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When the outer layer of skin is separated from the layer below it, the space fills with fluid to form a blister. They typically form as a result of rubbing the foot against the inside of a shoe and are a common occurrence among athletes and runners. A blister may go away on its own with a few simple precautions. Remove the offending footwear, cover the blister with a clean bandage, and keep the area clean. The best way to treat blisters is to avoid them in the first place. Wear shoes that fit properly, making sure you can wiggle your toes within them and that your heel does not rub on the back of the shoe when you walk or run. Wear acrylic socks that wick moisture instead of cotton socks that may bunch up inside the shoe. Apply powder to the feet and toes before embarking on a long run or other strenuous activity. Generally, blisters will go away on their own, but if a blister becomes red, swollen, or pus-filled, it is likely to be infected. In this case, please consult a chiropodist who can properly drain the blister and offer other treatment options.

Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Blister? 

A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin. 

Treatment 

If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment. 

Prevention

You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining. RA can target any joints in the body, but the small joints of the hands and feet are usually affected. Symptoms of RA in the feet include joint pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth that last for several weeks. Joint stiffness is very common in the morning and often lasts for 30 minutes or longer. RA usually affects more than one joint and affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Although there is no cure, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of RA can be managed. For more information about RA and the feet, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own otherwise healthy joint lining or synovium. While RA can affect any joint in the body, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joint. If you’re dealing with RA in your lower limbs, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of RA primarily affect the joints of the feet and may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Redness
• Warmth
• Difficulty walking
• Gait changes
• Bunions
• Hammertoes 

Treatment

While there is no cure for RA, your chiropodist can help you manage the health of your feet and maintain your mobility while living with this condition. Possible treatments include wearing orthotics, doing foot and ankle exercises, resting the feet, taking anti-inflammatory medications, getting steroid injections, and wearing braces for foot and ankle pain. In advanced cases of RA, joint replacement surgery may be helpful for mobility. Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities can be corrected with surgery as well. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Flip-flops might be the choice footwear for the summer, but they are not the choice footwear for maintaining the health of your feet. If you’ve ever worn flip-flops, you may have noticed that they can be difficult to keep on your feet as you walk. To to prevent them from slipping off, you must walk with your toes bent around the ends of the shoes. This toe posture can increase your risk of foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions. Frequently wearing flip-flops can also change your gait or walking pattern. Although they come in many fun patterns and colors, these flimsy shoes don’t come with much foot protection or arch support, leaving your feet exposed to the elements and at risk of injury. If you must wear flip-flops, it’s suggested that you wear them only for short periods of time. To learn more about the dangers of flip-flops, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Flip-flops, though they may seem harmless, are bad for your foot health. If you would like to learn more about the many problems that can be caused by frequent flip-flop wear, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Flip-flops are the quintessential summer shoe, seemingly perfect for the beach or pool. Unfortunately, these flimsy shoes are not a good choice when it comes to keeping your feet healthy. 

Frequently wearing flip-flops is associated with: 

• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Cracked heels
• Plantar warts
• Athlete’s foot
• Foot pain
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Gait changes
• Leg, hip, and back pain

The best way to avoid these issues is to swap your flip-flops for more protective and supportive shoes. If you must wear flip-flops, wear them only for short periods of time. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON . 

Corns are small bumps of thickened skin that can appear on the foot. They usually occur in response to excessive friction from ill-fitting footwear. There are several different types of corns. Hard corns are typically found on the tops of toes and are characterized by a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Soft corns are typically found between the toes. They are soft due to their exposure to sweat. There are also seed corns, tiny bumps on the soles of the feet that typically occur in multiples. Seed corns are often asymptomatic, but hard and soft corns can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the affected area experiences frequent pressure, friction, or irritation. If you have painful corns, it is suggested that you seek the care of a chiropodist. 

Corns are small bumps or dry, hardened skin that can arise on the feet, usually in response to friction. Corns can be asymptomatic, or they can be uncomfortable or painful. If you have corns that are bothering you, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

There are three types of corns:

• Hard corns
  • Often occur on the tops of toes
  • Feature a hard core surrounded by dry, irritated skin
  • Can be painful
• Soft corns
  • Often occur in between the toes
  • Soft due to constant exposure to sweat
  • Can be painful
• Seed corns
  • Tiny
  • Often occur on the soles of the feet
  • Usually asymptomatic

Corns can be prevented by wearing shoes that fit properly. They are typically benign and don’t require medical treatment. However, if your corns are causing you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropodist near you for treatment options. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON .