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Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin due to friction, heat, or cold. They commonly develop on the feet as the result of running, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Blisters caused by friction typically appear as raised, clear bubbles of fluid on the skin, while those caused by heat or cold may be accompanied by redness, swelling, or pain. Symptoms include a painful, tender area where the skin has been damaged. Blisters from heat can occur from burns, while cold blisters may form due to frostbite or prolonged exposure to cold surfaces. The pain can range from mild to intense, especially when pressure is applied. A podiatrist can help by providing proper treatment, such as draining the blister, if necessary, dressing it to prevent infection, and advising on how to avoid future blisters. They can also offer guidance on selecting the right footwear. If you have painful blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can 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.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

A hammertoe occurs when a toe bends downward at the end and curls at the middle joint, often leading to stiffness and pain. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe but can develop in others as well. Early signs of a hammertoe include a bent toe that remains flexible, but, over time, it can become rigid and painful. Friction from footwear may cause corns, calluses, or blisters on the top of the toe or the bottom of the foot, making walking uncomfortable. Hammertoe is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow, which forces the toes into an unnatural position. High heels and certain foot structures, such as long toe bones or bunions, can increase the likelihood of developing a hammertoe. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the hammertoe and recommend treatment, which may include changing footwear or using orthotic devices to relieve pressure. In severe cases where the toe is no longer flexible, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Pain on the bottom of the heel, also termed plantar heel pain, can make walking and standing difficult. Such heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Other causes include heel fat pad atrophy, stress fractures in the heel bone, nerve entrapment, or systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms of plantar heel pain include sharp or aching pain that is often worse in the morning or after prolonged standing. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear modifications, or medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. If symptoms persist, surgery may be considered to address any structural issues in the foot. If you are experiencing pain on the bottom of your heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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