October 2023

Foot blisters are pockets of fluid that form on the skin's surface, and can turn a pleasant walk or workout into a painful experience. These common nuisances are often the result of friction or repeated rubbing on the skin. When the skin experiences excessive pressure or friction, the top layer separates from the layers beneath, trapping a small amount of fluid in the newly formed pocket. Blisters can also be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, footwear that rubs against the skin, high levels of moisture, or extended periods of physical activity. Understanding the factors that contribute to blister formation is essential for prevention. If you have developed a blister on your foot that has become problematic, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can properly treat it and offer you effective prevention methods. 

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 one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Managing a broken foot can be challenging, but understanding the healing process and recovery journey is important. Firstly, upon diagnosis, following a podiatrist's guidance regarding treatment is essential. Whether it is a cast, splint, or surgery, immobilizing the foot allows the bones to align and heal properly. Rest is paramount during the initial phase, in addition to minimizing weight-bearing and keeping the foot elevated to reduce swelling. As healing progresses, performing gentle exercises can help to regain strength, mobility, and flexibility. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the break and individual healing capacity. On average, it can take several weeks to a few months to resume normal activities. Patience and adherence to medical advice is essential for a successful recovery, ensuring a strong foundation for a healthy foot. If you have broken your foot, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis, and guide you toward the best treatment method for recovery.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

One of the most common causes of running injuries is related to overuse. But what does that mean? An overuse injury occurs when tissue is damaged due to repetitive demand over a period of time. If you are new to running, starting slow and steady is extremely important. Begin with a combination of walking and running to ease your body into the sport. Gradual progression is key to preventing overuse injuries. Additionally, it is essential to keep track of your mileage. Avoid increasing mileage by more than 10 percent per week, as pushing too hard and fast can be a recipe for overuse injury. Running more than 45 miles per week may not necessarily boost performance and could heighten your risk of injuries. When choosing your running route, opt for soft, flat surfaces, when possible. Slanted or uneven terrain can increase the strain on your muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury. Pain is the body's way of signaling a problem. If you experience pain while running, it is wise to take a break for a few days. Variation is also key to injury prevention. Alternating between hard training days and easy recovery days helps your body recover and adapt to the demands of running. It is important to remember your footwear, and replace running shoes every 500 miles. After this distance, your shoes may no longer provide adequate shock absorption, increasing the risk of injury. For help preventing or managing overuse injuries from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Foot ulcers can be a debilitating condition, common among individuals with diabetes. An effective treatment option in managing foot ulcers is a total contact cast. A podiatrist can apply this device and it consists of a custom-made cast that snugly conforms to the shape of your foot and ankle. The cast ensures pressure redistribution across the ulcer, reducing the risk of further tissue damage and accelerating the healing process. It also immobilizes the foot, preventing excessive movement that can worsen ulcers and hinder recovery. Further, a total contact cast acts as a protective shield, safeguarding your foot from external factors and reducing the risk of infection or other complications. Studies show that this type of cast can speed up ulcer healing compared with more conventional dressings and offloading techniques. This is due to a customized fit that maximizes both comfort and effectiveness. To determine whether a total contact cast is suitable for your condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist, who is specifically trained to manage diabetic foot ulcers. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Foot pain can be a significant discomfort that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. It is essential to understand that various factors can contribute to this common ailment. One common culprit is wearing improper footwear. Ill-fitting shoes or those lacking proper arch support can lead to a range of foot problems, ranging from bunions to plantar fasciitis. Overuse and excessive physical activity can also strain the feet, leading to pain. Athletes, in particular, are susceptible to conditions such as stress fractures and Achilles tendonitis due to repetitive movements. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can result in chronic foot pain, as they affect joint health and circulation. Additionally, age related changes, which can include reduced fat padding in the feet, may lead to discomfort, especially while walking or standing for extended periods. Addressing foot pain often requires a multifaceted approach, including wearing proper footwear, rest, and sometimes medical intervention. By recognizing the various causes, individuals can take proactive steps to alleviate foot pain and maintain healthy, pain-free feet. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the cause is, and offer treatment methods that are right for you. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Care. 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 offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.