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Anyone who has worn shoes has, most likely, at some point developed a blister. Blisters are pockets of fluid that form between the top layer (epidermis) of skin and underlying layers of skin due to friction, heat, chemical, or other damage to the epidermis. A blister can sometimes darken when blood from broken vessels mixes with the blister’s normally clear serum. This is known as a blood blister. Newer blood blisters are usually red and, as time progresses, can turn to darker shades of red, purple, or even black. Blood blisters can form on your feet in areas that have been under extreme pressure or friction, or where the skin has been pinched without any breakage in the skin. Blood blisters are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you have a reoccurring blood blister, or one that feels warm or has red streaks radiating away from it — or if the blister appears suddenly without any apparent cause — it is wise to make an appointment with your podiatrist for an evaluation.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Alexander Terris of Total Foot Care. 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 our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Anyone can develop foot ulcers – but conditions such as neuropathy, poor circulation, foot deformities (like a bunion or hammertoe), or uncontrolled blood sugar, increase their likelihood. Foot ulcers are especially common among diabetics, and if left untreated can cause serious problems, even amputation of a foot or limb. The main culprit is a lack of feeling of pain, which leads to ignoring sores or wounds as they occur. Poor circulation lowers the body’s ability to heal properly, increasing the risk of foot ulcers developing. It is extremely important to keep the ulcer from becoming infected. Keep the area clean and bandaged, cleanse the wound daily, avoid walking barefoot, and monitor glucose levels. If the wound becomes infected, however, it is strongly suggested that you seek the regular care of a podiatrist who can examine the infected area and create an ongoing treatment plan. Such measures may include prescribing antibiotics, cleansing the wound, and even hospitalization, depending on the severity.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
If you notice a foul odor emanating from your shoes, socks, or feet, you may have a condition known as bromodosis, or more simply known as smelly feet. Causes for bromodosis include being on your feet for long periods of time, wearing shoes that don’t allow adequate airflow, wearing shoes that have not dried out, and not changing your socks. Sometimes a fungal or bacterial infection can cause or worsen the condition. A few home remedies may reduce or even eliminate symptoms. Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, make sure to thoroughly dry the feet anytime they get wet, wear absorbent socks and change them daily, and alternate different pairs of shoes every other day to give them a chance to dry out in between wearing. If the condition persists or gets worse, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a full examination and diagnosis, in case you have an underlying cause that has not been detected.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the extremities due to a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply those areas. PAD is particularly dangerous because it is often asymptomatic, especially in its initial stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as leg pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and skin discoloration may appear. PAD is more common in people who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of atherosclerosis or diabetes. It is also more common in older adults than it is in those under age 60. After age 60, PAD is seen in men more frequently than in women. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor 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:
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 Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled mass that develops near a joint capsule or the thin layer of tissue surrounding a tendon. When ganglion cysts develop in the feet, they can occur in the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglion cysts usually present as a visible lump on the outside of the skin, and can cause a dull ache or pain—especially if the cyst is pressing on a joint or tendon, or is being irritated by footwear. In some cases, a ganglion cyst may be caused by some sort of trauma, however the exact cause of these bothersome growths is not always known. Because ganglion cysts sometimes disappear on their own, your podiatrist may determine that monitoring the cyst for a period of time may be the best initial approach. However, if the pain and discomfort are severe, or you have had the cyst for a while, your podiatrist may suggest other treatments such as modifications to footwear, aspirating the cyst and injecting it with steroids, or even surgery if more conservative treatment options don't provide relief or the cyst returns.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Alexander Terris from Total Foot Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.