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Blisters are fluid filled lesions that are a result of pressure and friction, and they can be very painful. Blisters can form from a variety of factors that include wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, stiff shoes, wrinkled socks, having too much moisture on the feet, and as a result of various foot deformities. Common methods for preventing blisters include keeping the feet dry, wearing the right sized socks, wearing properly fitting footwear and checking the feet for any rubbing or tenderness. Patients who do have blisters on their feet should make sure not to pop them. Blisters will usually last 3-7 days and clear up on their own. However, if the blisters continue to persist, or if you have diabetes, you should consult with a podiatrist to get proper care for the blister.

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 Riznyk Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Orchard Park, and Irving, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a very common foot condition that develops at the main joint of the big toe and appears as a bony lump. Bunions are formed when the joint in the big toe gets pulled out of alignment and is turned towards the rest of the toes. Bunions can be formed due to a variety of factors that include a poor mechanical structure from genetics, footwear that fits poorly and is too narrow, age, or arthritis. Bunions can be painful and can interfere with wearing everyday footwear. Most treatments for bunions focus on relieving the pain caused by them, since surgery is the only option for correcting a bunion. Conservative or nonsurgical treatment options that a podiatrist may recommend include exercises, night splints, and shoe inserts. If you are struggling with a painful bunion, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested. A podiatrist will help you find a proper treatment method for managing the bunion and help determine if surgery is right for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Orchard Park, and Irving, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many common foot and ankle injuries can be caused or influenced by the shoes that you wear. Although high heels are pretty and stylish, they are also potentially damaging to the feet and ankles. Sprained ankles, a condition in which one or more ligaments in the ankle become overstretched or torn, may occur in those who frequently wear high heels taller than two inches. Strained and shortened calf muscles, plantar fasciitis, and back and knee pain may also develop due to high heels. Foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, as well as skin changes like blisters and calluses, may occur also. If you choose to wear high heels, be sure to wear shoes that have good arch support, fit comfortably, and have a heel that is wide and two inches or shorter. Switch out your high heels for flats or more comfortable and supportive shoes regularly, and stretch your calf and foot muscles to help prevent injuries. For more information about the effects of high heels on the feet and ankles, please consult with a podiatrist. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

When it comes to the health and comfort of your feet, wearing the right shoe size is very important. You can have your feet measured at the shoe store by using a brannock device, but you can also measure your feet at home. Follow these steps to measure your feet in the comfort of your home. First, tape two blank pieces of paper to the floor. Sit in a chair and place one foot on one of the pieces of paper. Using a pencil, trace the outline of your foot closely, holding the pencil perpendicular to the paper rather than at an angle. Once you're done tracing, draw straight lines touching the outermost points at the top, bottom, and sides of your tracing. Next, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the length and width of your feet. Repeat these steps with your other foot. If your feet are different sizes, this is normal. Use the foot with the larger measurements when looking at a sizing chart to convert your foot’s length and width into the appropriate shoe size. For more information about how to find the right shoe size, consult with a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Riznyk Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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