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May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

The Prevention and Care of Blisters

Blisters on the feet can put a damper on enjoying everyday activities. They are defined as small pockets of fluid that naturally form over damaged skin. A blister is filled with protective liquid that protects the raw skin. It will gradually drain on its own when new skin has formed. It is important to learn about how to prevent blisters from developing, and there are simple methods that can be implemented. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly, and removing any pebbles that may have gotten into the shoes or socks to avoid irritation. Additionally, it is beneficial to remove the socks at the first sign of tenderness or redness. A protective covering can be worn over the blister, and this is generally effective in preventing premature popping. If you would like more information about how to treat existing blisters and to learn about additional prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters
Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Plantar Warts in Children

Warts are areas of hardened skin that typically have a bumpy surface. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors and can appear anywhere on the body. Plantar warts occur on the bottom of the feet. Children get them more often than adults. Viruses from the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause warts. Kids can get warts from touching a towel or surface that someone else with a wart has used and pick up HPV. Warts thrive in warm, moist environments like the feet. Plantar warts can grow for a long time before they are visible. Walking barefoot in public places and not cleaning and drying the feet well regularly makes one more susceptible to plantar warts. These warts can cause considerable discomfort and feel like there is a rock in one’s shoe. One should not pick at, rub, or scratch a wart. Most of the time, these warts will go away on their own, but they can recur. Plantar warts can be treated with medicine containing mild acid that removes dead skin cells on the wart, cryosurgery - where the doctor uses a chemical repeatedly across a few weeks to freeze the wart and kill the virus, or other means of removing the wart. It is a good idea to take your child to a podiatrist to have the plantar wart treated and not try to remove it on your own. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about All About Plantar Warts
Sunday, 22 May 2022 00:00

It'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.

A symptom of the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis is severe heel pain and it can make daily activities difficult to complete. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and it connects the heel to the toes. Many people have found the benefits of practicing specific foot stretches to help ease heel pain. A towel stretch is an effective exercise for the bottom of the foot. This is done by sitting on the floor, wrapping a towel around the sole of the foot, and gently flexing the foot towards the face. Some patients find it helpful to practice heel stretches. This is accomplished by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a mild stretch is felt. There are many exercises that can specifically help plantar fasciitis. If you would like more information, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively guide you toward proper treatment techniques.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

It is common for diabetic patients to have poor circulation in their feet. This is often the result of elevated blood sugar levels. Neuropathy can accompany this. It can be difficult to feel cuts and wounds on the feet, and the blood vessels can diminish in size. There are several methods to help poor circulation in the feet. These can consist of getting regular foot examinations, monitoring glucose levels, and wearing diabetic socks. Research has indicated that performing specific exercises may improve circulation in the feet. Some exercises can include cardiovascular activity such as walking or biking for five days per week. Additionally, it is important to keep blood pressure at a normal level and refrain from walking barefoot. Foods that are rich in vitamin C may help to naturally thin the blood, and it may help to incorporate foods that are rich in fiber into your daily food plan. If your feet are affected by poor circulation, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition. 

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

  • Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
  • Numbness or cramping in the legs 
  • Skin discoloration
  • Slower nail & hair growth
  • Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

Corns 101

A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that often develops on the outside of the pinky toe or on top of the toes. A soft corn generally forms between the toes, but any type of corn can cause discomfort. Most corns develop as a result of excess friction, and this may happen due to wearing shoes or socks that are too tight. The corn will gradually diminish when the friction or rubbing is ceased. Wearing a cushioned pad on top of the corn may help to relieve some pain that often accompanies a corn. There are some patients who find it helpful to soak the affected foot in warm water as this can soften the skin. It is important to leave the corn alone and refrain from cutting it with toenail trimmers or scissors. If you have a corn or experience recurring corns, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment techniques and offer effective preventative methods.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Corns
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