Many patients will experience blisters on the feet as a result of friction. These can form on the back of the foot from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly, which may cause difficulty in walking. When the skin in the affected area becomes damaged, the body’s natural response will be to form a small bubble over it. This is filled with liquid that will protect the area that has become raw. Additionally, there may be other reasons for blisters to form. These can include allergic reactions to insect bites, frostbite, or severe burns, and medical conditions such as herpes or eczema. As new skin grows, the majority of blisters will drain and heal on their own. If your blister has become infected, or is not healing in a timely fashion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of San Antonio New Step. 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 one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Blisters
Patients who are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis are often familiar with the pain and discomfort it can cause. Common symptoms that are associated with this condition can include swelling and tenderness in the joints of the feet, in addition to weight loss and fatigue. It can develop as a result of an immune disorder, and the possibility of getting rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, may increase with age. Genetics may play a significant role in contracting this type of arthritis, in addition to smoking and obesity. There may be gentle stretches that may provide mild relief which can help in performing daily activities. If you feel you have pain in the joints of your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of San Antonio New Step. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
You don't have to live with plantar warts. Call us today!
Toenail fungus is an infection that forms underneath toenails. When this occurs, the nail usually darkens and may begin to smell. This infection can spread to other nails or skin, so it is important to treat it. Over time, the toenail might begin to thicken and the infection might become painful. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent toenail fungus. Proper foot hygiene is the first step in preventing infection. Washing your feet and making sure to fully dry them will help keep infectious organisms out of your toenails. In public areas, wear shower shoes and avoid wearing shoes or socks that trap excessive moisture, because damp environments allow infections to thrive. It is also important to cut your toenails straight across and to make sure any pedicure tools used on your feet are clean. If you would like more information on how to properly prevent toenail fungus, then it is recommended you consult with a podiatrist.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of San Antonio New Step. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus
A large bump on the side of the big toe may be indicative of a bunion. It is considered to be a bone deformity, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. The skin may appear red on and surrounding the bony protrusion, and a callus may develop over it. Some patients can experience pain and discomfort with bunions, and it may be difficult to wear shoes. Relief may be found if larger size shoes are worn, in addition to wearing protective pads over it that can provide cushioning. If you are afflicted with a bunion, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of San Antonio New Step. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Bunions
Patients who have arthritis in their feet can experience pain and discomfort, especially while walking. It can cause the cartilage to diminish, and this may contribute to bony spurs and bunions. Mild relief can be found when wider shoes are worn, and this may also lead to the overall comfort of the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes the joints on the ball of the foot to become inflamed, and sores and wounds can form on the bottom of the foot. Another form of arthritis, known as gout, can occur if there is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. This often causes severe pain and discomfort surrounding the big toe, and it will often become inflamed. If arthritis is affecting your feet, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat the condition.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from San Antonio New Step. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in San Antonio, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Arthritic Foot Care
