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Preventing Foot Blisters
Blisters are small pockets of raised skin filled with fluid. A blister on the foot can develop for a variety of reasons, however, the main culprit is friction. To prevent the development of blisters from friction, it is important to wear the proper shoes. Your footwear should be properly-fitted and supportive, providing your toes with enough room to move in and adequate cushioning while you walk or stand. Other causes of blisters can be excessive moisture, an allergic reaction to a substance, or an underlying medical condition. Prevent blisters caused by moisture by using a foot powder, antiperspirant, or moisture-wicking socks, especially if you are an athlete or prone to excessive sweating. If you have gotten a blister in the past due to an allergic reaction to specific powders, lotions, or soaps, avoid using these products. Seek prompt treatment for medical conditions that may cause blistering, such as viral infections or eczema. For more information on what you can do to prevent foot blisters, consult with a podiatrist today.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM of Limons Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Blisters on the FeetAre You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Who Needs an Ankle Brachial Index Test?
Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a condition that results in poor circulation to the lower limbs. Typical symptoms of PAD include leg pain or muscle cramps when walking, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs. An ankle brachial index is a quick, noninvasive, and painless test used to screen for PAD. The measurements can highlight any potential problems, like blockages or partial blockages in blood flow to your extremities.To do this test, a doctor simply takes your blood pressure at your arms and at your ankles and compares the numbers to come up with a numerical ratio that represents your risk of having or developing PAD. While anyone can get the ankle brachial index test, people who have pre-existing risk factors for developing PAD are especially encouraged to undergo this screening. Risk factors include a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. For more information about the ankle brachial index and other tests for PAD, speak with a podiatrist today.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
- Doppler examination
- Pedal pulses
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Vascular Testing in Podiatry
How Can You Get Athlete’s Foot?
If you have a rash between your toes or find your feet to be itchy, scaly, stinging or burning, you may have contracted athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It doesn’t just affect athletes, anyone can develop this fungus. Your feet are exposed to the tinea fungus when they come in contact with a contaminated surface. Communal showers, locker rooms, public swimming pools, and gyms are often crawling with the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. If your feet are damp from water or sweat, they are extra susceptible to picking up this fungus. As athlete’s foot is highly contagious, sharing contaminated items, such as towels, shoes or socks, also puts you at risk. If you have athlete’s foot it is strongly recommended that you see a podiatrist who can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Athlete’s FootDo Your Child's Feet Hurt?
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
What Causes Cracked Heels?
Cracked heels involves the splitting and cracking of skin, also known as fissures, around the border of the heel. These cracked heels primarily occur when the skin becomes dried out, causing it to lose its strength and elasticity. This causes the skin to crack under pressure which can be very painful. Some factors that can lead to cracked heels include walking barefoot, wearing flip flops, standing for long hours on hard floors, dehydration, a decreased blood supply to the leg, and diabetes. If you are suffering from cracked heels, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for treatment. Treatment options may include a heel balm, a pumice stone, wearing close toed shoes, staying hydrated, and using a topical antiseptic in sever cases when there is bleeding.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
- Invest in a good foot cream
- Try Using Petroleum Jelly
- Ease up on Soaps
- Drink Plenty of Water
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
- Moisturize After Showering
- Skip a Shower
- Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
- Don’t Scrub Your Feet
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Solutions for Cracked HeelsThe Dangers of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Do you have diabetes? If so, you are not alone. An estimated 422 million people worldwide are afflicted with this condition. But did you know that diabetes can have serious implications for your foot health? Each year in the United States, between two and six million people develop a diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds on the feet which do not heal properly and which can lead to serious complications, including infections and amputations. To make the situation even more dangerous, many diabetics also develop peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes impaired sensation in the feet. This makes it harder to detect potentially serious cuts, scrapes, sores, and wounds on the feet. If you have diabetes and notice any sores or open wounds on your feet, it is strongly recommended that you visit a podiatrist for treatment.
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 Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Wound CareWounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
What Can Cause Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden pain in the joints. The most commonly affected areas are the joints of the big toe. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. While some people are more prone to developing gout due to genetics, environmental factors can also lead to the excess uric acid buildup that causes gout. Consuming foods that cause your body to produce large amounts of uric acid, for example, red meat, seafood, alcohol and sugary drinks, can increase your risk of developing gout. Some medications, such as aspirin, certain diuretics, and some blood pressure-lowering pills are also thought to cause gout. Gout is also associated with a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, joint trauma, obesity, infections, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. If you suspect you may have gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can help you manage your condition and recommend strategies to prevent future gout flare-ups.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
- Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
- Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
- Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
- Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility
Risk Factors
- Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
- Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
- Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
- Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
- Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
- Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about GoutIt's Time for Beautiful Feet
You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.
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Vascular Testing with a Podiatrist
Vascular testing is used by podiatrists to make sure that there is adequate blood flow to your lower limbs. Reduced blood flow can be dangerous if left undiagnosed and untreated. Vascular testing may be performed if you are experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs, have poorly healing wounds, or have a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Vascular tests are generally noninvasive and painless. The doctor may perform an ultrasound of your legs and feet, check your pulse by hand, measure and compare the blood pressures of your arm and ankle, and perform a visual examination of your lower limbs. If you suspect that you may have reduced blood flow to your legs, discuss it with your podiatrist today.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
- Doppler examination
- Pedal pulses
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Vascular Testing in Podiatry
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Athlete’s Foot May Cause Severe Itching
The medical condition that is known as athlete’s foot can cause the foot to become itchy and uncomfortable. It typically affects the skin between the toes and the bottom of the feet. It is caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in moist and warm environments. These can include wearing socks and shoes that are wet, public swimming pools, and communal shower rooms. Patients may find relief when an antifungal powder is used, and this may help to relieve a portion of the itching and swelling that may accompany athlete’s foot. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, in addition to alternating shoes which can help them to dry out. If you have symptoms of athletes’ foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can offer the best treatment options for you, which may include prescribed medication.
Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal products
- Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop
Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about How to Deal with Athlete's FootHow Warts Are Formed and Treated
Warts are an abnormal skin growth that can be painful and unsightly. Plantar warts in particular may occur on the bottom of the foot and can be up to two inches wide. Warts form when a virus enters the skin typically through a cut or scrape, causing the skin to grow rapidly, resulting in a wart. Proper hygiene is very important as warts can be contagious. Warts can be contracted from sharing personal items such as towels and razors, or from public places like pools and showers. They can also be transferred to another part of the body after touching them. Warts can be treated by practicing proper hygiene, covering the wart to prevent spreading, and avoiding contact with the wart. However, it is best to consult with a podiatrist to prevent the wart from spreading or becoming worse.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about All About Plantar Warts