Items filtered by date: March 2024

Blisters on the feet are fluid-filled sacs that form on the outer layer of the skin, typically caused by friction or pressure. They can occur due to wearing ill-fitting footwear, prolonged walking or running, excessive moisture, or repetitive rubbing against the skin. Blisters often manifest as a raised area filled with clear fluid, which may be painful or tender to the touch. In some cases, they can cause discomfort while walking or wearing shoes. While blisters often heal on their own within a few days, they can sometimes lead to complications such as infection if not properly managed. It is important to keep on top of foot blisters should they form. Keep the area clean and protected to prevent infection. If you have a blister that becomes red, swollen or shows signs of pus, or if you develop recurrent or large blisters that cause severe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for care to prevent further complications.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is an infection that commonly affects the toenails. It occurs when fungi invade the nail bed, leading to discoloration, thickening, and deformity of the nails. One of the most noticeable symptoms of toenail fungus is the gradual change in the appearance of the affected nails, which may turn yellow, white, or brown, and become brittle or crumbly. As the infection progresses, the nails may thicken and develop a distorted shape, causing discomfort and difficulty when wearing shoes. Several risk factors contribute to the development of toenail fungus, including poor foot hygiene, prolonged exposure to moist environments, wearing tight-fitting shoes, and having a weakened immune system. If you believe you have developed toenail fungus, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment methods, which may include prescribed medicine or laser treatment.

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 Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can take different approaches to treating bunions, which are structural deformities of the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition not only can cause pain but may also lead to a cascade of secondary foot problems, affecting mobility and quality of life. Initial treatment strategies may include non-invasive interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms and halting the progression of the deformity. Possible strategies include the use of custom orthotics designed to redistribute pressure away from the affected joint, targeted exercises to maintain joint mobility, and advice on appropriate footwear that accommodates the bunion without exacerbating discomfort. In more severe cases, podiatrists may recommend surgical intervention. This surgery, known as a bunionectomy, involves realigning the toe by correcting the abnormal angle of the bones, addressing the issue both cosmetically and functionally. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options to prevent the condition from worsening. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Paul Hutchison, DPM of Hutchison Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot ulcers are commonly associated with conditions like diabetes. They appear as red craters in the skin, often surrounded by callused borders that potentially expose tendons or bones. Pain may not always be present, particularly in cases of diabetic neuropathy. Diagnosis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, who can assess ulcer depth and recognize signs of infection. Wound care for diabetic foot ulcers typically includes debridement, a process designed to remove any diseased tissue. This is followed by applying a dressing and prescribing specialized footwear to relieve pressure. Regular monitoring and dressing changes are essential, and antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present. Prompt attention and comprehensive wound care are essential to prevent complications, such as infection or gangrene. For advice and guidance with wound care related to diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Paul Hutchison, DPM from Hutchison Foot Clinic. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.