Friction blisters on the feet are small pockets of fluid that form when the skin experiences friction, heat, or pressure. They may look like raised, clear or whitish bumps on the surface of the skin and can sometimes develop a red or inflamed border. Blisters often feel tender, sore, or tight, and walking or standing may become uncomfortable. Common causes include wearing poorly fitting shoes, repetitive motion, excessive sweating, or prolonged activities like running or hiking. In some cases, blisters can result from burns, allergic reactions, or underlying medical conditions. A podiatrist can begin by examining the blister, determining the cause, and ensuring there are no signs of infection. Treatment may involve safe drainage techniques, footwear adjustments, and strategies to reduce friction and pressure in the future. Because early care can prevent complications and promote healing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Shoes play an important role in foot health because they influence alignment, pressure, and stability. Footwear that fits well and supports the arch helps reduce stress on the heel and forefoot, especially while standing or walking on hard surfaces. A Brannock device is effective in determining what the right shoe is, enabling correct choices to be made for the desired shoe style. Lace-up styles can help the ankle stay aligned, although boots that rise too high can limit ankle movement, so they should fit comfortably around the front of the ankle. High heels force the toes forward and increase pressure under the ball of the foot, which can lead to bunions, claw toes, corns, and thickened nails. Sports shoes need cushioning for shock absorption and a firm back section to cradle the heel. Alternating shoes allows materials to recover and may extend their life. A podiatrist can assess your foot posture, prescribe custom insoles, and recommend shoes that support foot health. If you regularly experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from The Foot Center. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, creating pain and irritation. This condition can be caused by wide nail plates, misshapen nails, or nails that are cut too short or unevenly. Ingrown toenails progress through stages that include mild symptoms with slight redness and tenderness, moderate symptoms with swelling and drainage, and severe symptoms marked by significant pain and infection. A podiatrist can accurately assess the stage, provide safe and effective treatment, and prevent the issue from worsening. Care may include gentle nail correction or minor procedures to remove the problematic edge. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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