Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
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Preventing Painful Blisters Caused by Wearing High Heels
Wearing high heels often leads to blisters due to friction, pressure, and lack of cushioning. Wearing tight or poorly fitted shoes can rub against the skin, creating irritation and fluid-filled pockets that cause discomfort. High heels also force the foot into unnatural positions, increasing strain on certain areas. To prevent blisters, consider buying heels a size larger for extra space, choosing wedges for better balance, and alternating shoes to reduce pressure points. Moisture-wicking socks or hosiery and protective pads can also help. A podiatrist can safely treat existing blisters, recommend proper footwear, and offer advice to prevent future irritation. If you have blisters from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on better high heel options.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Children and Flat Feet
Flat foot in children occurs when the arches of the feet do not develop properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While many children outgrow this condition, some experience pain due to underlying issues such as tarsal coalition, which is an abnormal connection between foot bones, or stress fractures from repetitive activity. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of flat foot pain, provide custom orthotics, recommend stretching or strengthening exercises, and discuss other treatment options. If your child complains of foot pain or has difficulty walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Recognizing Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. It often results in pain, cramping, tingling, or a heavy sensation during walking or activity. The skin on the feet may appear shiny, pale, or cool to the touch, and wounds may heal slowly. Common causes include tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which contribute to narrowed or blocked arteries. A podiatrist can perform a thorough evaluation, recommend diagnostic tests, provide treatment options, and guide patients in managing risk factors to prevent complications. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include lifestyle changes.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
- Claudication (leg pain from walking)
- Numbness in legs
- Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
- Paleness of the skin
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
- Coldness in one leg
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Reasons for Nighttime Foot Pain
Foot pain may affect the toes, arches, heels, or ankles, and it often becomes more noticeable at night, when the body is at rest. Muscle fatigue from standing or walking for long periods of time, can cause cramps that worsen during sleep. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the arch, may lead to sharp or throbbing heel pain that persists into the night. Nerve conditions such as Morton’s neuroma or peripheral neuropathy can create burning, tingling, or stabbing pain that interrupts sleep. Circulation problems related to diabetes may also produce aching or cramping when blood flow to the feet is reduced. In some cases, sciatica can cause pain that radiates down into the feet, making nighttime discomfort worse. A podiatrist can determine the source of the foot pain and provide treatment to relieve symptoms and protect long-term foot health. If you frequently experience nighttime foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Corns
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Ingrown Toenails
- Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
- Flat Feet
- Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
- And more
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
