Foot blisters usually happen from friction, caused when shoes that are too tight or restrictive are worn and rubbed against the foot. While one can pop a blister and disinfect the area, it is a good idea to leave it alone. In addition, it is suggested you cover blisters with a padded bandage for protection and to prevent further irritation, so the body can reabsorb it. To prevent blisters, wear shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable with socks that provide padding in common areas of blister development. If a foot blister does not heal after the irritant is removed, looks infected, or is extremely painful, it is suggested that a podiatrist be seen for proper evaluation and treatment. Individuals with diabetes should be especially cautious since a blister could turn into a foot ulcer.

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 Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . 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 offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several different types of running shoes, and it can be a daunting task to choose which kind is right for you. It is important to identify the running preferences in addition to the type of surfaces that will be run on, such as trails or pavement. Trail shoes are known to provide traction in the snow and mud, and can help to protect the feet against rocks and rugged terrain. Additionally, trail shoes are sturdier, which can successfully support the foot as it moves from side to side. Conversely, road shoes are ideal for running on treadmills and smooth pavements. People who compete in track meets often opt for track spikes or racing flats. These shoes are helpful in gripping the surface in various types of weather, and are considered to be the lightest running shoe. If you have questions about what type of running shoes are best for you, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A lack of moisture in the skin of the feet may result in a condition known as cracked heels. It is often preceded by thickened skin on the heels which may become brown or yellow. Severely cracked heels are called fissures and may bleed or become infected. Cracked heels can develop for various reasons like standing on hard surfaces for most of the day and wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, there are medical conditions that can cause cracked heels, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders. Relief may be found when the feet are soaked in warm water, followed by applying a good moisturizer. Some patients find that it may be helpful to use a pumice stone to effectively remove hardened skin. To avoid cracked heels, the best methods to implement consist of wearing closed, supportive shoes, and practicing everyday foot care. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for you. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma is named for a doctor who discovered this condition in 1876. It affects the nerve that runs between the long bones of the foot, commonly the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The main symptoms of Morton’s neuroma are pain and numbness in the toes above the affected metatarsals. It can produce the same symptoms in the nerve between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. Morton’s neuroma usually affects only one foot and rarely affects two nerves of the same foot. The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not clear, but it is thought to be the result of a thickening of the nerve. This effect may be produced by chronic compression of the nerves. About three-quarters of people with Morton’s neuroma are women between the ages of 40 and 50. It is believed that tight or poorly fitting shoes greatly contribute to the formation of Morton’s neuroma, and it is common among runners and ballet dancers. Symptoms include pain that starts in the ball of the foot and shoots into the nearby toes. There also may be burning and tingling, along with a feeling of having a small pebble in the shoe. For a diagnosis and treatment options for Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Centers of Charlotte County . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.