avoid this, wear thick-soled, non-slip boots and take extra care to look out for ice when walking outside. If you have any foot or ankle problems this winter, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Summer can be a time when the feet are particularly vulnerable to various medical problems. This is because the warm weather means that many people will wear shoes that do not adequately cushion and protect the feet or will go barefoot entirely. Fortunately, most summertime foot problems can be treated or prevented. 

In the summertime, most people frequent warm, moist public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, walking around barefoot. These places are breeding grounds for various fungi and viruses that can get into the feet, causing an infection. Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It’s characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash and skin peeling, usually found between the toes. Fungus can also infect the toenails, making them brittle, crumbly, thickened, and discolored. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can cause benign, fleshy growths called warts to grow on the soles of the feet. When going to public places, it’s suggested that you wear shoes to protect your feet from infectious agents and that you avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels with others. 

For many people, staple summer footwear includes flip-flops and open-back, open-toe sandals. Unfortunately, these shoes are usually flimsy and don’t protect the feet or provide any support or cushioning. Some also require you to scrunch up your toes while you walk to keep the shoes on your feet. This can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, heel pain, arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, and dry, cracked heels. When shopping for summer shoes, look for shoes that fit properly and have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area. They should stay on your feet while you walk without any effort and protect your feet from the elements. If you must wear flip-flops, limit wear to just a few hours every few days, or when going to specific places like the pool or beach. 

For more information about common summer foot problems and how to treat and prevent them, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives and thrives in warm, moist environments such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. This fungus can infect the feet through a cut or crack in the skin. Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, and the fungus can spread from person to person through sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, or towels.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging, or burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet, itchy foot blisters, and dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet. The infection can also spread to your toenails, leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. 

Through a physical examination, athlete’s foot can be diagnosed by your chiropodist based on its symptoms. Sometimes, a skin test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Athlete’s foot can be treated with both oral and topical over-the-counter or prescription medications. You can prevent a fungal infection by maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing shoes when walking in public areas, avoiding sharing personal items with others, and keeping your feet clean and dry.