Foot blisters are a frequent and often painful condition caused by friction, moisture, and heat. They occur when the skin is repeatedly rubbed, typically due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or prolonged walking and running. This constant rubbing causes the layers of skin to separate, allowing fluid to collect in the gap. Moisture from sweat or wet environments softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to damage. Heat generated during activity can also contribute to blister formation. Wearing new shoes, especially those not broken in, or going sockless can increase the risk. Additionally, certain skin conditions or allergies may make some individuals more susceptible. If you have developed a foot blister that is bothersome or has become infected, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer safe and effective treatment along with prevention tips.

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 Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor 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 office located in Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A high ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that hold the two lower leg bones together, just above the ankle, are stretched or torn. This usually occurs when the foot twists outward or is pushed upward with force, as may be common during sports activities. Symptoms of a high ankle sprain include pain while walking, especially when trying to rise onto the toes, but there may not be much swelling at first. Because this type of sprain affects deeper parts with the ankle joint, it can be harder to diagnose without proper testing. A podiatrist can examine the ankle and may order X-rays or more detailed scans to look for signs of torn ligaments or broken bones. If the bones have moved apart, surgery may be needed to hold them in place while the area heals. If the bones are still aligned, a cast or walking boot may be used to keep weight off the ankle while it recovers. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Cory Brown, DPM from Cory Brown, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the skin along the side of the toe, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. When an ingrown toenail does not improve or worsens, a podiatrist may recommend a medical procedure. One common option is a partial nail avulsion, which involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic and then removing only the part of the nail that is growing into the skin. This reduces pressure and allows the toe to heal. If ingrown toenails keep coming back on the same toe, a matrixectomy may be performed during the same visit. This procedure removes or destroys the nail root, called the matrix, so that part of the nail will not grow back. This procedure can be done using a chemical, heat from an electric device, or a surgical instrument. If there is an infection, a podiatrist may also prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and safe treatment.

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 Cory Brown, DPM of Cory Brown, DPM. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.