Blisters are not uncommon among anyone who walks or hikes frequently. Prevention is probably the best treatment for these painful bubbles that form on the skin. A blister develops as the result of excessive rubbing of the skin on the toes inside a shoe, combined with heat and moisture from walking. The skin reacts to this friction by separating at its top layer, where fluid forms to protect the layers of skin underneath. Blisters can be extremely painful and can easily ruin a hiking trip. First and foremost, breaking in your hiking boots is essential, while also making sure they provide proper cushioning and fit well. It is thought by hiking experts that doing a few trial hikes of shorter distances can both break in the boots and help toughen up the feet. Many people wear socks specifically made for hiking that wick moisture away from the skin and are made with extra padding. Bring along protective tape and bandages, which can be applied at the first hint that a blister may be forming. Blisters generally go away on their own after a few days. However, in the case of a broken blister or possible infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can safely treat the injured skin.

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 Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor 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 Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some people experience pain, cramping, or numbness in their toes at night. Prolonged time on the feet, dehydration, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and mineral deficiencies can trigger this type of pain. Overexertion can drain minerals from the body through sweat and cause cramps in the toes. Wearing shoes that do not fit well can restrict blood flow to the toes. People over age 50 and women who have entered menopause can lose calcium in their bones, which can cause toe cramping during the night. Other medical conditions, including arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and gout, can result in the same symptoms. If you are experiencing persistent toe pain during the night, it is suggested that you seek counsel from a podiatrist who can evaluate what might be going on and provide appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay of New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Being overweight increases the risk of many health-related issues, including foot problems and pain. One’s gait can become altered from obesity, putting one at greater risk for foot, ankle, and other injuries. Eating healthy and exercising regularly is the recommended route to losing weight, however, it can be challenging to accomplish movement when experiencing foot pain. Tips to overcome this conundrum include starting an exercise program slowly. Wear well-fitting, comfortable, and supportive shoes along with padded socks to help protect the feet from injuries. Practice good foot hygiene to avoid potential trouble spots that might interfere with progress. If you are overweight and want to begin a movement program but are concerned about the ability of your feet to cooperate without excessive discomfort, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist about how to best proceed.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Heel pain can be common in children and young teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. It may indicate Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Sever's disease occurs due to overuse and increased body weight, and it generally happens in the early teenage years during a growth spurt. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on their tiptoes, and the pain may be worse in the morning. A diagnosis consists of having a physical examination performed, and treatment can begin by learning how to manage the symptoms. It is beneficial to stop the activity that caused the condition. Some relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated. There are specific stretches that can be performed to strengthen the affected foot. If your active child has heel pain, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Douglas Mckay from New Jersey . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Caldwell, and Galloway, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.