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Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form beneath the outer layer of skin. On the feet, they frequently develop when repeated rubbing or pressure irritates the skin. Shoes that fit poorly can cause the foot to slide or rub against the inside of the shoe. Moisture and repeated physical activity can also increase friction. Blisters frequently appear on the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. Symptoms can include tenderness, redness, and a raised area filled with clear fluid. Some blisters contain blood when deeper layers of skin are affected. A blister can become painful enough to change how a patient stands or walks. Broken blisters can also leave the skin exposed and increase the risk of infection.

A podiatrist can evaluate painful or recurring blisters and determine what is contributing to the problem. An examination can include checking the blister, surrounding skin, and areas of increased pressure. The podiatrist can also evaluate foot structure and how pressure is distributed across the feet while standing or walking. Professional treatment can protect the damaged skin and reduce discomfort. A podiatrist can safely drain certain painful blisters while keeping the protective layer of skin in place when appropriate. Treatment can also address signs of infection or other complications. For recurring blisters, a podiatrist can recommend properly fitted shoes or custom orthotics to reduce friction and pressure.

Foot blisters can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities, especially when pressure continues to affect the injured area. Patients can change how they walk to avoid discomfort, which can place added stress on other parts of the feet. A podiatrist can identify pressure points that contribute to repeated blister formation and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's foot structure. Care can focus on protecting sensitive areas and improving pressure distribution. Treatment can also address underlying foot problems that cause repeated rubbing inside shoes. Proper evaluation is especially important when a blister is unusually painful, keeps returning, or shows signs of infection. If you have symptoms of blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. 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 Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels develop when dry, thick skin around the heel splits under pressure. The soles of the feet do not have oil glands, which makes the skin more likely to lose moisture and become dry. Standing for long periods can add pressure to the heels. Friction from shoes that do not fit properly can also thicken the skin and contribute to cracking. As cracks deepen, the area can become irritated and painful. Some cracks can become severe enough to make standing or walking uncomfortable.

Several factors can increase the chance of developing cracked heels. Aging can reduce skin elasticity, leaving the heel less flexible and more likely to split. Open-back shoes can allow the heel's natural padding to spread outward, placing added stress on dry skin. Exposure to dry air can also remove moisture from the feet. In some patients, severely dry or cracked heels can be related to conditions like psoriasis, athlete's foot, or diabetes. Soreness, redness, and swelling can signal that the skin needs professional attention.

A podiatrist can examine cracked heels and determine how deep the cracks are and whether another foot condition is contributing to the problem. The evaluation can also identify thick callused skin and areas of excess pressure. Treatment can include professional removal of thick skin to reduce strain around the cracks. A podiatrist can also recommend protective padding or appropriate skin treatments based on the condition of the heel. Advice about properly fitting, supportive shoes can help address pressure and friction that contribute to repeated cracking. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems should take cracked skin seriously because foot wounds can lead to complications. If you have symptoms of cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. 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 Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot wounds require attention because a small wound can become a health concern. Pressure injuries on the feet develop when pressure limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and deeper tissues. They are more likely in patients who spend long periods in a bed or chair, have limited movement, or are weakened by illness. Bony areas of the foot are vulnerable because tissue can become trapped between bone and a firm surface. Diabetes, poor circulation, and reduced feeling can raise the risk and make a wound harder to notice.

Several forces can contribute to skin damage. Shearing happens when the skin stays in place while deeper tissue shifts, as when a patient slides down in a bed or chair. This movement squeezes blood vessels and becomes more damaging when combined with pressure. Friction from rubbing can weaken the skin, although friction alone does not cause a pressure injury. Excess moisture can also make skin fragile and more likely to break down. Poor nutrition slows the repair of damaged cells. Weight loss can reduce the natural padding that protects the bones of the feet.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, measure its depth, and check skin for infection. The evaluation also includes testing circulation and sensation in the feet. Treatment can include cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and applying a protective dressing. A podiatrist can reduce pressure on the affected area with padding, special shoes, or a custom device. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to track healing and adjust the treatment plan. Patients should seek prompt care for spreading redness, increasing swelling, or drainage. Fever, darkened tissue, or a bad odor can signal a serious problem. Early podiatric care can lower the risk of infection, deeper tissue damage, and limb loss. If you have symptoms of pressure injuries on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our doctors from Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sesamoiditis is irritation or inflammation of the two sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint. These tiny bones help absorb pressure and support movement. Sesamoiditis causes pain under the ball of the foot, especially beneath the big toe. Discomfort may develop gradually and worsen during activity. Tenderness, swelling, and pain when bending the big toe can also occur. Pain may increase with weight-bearing and repeated push-off. This condition affects the underside of the forefoot.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing sesamoiditis. Activities that place repeated pressure on the forefoot can contribute, particularly running, dancing, or jumping. Wearing high-heeled or poorly cushioned shoes may increase stress around the sesamoids. Foot structure can affect pressure distribution and place extra stress on the sesamoids. A sudden increase in activity may trigger symptoms. Repetitive stress, direct injury, and prolonged standing are common causes. People who participate in sports requiring push-off may have a greater risk.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms, activities, and history. A foot examination helps identify tenderness and pain with movement. X-rays may be recommended to check the bones and rule out a fracture. Treatment options include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or temporary immobilization when appropriate. Medication may help control pain, when appropriate. Activity is gradually adjusted as healing progresses, helping prevent a flare-up.

Sesamoiditis can improve when repeated stress is addressed early. Wearing comfortable shoes with adequate cushioning and avoiding painful activities can help protect the area during recovery. Do not ignore persistent pain beneath the big toe, especially when walking becomes difficult. A podiatrist can determine whether sesamoiditis is responsible for your symptoms and create a treatment plan suited to your needs. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our doctors of Advanced Foot & Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks Marin St., and Thousand Oaks Haaland Drive, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.