Blisters are raised pockets of skin filled with clear fluid, blood, or pus. On the feet, friction blisters can develop when repeated rubbing or pressure irritates the skin. Wearing shoes that fit too tightly can create this friction, especially around the toes or heels. A blood blister forms in a similar way, but damaged blood vessels cause blood to collect inside the raised skin. Foot blisters can make standing and walking uncomfortable, especially when the irritated area continues rubbing against a shoe. This discomfort can also change the way a person walks.

The skin covering a blister serves as a natural barrier against germs. Breaking that layer can increase the chance of infection and can slow healing. A blister that opens can become more vulnerable to bacteria. Warning signs of infection include pus, swelling, and skin that feels warm. Increased pain or a foul smell can also signal a problem. Fever blisters are different from friction blisters because they are caused by a virus and can spread to other people. They should not be popped because opening them can spread the virus.

A podiatrist can evaluate how foot mechanics contribute to repeated friction and pressure. The examination can assess foot movement, ankle function, and walking patterns. A podiatrist can also look at whether joint restrictions or changes in movement are placing extra pressure on certain parts of the foot. Podiatric care can focus on improving movement and reducing mechanical stress that contributes to recurring irritation. Treatment can include gentle joint mobilization and guided exercises based on the examination findings. A podiatrist can also discuss shoe fit when repeated rubbing appears connected to symptoms. If you have recurring foot blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Darlyne Cange, DPM of Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a circulation disorder that develops when arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked. Reduced blood flow can affect how tissues receive oxygen and nutrients. PAD can develop gradually, so some people do not notice symptoms at first. When symptoms occur, they may include leg or foot pain while walking that improves with rest. Cold feet, numbness, or changes in skin color can also occur. Foot wounds may heal slowly when circulation is reduced.

Several factors can increase the risk of PAD. Smoking is a major risk factor because it damages blood vessels and contributes to artery narrowing. The risk also increases with age and certain health conditions that affect circulation. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to artery disease. Diabetes is another important risk factor because it can damage blood vessels and nerves. A family history of cardiovascular disease may also increase susceptibility. Recognizing these factors can encourage earlier evaluation.

A podiatrist may examine your feet for changes in skin color, temperature, or wounds. Pulses in the feet can be checked to assess blood flow. If PAD is suspected, your podiatrist may recommend an ankle-brachial index or other vascular testing. Treatment focuses on improving circulation and reducing complications. Severe blockages may require procedures to restore blood flow.

PAD deserves attention because reduced circulation can affect foot health and wound healing. Pay attention to persistent foot discomfort or changes that do not improve. Early evaluation can help identify circulation problems before complications develop. A podiatrist can also help monitor your feet and coordinate care, when needed. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management tips.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM  from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated. This tissue connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support the arch. Pain usually occurs around the heel or arch. A stabbing sensation with the first steps in the morning is a typical symptom. The discomfort can improve after moving but return later in the day. Increased weight-bearing activity, including a new running program, can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Several factors can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Limited ankle movement can change how pressure moves through the foot. Standing for long periods of time can also place repeated stress on the plantar fascia. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, does not directly cause plantar fasciitis. However, MS can affect movement and contribute to foot problems. Changes in walking, balance problems, and muscle weakness can alter how weight is placed on the feet. Increased pressure on the heel can then contribute to plantar fascia irritation.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel and arch pain to determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the symptoms. The examination can include checking foot structure, ankle movement, and areas of tenderness. A podiatrist can also assess how a patient walks to identify movement patterns that increase pressure on the heel. Treatment can focus on reducing stress on the plantar fascia and improving foot support. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate supportive devices or changes in activity based on the patient’s condition. Addressing factors that contribute to abnormal pressure can help protect foot function and improve comfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken fifth metatarsal affects the bone along the outer edge of the foot. This bone connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot. A break can follow a sudden twist, landing, or fall. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also cause a small crack. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising near the outside of the foot. Patients may struggle to put weight on the injured foot. Because a sprain can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Several types of fractures can affect the fifth metatarsal, and the location of the break influences treatment and healing. A break near the base of the bone can occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture. A Jones fracture occurs slightly farther along the bone, in an area with limited blood flow. For this reason, a Jones fracture can be slower to heal. A stress fracture usually starts as a tiny crack caused by repeated force. A podiatrist examines the foot, asks how the injury happened, and checks where it hurts. X-rays usually show the break. Additional imaging tests can help when an early stress fracture does not appear clearly.

Treatment aims to hold the bone steady and protect it while it heals. Your podiatrist may prescribe a boot, cast, or crutches based on the type of break. The doctor will also explain how much weight you can place on the foot and when activity can safely increase. Follow-up X-rays help show whether the bone is joining correctly. Surgery may be needed when the bone pieces have shifted, the fracture is not healing, or the patient is extremely active. A podiatrist can also guide the safe return to work, exercise, and sports. If you have injured the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.