Items filtered by date: December 2022

There are several different types of blisters that can develop on the human foot for a variety of reasons. One of the most common kinds of blisters develops in response to friction or pressure. Sometimes, this kind of blister will develop due to an ill-fitting new pair of shoes and the rubbing it entails. If you are not careful, a blister can become infected. Infected blisters can be potentially uncomfortable and should not be taken lightly. You might be able to tell if you have an infected blister by how the blister looks. For example, an infected blister can often become filled with pus that is green or yellow in color. Importantly, the entire area on the foot that surrounds the blister might become red and even warm to the touch. Redness and a raised temperature are tell-tale signs of an infected blister. If you have any questions about infected blisters, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. 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 offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

People who have endured gout attacks cannot ignore the pain that often accompanies this foot condition. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis and generally develops in the joints of the big toe. It happens as a result of excess uric acid in the blood, which may come from genetic reasons, or from eating foods with large amounts of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, or drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. This can cause uric acid crystals to form, often beginning in the big toe. People who have endured gout attacks for several years may develop tophi, which are uric acid deposits resembling small lumps under the skin of the affected toe. Gout may eventually resolve naturally.  Many people choose to contact a podiatrist who can perform an effective diagnosis and offer treatment methods that are right for you. Additionally, this type of doctor is helpful in explaining how gout attacks can be prevented by implementing simple lifestyle changes. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Clover Podiatry. 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 offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion can be unsightly. It is a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe, and a severe bunion can cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is a common foot deformity and affects women more than men. A callus may form on top of the bunion as it touches the shoe, and larger shoes may need to be purchased for a better fit. A bunion generally develops gradually, and it may form because of the shoes that are worn. Wearing high heels frequently can cause a bunion to grow and this may be due to the limited amount of room in the toe box. Medical conditions such as arthritis and flat feet may contribute to the development of a bunion. Some patients may be more at risk from genetic factors. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with bunions can include chronic toe pain, redness, and the bump may be shiny. Relief may be found when the symptoms are managed, the shoes are changed, or custom-made orthotics are worn. If you have a bunion, it is strongly urged that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common foot condition that is felt by many patients. People experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and can become irritated or torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not have adequate heel support. Additionally, people who frequently run may have heel pain that may be a symptom of plantar fasciitis. Mild relief may come from performing specific calf stretches that can ease heel pain. Elevating the feet may bring temporary relief, and it is suggested to refrain from running and walking long distances. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist. If you suffer from heel pain, it is suggested that you contact this type of physician who can determine what the cause is, and offer effective treatment remedies.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.