You’re on vacation in Europe and walking is a major part of your day. You’ve worn a new pair of shoes, and after a few hours your feet are crying out in pain. When you stop to take a look, you see that you’ve developed blisters on your toes and heels. The first reaction may be to pop the blister, but this can cause an infection. If you accidently break the skin on the blister and the fluid seeps out, keep it clean and protect it with a sterile gauze bandage until the area dries up. To prevent blisters from forming, be sure to wear shoes that fit properly and are broken in before walking long distances. If the area around the blister becomes red, or if the blister is discolored or enlarges in size, it may be infected. In that case, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible for the proper treatment.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM of Arizona Foot Health Center. 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 Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Because walking and running are very different forms of movement, it doesn't make much sense to wear the same shoes for both activities. Walking calls for undercut heels, as opposed to the flared heels seen in running shoes. Walking shoes also should have a similar height between the heels and toes, and they should have flexibility in the forefoot and arch. Running calls for more cushioning in the forefoot and heel, and may contain mesh to help keep your feet cooler. Choosing the right shoes can prevent injury and pain. If in doubt about what the proper footwear for walking and running is, it may be wise to consult a podiatrist for guidance.
For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Michael F. Esber, DPM from Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.
Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes
There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.
You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.
Differences
Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.
Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Differences between Walking and Running Shoes
You can help your teenage daughter strike a healthy balance between foot health and fashion. Encourage them to wear more supportive footwear (which can still be cute) on a daily basis, while reserving high heels for special occasions. Explain that wearing high heels regularly can damage their muscles and even change their gait. Go over modifications that can help mitigate any damage caused by high heels while still satisfying their desire to be fashionable. For instance, 1 or 2 inch heels can cause fewer foot issues than 4 inch heels. Wider high heels help distribute body weight much more evenly than stilettos, and wider toe boxes avoid toes being squished from pointy or narrow-toed shoes that place excessive pressure on the bones of the foot. When you take them shoe shopping, help them choose footwear that fits well and is comfortable right then and there, rather than buying tighter shoes with the hope of stretching them out at home. Most flip flops do not provide adequate support either and should only be worn getting to and from the beach, in public places that are wet (around pools, in locker rooms and public showers, etc.) and for short periods of time. For more tips on proper footwear and foot care for your teenager, contact a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM of Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Wearing the right shoes can help manage the symptoms of arthritis and maintain your mobility. The shoes you wear should fit properly and be comfortable. Box toed shoes, or shoes with a wide toe box, are beneficial as they give your toes space to move and don’t put excess pressure on them. Running shoes can also be helpful for symptom management as they are typically made of lightweight and comfortable materials and offer support for the foot. Your podiatrist may also suggest orthotic insoles that you can put in your shoes to relieve pressure and support your feet. If you are living with arthritis and would like more information about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM from Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone, is a common cause of heel pain. When the plantar fascia is injured through repetitive strain, excessive exercise, prolonged standing, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or obesity, it may lead to stabbing heel pain that is typically at its worst when taking the first few steps after a long rest. Other possible causes of plantar fasciitis include structural abnormalities in the foot, such as having flat feet, high arches, overpronation, or leg length differences. Foot changes associated with aging or pregnancy may also be to blame in some cases. If you are suffering from heel pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Michael F. Esber, DPM from Arizona Foot Health Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sun City West, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
