Blisters are a common occurrence among runners. They appear as small bubbles that are filled with liquid, and are the body’s natural defense in protecting raw skin. When new skin has formed, the blister will gradually drain, and is no longer needed for protection. Blisters can wreak havoc on a running regime, despite the fact they are not considered to be a serious foot injury. They often develop as a result of excess friction, which can be caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Relief for existing blisters can consist of placing a dry bandage over the affected area, and it may help to wear socks that are made from materials that can absorb sweat. If you develop blisters on your feet frequently, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can treat infected blisters and recommend effective prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail may develop when the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. It generally occurs in the big toe, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. General cause of this condition can include enduring a toe injury or from cutting the toenails incorrectly. Additionally, many patients may develop ingrown toenails from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that many patients experience include swelling and redness surrounding the affected toe as well as a discharge with ingrown toenails that are infected. There are various forms of treatment for an ingrown toenail, and patients who have one should consult with a podiatrist who can help find the correct treatment for their situation.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

There are various steps that can be implemented to ensure your child’s shoes fit properly. Studies have suggested that it can be beneficial to shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. Additionally, a true fit can be measured when the child is standing up and the shoes can bear their full weight. It is important to allow adequate room for the toes to wiggle freely in, and maximum support can be felt when the shoelaces are tied correctly. A pair of shoes that fit properly should feel comfortable right away, breaking in shoes is a common misconception. Most children don't know how to tell if their shoes fit perfectly or if they’ve grown out of them, so it is imperative that a parent or guardian follow the suggested steps and speak to a podiatrist for their professional recommendation. A podiatrist can provide ample information about how to fit your child for shoes, as well as what materials to avoid and how often to inspect their child's shoes for wear and tear so they can be replaced.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Many runners know the benefits of stretching the calves. This can have a positive impact on the Achilles tendon, and may gradually lengthen the calf muscles. This can improve walking style, or gait, which is needed to maintain standing alignment. Research has indicated that stretching the calves may improve specific foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis and bunions. An effective stretch for the calves can be done by standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time, until a gentle stretch is felt. Additionally, when leaning into the palms that are against a wall, and keeping one leg bent and the other leg straight behind, this is known as a calf stretch that many runners practice. If you would like to know the benefits of stretching the calves, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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