Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They typically heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist.
Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with our physicians from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is a Blister?
A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin.
Treatment
If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Usually blisters heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Bunions are a common foot disorder characterized by the appearance of a bony bump on the side of the foot at the base of the big toe. Bunions grow slowly due to pressure on the joint of the big toe. This pressure causes the big toe to move out of place and lean toward the other toes. Bunions can be the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, or a combination of both. Wearing shoes that are too tight, high heels, or shoes that have a narrow toe box may create bunions as well. Some people are naturally predisposed to developing bunions, and their risk may increase if they wear ill-fitting shoes. Certain foot conditions, such as arthritis and flat feet, can also make bunions more likely. Without treatment, bunions tend to worsen and grow larger causing severe pain and discomfort, making it difficult to wear shoes. If you have developed a bunion it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Bunions progressively worsen over time and may cause walking in your shoes to become difficult. To learn more about bunions, please consult with our physicians from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Bunions?
A bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the base of the big toe. Bunions are caused due to a misalignment of the first metatarsal. The characteristic bump of a bunion forms when the metatarsal shifts outwards from its proper position. Bunions develop slowly over time and progressively worsen without treatment. The skin over the bunion may develop calluses due to the friction from shoes. Eventually, a bunion can make walking uncomfortable or even painful. Bunions are one of the most common foot deformities and are especially common in women and older adults.
Symptoms
A bunion appears as a bulging bump on the outside of the base of the big toe.
The bunion may also:
- Be swollen, red, or sore
- Develop corns or calluses over it
- Cause pain
- Limit the big toe’s range of motion
Treatment
There are several different treatments available for bunions. Conservative treatment options include wearing shoes with a wider toe box, cushioning the bunion with a specialized pad, wearing shoe inserts, icing the bunion if it becomes inflamed, and taking medications to relieve pain. In more severe cases, surgery can be an option. Surgical procedures for bunions may involve removing the swollen tissue around the bunion, straightening the big toe, realigning the bones at the front of the foot, or a combination of these procedures.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Dry cracked skin on the heels can be frustrating, unsightly, painful, and irritating. Cracked heels may be caused by dehydration of the skin, extreme weather, wearing open-backed shoes, or medical conditions such as eczema and athlete’s foot. Cracked heels can be prevented by avoiding exposure to very hot or cold weather, and wearing appropriate footwear that protects your feet. When bathing, it is suggested to avoid using very hot water and soaps with drying ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial fragrances. Moisturizing your feet regularly can help reduce dryness as well. If you have dry, cracked heels that are embarrassing or causing you pain or discomfort, it is recommended that you consult with a chiropodist for treatment.
Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, can cause pain and discomfort. If your cracked heels are bothering you, please consult with our physicians from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Dry, thickened skin around the rim of the heel is typically the first sign of cracked heels. While this condition is common and usually just a nuisance, some cases can be more severe. If left untreated and as more pressure is placed on the heel, the cracks become deeper and eventually walking and standing can be painful. These deep cracks or fissures can bleed and also become infected. Those with diabetes need to be especially careful as fissures could lead to diabetic foot ulcers.
Causes
Cracked heels can be the result of several different factors, including:
- Dry skin
- Taking long, hot showers or using harsh soaps
- Standing for long periods of time
- Walking barefoot
- Walking in shoes with an open back, such as sandals or flip flops
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
- Living in a cold or dry climate
- Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
Treatment
There are many at home treatment remedies for cracked heels. Applying moisturizers to the heel can help hydrate the skin. Soaking your feet in warm water and exfoliating them with a loofah or pumice stone can help to buff away dead skin cells. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can prevent cracked heels by:
- Avoiding standing in one position for prolonged periods of time
- Wearing well-fitted shoes with a closed back
- Washing your feet with gentle soaps and lukewarm water
- Moisturizing the feet daily
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Vaughan, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
