Items filtered by date: December 2023

Foot blisters are tiny fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin. They may seem inconspicuous but can be surprisingly uncomfortable, often arising from a combination of factors. Friction stands as a primary cause, especially when ill-fitting footwear or repetitive motion induces rubbing against the skin. Moisture and heat exacerbate the risk, as sweaty or damp conditions soften the skin, making it more prone to friction-related blisters. Additionally, poorly managed moisture, whether from excessive sweating or wet environments, creates an ideal environment for blisters. The symptoms of foot blisters include localized pain, tenderness, and a distinct swelling filled with clear fluid. The affected area may become red, and in more severe cases, the blister may rupture, leading to an open wound susceptible to infection. If you repeatedly develop foot blisters, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors 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 Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions, characterized by bony protrusions at the base of the big toe, result from various factors like genetics, wearing tight shoes, and poor foot mechanics. They can cause discomfort and pain. Treatment for bunions typically involves wearing roomy, supportive footwear, or using orthotic inserts to improve foot alignment. Additionally, it may be beneficial to apply padding and taping for pain relief and engage in helpful exercises. For severe bunions, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deformity. If you are suffering from a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for suitable treatment based on the severity of your condition.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors 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 Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Mobility aids play an important role in falls prevention, especially for elderly individuals who may be at risk of having balance issues. Walking aids, such as canes or wheeled walkers, offer valuable support and enhance stability. Determining the appropriate mobility aid for a patient can be done through simple assessments. One effective test involves offering a hand for support while the patient walks. If they benefit from this assistance, it may indicate that a cane would be suitable. Alternatively, if they prefer using two hands or rely on a grocery cart while shopping, a wheeled walker may be a better choice. If you or someone you care for is at an increased risk for falling it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to discuss how mobility aids can help.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Swelling in the feet and ankles, a common concern can be attributed to various factors rooted in the body's intricate balance. One primary cause is fluid retention, often associated with prolonged periods of standing or sitting, as gravity impedes the return of blood and fluids from the lower extremities. Injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can trigger swelling as the body responds to the trauma. Poor circulation, a result of conditions like peripheral artery disease, may contribute to fluid accumulation. Additionally, systemic issues such as heart, kidney, or liver diseases can manifest in swollen feet and ankles due to compromised fluid regulation. Hormonal changes, particularly in pregnancy, may also play a role. Lifestyle choices, including a diet high in sodium, can exacerbate fluid retention. If your feet and ankles have become swollen, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is and offer appropriate relief techniques.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Footcare Clinic - Hawaii. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Honolulu, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.