Items filtered by date: March 2023

Blisters are a natural defense mechanism the body develops against damaged skin. They are defined as a small area that is filled with liquid over the raw skin, and will gradually drain when new skin has formed. One of the most common causes of blisters is excessive friction, and this can happen from shoes and socks that are worn. Additional reasons why blisters can develop can include an allergic reaction from poison oak, ivy, or sumac, or from medical conditions, such as eczema or autoimmune diseases. It is beneficial to cover foot blisters with a protective pad, and this may be helpful in preventing the blister from draining prematurely. Wearing shoes that fit correctly is often an answer to limit blisters developing on the feet. If you would like more information about the cause and management of foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Walking and running are considered to be different hobbies that require appropriate shoes to be worn for the chosen activity. Both have excellent health benefits and engage many of the same muscles, but this is where the similarities end. The joints in the feet move differently during walking and running, and the body absorbs approximately twice the body weight as it lands. With running, the feet strike the ground with more impact than with walking, and create different types of wear and tear patterns in the shoe. Running shoes can offer more cushioned support in the arch and midfoot, and can help the body to propel forward. Conversely, walking shoes have the flexibility that can ensure a good range of motion. If you would like more information about the differences between walking and running shoes, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to choose what type of shoe is best for you.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The body naturally processes uric acid through the kidneys. Excess uric acid may form crystals and can cause debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe. This is known as gout, and it is a type of arthritis. There are specific kinds of foods that have large amounts of purines, which convert to uric acid. These can include shellfish, red meat, alcohol, and drinks that are made with sugar. If you suffer from frequent gout attacks, it is beneficial to limit these types of foods and drinks. Common symptoms that are associated with gout can include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the big toe joints. Additionally, it can be difficult to bear weight on the affected foot. There may be other factors that can cause gout to develop. These can consist of obesity, family history, or it may happen to women who are postmenopausal. If you have gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage and treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having a sprained ankle can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. It happens when the ankle is suddenly twisted from falling, or from unexpectedly stepping off of a curb. Patients who have had a previous ankle injury may be prone to incurring another one, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support may lead to getting a sprained ankle. This type of injury can be classified into three categories that are referred to as grades. Swelling, soreness, and bruising can indicate a Grade 1 sprain, and recovery time can take up to four weeks. A Grade 2 sprain happens when a ligament in the ankle becomes partially torn, and it is often difficult to walk. A boot may be worn to stabilize the ankle as it heals, which can take up to eight weeks. A Grade 3 sprain is the most serious type of sprain, and happens when the ligament is completely torn. Surgery may be necessary if healing does not gradually occur. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly diagnose and treat ankle sprains.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.