Items filtered by date: August 2024

Friction blisters on the feet occur when repeated rubbing against the skin causes fluid-filled sacs to form, often leading to pain and discomfort. These blisters typically develop in areas where shoes or socks cause excessive friction. To prevent friction blisters, choosing well-fitting footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning is vital. Opting for moisture-wicking socks helps reduce friction and keeps feet dry. Additionally, using blister prevention tape or pads on areas prone to friction can provide an extra layer of protection. Ensuring that shoes are properly broken in before extensive use also helps to minimize the risk. If you have blisters on your feet that are bothersome or have become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, and offer you effective prevention methods.

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 Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High heels may look great, but they can cause significant foot problems and impact overall body health. The pressure and angle of high heels can lead to a range of issues, such as bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, often requiring surgery to correct. Wearing high heels also affects your posture, which can lead to back, leg, and foot pain as the body tries to compensate for the imbalance they create. The altered gait from wearing heels can overwork the hip flexors and knee muscles, increasing the risk of joint and muscle pain. Balance is also compromised, increasing the likelihood of falls and sprained ankles. High heels force the lumbar spine to flatten and the thoracic spine to curve excessively, possibly causing chronic back pain. The continuous flexing of hip muscles can lead to their contraction and shortening, contributing to hip and lower back pain. Consulting a podiatrist can provide valuable insights and treatments tailored to individual needs. If you have foot pain related to wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Swollen feet and ankles can result from several underlying conditions. Phlebitis, which involves inflammation of the veins, often causes localized swelling and pain. Venous insufficiency, a condition where veins struggle to return blood to the heart, leads to fluid buildup in the lower extremities. Pregnancy can also contribute to swelling due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. Additionally, heart failure may cause fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles because the heart cannot pump effectively. Identifying the cause of swelling is vital for proper treatment and management. If swelling is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine the underlying issue and receive appropriate care.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, or pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may face a range of issues. Included are foot pain, overpronation, and discomfort in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back due to improper alignment and weight distribution. Flat feet can lead to fatigue and difficulty in standing or walking for extended periods. To manage flat feet, wearing supportive shoes with strong arch support and cushioning is essential. Custom orthotics can provide personalized support, alleviating pressure and improving alignment. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet and calves can enhance flexibility and stability. If you have painful flat feet and discomfort persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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