Items filtered by date: June 2022

There is a medical condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema which can produce blisters on the feet. They are generally itchy and can last several weeks. The blisters may appear on the soles of the feet or between the toes and are often uncomfortable. The first signs this ailment may be developing consist of a burning or prickly sensation on the skin of the feet. It is a long-term condition that can disappear over time and then reappear. The skin often becomes dry and using a good moisturizer may help the skin to feel better. It is beneficial to wear socks or stockings that are made from cotton or silk and to refrain from wearing any type of nylon. Additionally, it can help to wear shoes that are made from leather materials and to refrain from using harsh detergents while washing the socks. If you have a chronic condition where blisters appear on your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult the expertise of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment techniques.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a condition caused by a buildup of uric acid directly related to foods that contain high levels of purines. The uric acid forms crystals that settle in the joints, commonly at the base of the big toe. This can cause sharp pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling. Foods that contain purines inhibit your body’s ability to shed uric acid properly. Men most often experience gout between the ages of 30 and 50, while women are more susceptible after the onset of menopause. Reducing the intake of purine-rich foods is a good way to prevent gout. Among them are beef, organ meats, certain types of seafood, as well as some vegetables and legumes. Drinking more water and less alcohol may also bring some relief. If you have developed gout, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist who can prescribe corticosteroids and other medicine to help reduce pain and uric acid levels.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions affect many people around the globe. They are considered to be a deformity, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room in the toe area. Additionally, people who rarely stretch, receive massages, or exercise their feet may be prone to developing a bunion. Many family members may get bunions, and this can come from genetic factors. They appear as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe and can cause the need to purchase larger shoes. Large bunions can produce pain and discomfort, and mild relief may be found when specific exercises are performed. An effective stretch for the toes consists of rolling a tennis ball on the sole of the foot underneath the toes. This may help to release existing muscle tension. The toes can increase mobility by gripping the foot between the toes with the hands and moving the toes back and forth. If you have this ailment, and would like additional information about how to treat bunions, please contact a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

The long bones of the foot that connect the heel and the toes are called metatarsals. When the rounded head of a metatarsal bone is under pressure, it can become inflamed and painful with every step you take. The two main causes of this type of pain, also termed metatarsalgia, are the foot hitting a hard surface when you walk or run and faulty biomechanics of the foot itself. In many cases, the activity you are undergoing, such as running or walking long distances, or the shoes your wear may be the culprit. Pounding on pavement over long periods can bruise the metatarsals. Wearing high heels with pointy toes puts extreme pressure on these bones. Other causes include foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes that can affect your gait, being overweight, stress fractures that change the distribution of weight, and high arches. If metatarsal pain has begun to interfere with your daily life, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and options for treatment. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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