Items filtered by date: September 2023

Dealing with blisters on your feet can be quite uncomfortable, but with proper care, you can find relief and avoid potential complications. It's essential to first identify the underlying cause of your blister. They often develop from friction or pressure on the skin, typically caused by ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or excessive moisture. Maintaining good hygiene is important when dealing with blisters. Cleanse the affected area gently with mild soap and water. Avoid the temptation to pop the blister, as this can introduce infection and slow down the healing process. To alleviate discomfort and protect the blister, consider using specialized blister pads or moleskin. These materials can reduce friction and provide cushioning, making it easier for the blister to heal. Choosing appropriate footwear is essential for blister prevention. Opt for shoes that fit well and are made of breathable materials to minimize friction and moisture buildup. Wearing moisture-wicking socks, applying lubricants like petroleum jelly, or using insoles for added cushioning can help prevent blisters from forming. If your blisters persist, worsen, or become infected, it's suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide the proper care for your feet. 

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 Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle stretches often go overlooked in daily self-care routines, but they can help you maintain healthy and functional feet. Performing simple ankle stretching exercises on a regular basis can help prevent injuries, improve flexibility, and relieve discomfort. More importantly, experts believe that such stretches significantly reduce the risk of ankle sprains and strains. By increasing the flexibility of the muscles and tendons surrounding the ankle joint, you can better adapt to sudden movements and uneven surfaces. The calf stretch exercise targets the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, further enhancing the stability and resilience of the ankle. In addition, ankle stretches may improve overall foot and lower leg flexibility. Stretching helps to reduce muscle tension and enhances mobility. The ankle alphabet exercise involves tracing the alphabet in the air with your toes. This movement encourages a full range of motion in the ankle joint and helps to relieve tension and discomfort. These exercises, and others, not only help prevent injuries but also promote flexibility and reduce discomfort. For more information on ways to reduce the risk of ankle sprains and strains, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain is an incredibly common ailment that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Understanding the underlying causes can be crucial for finding relief and maintaining healthy, pain-free feet. One of the primary culprits is improper footwear. Wearing shoes that do not fit well or lack adequate support can lead to various foot issues. Overuse and repetitive stress from activities such as running or standing for extended periods of time can strain the foot's muscles and ligaments, causing pain. Additionally, underlying medical conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis can contribute to chronic foot discomfort. Poor foot mechanics, such as having flat feet or high arches, may also play a role in having foot pain. Additionally, injuries consisting of sprains or fractures, can result in sudden foot pain. Identifying the specific cause of your foot pain is the first step toward effective treatment and a return to a pain-free, active lifestyle. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat any foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot ailment, and can cause severe pain while walking. Severely cracked heels are known as heel fissures and can occur when the skin on the heels becomes excessively dry, causing them to lose their elasticity. The various causes can range from dehydration and prolonged standing to wearing open-backed footwear that fails to provide proper support. Symptoms often include visible cracks, itching, redness, and discomfort. Fortunately, there are effective relief methods available. Regular moisturization, especially with thick creams containing urea, can help to keep the skin supple. Pumice stone exfoliation and gentle scrubbing can remove dead skin, aiding in prevention. In severe cases, professional help from a podiatrist may be needed, including applying prescription creams or ointments that can help accelerate healing. Cracked heels demand attention, but with care and consistent treatment, soft, pain-free feet are well within reach. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

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 podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.