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159 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, Florida 32063

July 2020

Monday, 27 July 2020 00:00

What Causes Foot Blisters?

Blisters are fluid-filled bumps that form on the foot, typically in response to stress or trauma to the foot. A blister may be caused by excessive friction or irritation to the foot, as one might experience as a result of playing sports, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or having bones in the feet that are poorly aligned. Too much sun exposure and scalding burns may also cause blisters to form. Other potential causes of blisters are skin infections, such as Athlete’s Foot, and bug bites. Depending on their cause, some types of blisters can heal on their own, while others require medical intervention. Consult with a podiatrist if you have concerns about blisters on 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 Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. 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 Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints. This causes inflammation in and around the joints, making the tissue lining in the joints thicken. While any joints in the body can be affected by RA, some of the most commonly affected ones are those located in the feet. Signs of RA in the feet include joint stiffness, soreness, pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and a decreased range of motion. The severity of the symptoms may vary from day to day. RA is a chronic condition that requires medical management. If you have RA in your feet, a podiatrist can assist you in managing your pain levels, increasing your mobility, and improving your overall quality of life.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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The bones that are located in the center of the foot are referred to as the metatarsal bones. They connect the heel and arch to the toes and can be prone to stress fractures. This is a common injury among runners that occurs as a result of repetitive motions. Stress fractures may be minimized when proper warm-ups are performed, as this may help to reduce pressure on the foot bones. An early symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the foot that may diminish when the affected foot is rested. It is suggested to cease the activity that caused the injury. Additional symptoms can include extreme tenderness, swelling, and difficulty walking. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, in addition to replacing them approximately every three hundred miles. If you would like more information about stress fractures of the feet and how to prevent them, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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Monday, 06 July 2020 00:00

How Did I Develop Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a common foot condition among many people. The symptoms are noticeable, and include brittle edges on the toenails, possible separation from the nail and the nail bed, and tenderness. It is caused by a fungus that spreads under the nail, and is often contagious. This type of fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments which include public swimming pools, communal showers, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, as this may help to slow down the spread of toenail fungus. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

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