Items filtered by date: June 2024

Friction blisters of the feet are painful lesions caused by repetitive rubbing against the skin. These blisters typically occur on areas of the feet that experience frequent pressure or friction, such as the heels or toes. They appear as fluid-filled sacs beneath the top layer of skin and may cause discomfort when participating in daily activities, such as walking or even wearing shoes. Proper footwear, cushioning, and moisture control are essential for preventing friction blisters. If a friction blister develops, it's important to cover it with a bandage or blister pad, rather than popping it, to minimize the risk of infection. Establishing a hygiene routine for your feet is advised to decrease the likelihood of friction blisters. Additionally, wearing moisture-wicking socks can help maintain a dry environment in your shoes. If you notice signs of a friction blister developing on the foot, it is suggested to discuss personalized care and treatment options with a podiatrist to alleviate discomfort and prevent future blisters. 

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 Ross Limon, DPM of Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small, grainy growths that appear on the soles of the feet, typically caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, often in warm, moist environments like public showers, gym locker rooms, or pools. Plantar warts are characterized by their rough texture and may have small black dots on the surface, which are clotted blood vessels. They can cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or standing. The pressure from bearing weight on the feet can cause the wart to grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin, making it more painful. Common symptoms include a painful, thickened spot on the sole, a rough surface, and difficulty in walking comfortably. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is suggested that you seek prompt attention from a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment techniques.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that result from repetitive force or overuse. Unlike acute fractures caused by a sudden impact, stress fractures develop gradually, often due to the cumulative effect of repeated stress. Sports that frequently lead to foot stress fractures include running, basketball, and dance. In running, the constant pounding on hard surfaces places significant stress on the foot bones. Basketball involves frequent jumping and quick direction changes, which can strain the foot. Dance, particularly styles like ballet, requires repetitive movements and weight-bearing on the toes, increasing the risk of fractures. Athletes in these sports should be vigilant about wearing proper footwear, getting adequate rest, and gradually increasing training intensity to prevent stress fractures. Recognizing early signs, such as pain and swelling, is essential for prompt treatment and recovery. If you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Diabetic patients often experience foot problems due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage, or neuropathy, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. Reduced blood flow can lead to slow healing of cuts and sores, while neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the feet. This combination increases the risk of developing ulcers and infections, and injuries may go unnoticed. Diabetic foot symptoms include swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. Some individuals may feel a burning or sharp pain, while others might experience complete numbness. Foot deformities like hammertoes or Charcot foot can also develop causing discomfort and instability. To manage these issues, diabetic patients should maintain proper blood sugar levels, perform daily foot inspections, wear appropriate footwear, and practice good foot hygiene. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist are essential. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you seek comprehensive care from this type of doctor, who can perform regular foot evaluations and offer preventive measures tailored to diabetic needs.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Ross Limon, DPM from Boca Deerfield Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.