Items filtered by date: October 2020

A blister is a fluid-filled bump that often appears on the foot. Most blisters are the result of excessive friction over a concentrated area of the foot, and are usually not serious. Left alone, they can typically heal without medical intervention. However, sometimes blisters can warrant a visit to the podiatrist. If you have a blister that you think may be infected, it is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible, as this can lead to a contagious bacterial infection of the skin, called secondary impetigo, or further complications like cellulitis or sepsis. You should also consult with a podiatrist if your blister is very painful or frequently recurs. For more information about foot blisters, speak with a podiatrist today.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor 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 St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Roughly 5 percent of people suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis, also known as excessively sweaty feet. This primarily occurs when the sweat glands are activated longer than they should be, and this often leads to issues such as soggy footwear, athletes foot, fungal nail infections, and constantly cold feet. Managing this condition requires a few key steps. First, make sure to wash and dry your feet daily. Secondly, use an antifungal powder to keep the feet dry, and find an antiperspirant to use at night. Breathable shoes and socks are also helpful in managing sweaty feet. Those who continue to suffer from plantar hyperhidrosis should visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to suggest treatment options such as medication, botox, and iontophoresis.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Turf toe, which is another name for a sprain of the metatarsophalangeal joint, the largest joint in the big toe, occurs from a repetitive upward bending of the joint. This often occurs due to sporting activities, such as jamming the toe, or pushing off while jumping or running. Soft soled shoes, combined with hard surfaces, increase the risk for developing turf toe. While turf toe is a common football injury, players of other sports, such as basketball, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, are at a higher risk for turf toe as well. Artificial surfaces, especially turf, also lead to an increased risk of turf toe. If you are at a heightened risk of getting turf toe, or you believe that you are suffering from turf toe, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. John R. Northrup of Superior Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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