A blister that forms on the bottom of the foot can be extremely uncomfortable. The ball of the foot helps to bear the weight of the body, and it can be susceptible to blisters. The majority of blisters on the feet develop as a result of excess pressure, and the soles are no expectation. The skin on this part of the foot is thicker and doesn’t move as freely as the skin on other parts of the foot, in addition to having several more sweat glands that may lead to high friction. Shoes are generally worn for most of the day, often causing the feet to become sweaty. Additionally, many socks are made with materials that are not breathable, and this may add friction to this part of the foot. Relief may come from wearing a protective bandage on the bottom of the foot and may help in preventing blisters on the feet from developing. Some people choose to put powder in their socks, which absorb excess moisture. If you would like more information about how to treat and prevent blisters on the feet, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you ought to know that your feet will experience a number of important changes as a result of your pregnancy. For example, in addition to experiencing possible swelling and enlargement, you might experience numbness in the feet during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that nerves in the legs can experience pressure when the uterus grows. As a result, a pregnant woman may have feelings of numbness in the toes. Some individuals will even describe this feeling as a kind of “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. A number of women experience this kind of numbness in their feet during the pregnancy, and fortunately, the feelings should subside after the pregnancy. If pregnancy is something you anticipate in your future, it might be a good idea to contact a podiatrist to discuss ways you can maintain healthy feet throughout the process.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Patients who experience gout attacks are often familiar with the debilitating pain they can cause. Gout occurs as a result of crystals that form in the joints of the big toe and can develop for various reasons. Genetics can contribute significantly to the development of gout, in addition to having an abnormal metabolism that produces excess uric acid. It is seen in the joints of the body as crystals and can produce extreme pain and discomfort. This may come from eating foods that have high levels of purines like shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Drinking excess alcohol may also lead to gout so it is beneficial to drink in moderation. Gout attacks may be prevented by drinking plenty of water daily, consuming healthy foods, and practicing a gentle exercise program. Gout patients should be under the care of a podiatrist. It is strongly advised that you contact a podiatrist who can provide effective prevention techniques as well as treatments that are best for you.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

There are many people who enjoy running that experience foot pain. Running causes the feet to endure repetitive stress as a result of the constant pounding on different types of surfaces. Research has indicated the most common types of foot pain caused by running injuries fall into four categories: plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, extensor tendonitis, and adductor and abductor hallucis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. The majority of runners are familiar with pain that can come from an inflamed plantar fascia, known as plantar fasciitis. When this occurs, the heel pain this ailment brings can make running become difficult to pursue. A stress fracture can develop gradually, and may come from not warming up and cooling down properly. It is defined as a hairline fracture in one of the several bones in the feet, and rest is often needed for healing. Extensor tendonitis involves the tendons in the toes, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause these tendons to become inflamed. Adductor and abductor hallucis is a condition that affects the arch, and can occur from having inadequate arch support in the shoes. If you have foot pain of any kind, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose problems and provide treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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