December 2018

Ballet dancers may often experience painful and uncomfortable blisters, which may be a result of the type of ballet shoes that are worn. Most blisters develop because a portion of the skin rubs on the shoe, and this may cause friction to occur. It’s important to find a pointed shoe that fits perfectly, and this is often accomplished with the help of trained professionals. Research has shown it may be helpful to sprinkle powder inside the shoes, and this may aid in absorbing excess moisture, which may help in the prevention of blisters. If a blister has developed, and ballet dancing must continue, it is imperative to determine if the liquid inside the blister is clear. This must precede any lancing technique, followed by utilizing an antibiotic ointment, which may aid in preventing an infection. If you are frequently developing blisters that need treatment, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can properly assist you.

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 Plaza 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 our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people who enjoy walking barefoot or wearing flip-flops during the summer months may be surprised to learn that there may be consequences that can follow as a result of this. The skin may become dry, calluses may possibly form, and fissures in the skin of the heels, known as cracked heels, may develop. If the cracks in the skin should bleed, severe pain, discomfort, and infection may accompany this condition. There may be remedies that can be practiced to prevent and relieve extremely dry skin, and these may include washing and drying the feet thoroughly followed by utilizing a good moisturizer. At this point, it is suggested to wear socks while sleeping for the night, and this may aid in healing painful fissures. If you would like additional information about how to treat cracked heels, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist who can discuss the best options for you.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Even though many women enjoy wearing high heels and admire how the foot looks in high heeled shoes, there may be specific foot issues that may develop as a result of wearing this type of shoe. The ankles may become unstable, which may affect the body’s balance, in addition to providing inadequate support while walking. Research has shown that muscles may gradually reduce in length in the back of the leg and they may get longer in the front of the leg. These changes may affect the muscle strength in the leg and may influence overall body stability. If you choose to wear high heels, there may be techniques that can be implemented, which may minimize any injuries that may occur. These may include performing gentle stretching exercises, using resistance bands that may aid in strengthening the leg muscles, and using your toes to pick up small objects, which may help the muscles in the toes to become stronger. If you have questions about the effects high heels can have on your feet, it is suggested to speak 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 Plaza 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 our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy the sport of cycling may understand the importance of wearing proper shoes while biking. These specific shoes are designed to attach to the pedals by cleats that are located on the bottom of the shoe, which may allow foot pain to be avoided. This improved method may prevent the shoes from slipping while pedaling, which may possibly result in more efficient use of the foot muscles. Research has shown that the late afternoon may be a beneficial time in choosing the correct shoe, when the feet are generally at their largest. Most shoes that are worn for cycling will stretch minimally over the course of time, and it is advised that they fit properly at the time of purchase. If you would like to have additional information about the benefits of wearing cycling shoes, please speak 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 Plaza 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 our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.