Your feet support your entire body weight and endure constant friction from the size and fit of your footwear. Over time, this stress can lead to the formation of fluid-filled sacs beneath the skin, resulting in painful foot blisters. Foot blisters are often caused by shoes that are either too loose or too tight. They can rub against your skin, causing friction that leads to blister formation. The irritation from an ill-fitting shoe can create a blister in no time, particularly if you're on your feet for an extended period. Engaging in strenuous activities like athletics, running, or hiking can subject your feet to excessive stress and friction. These repetitive movements and the impact of your feet against hard surfaces can create the perfect conditions for blisters to form. In addition, diabetics, especially those experiencing neuropathy, are more at risk of developing recurring sores that resemble burn blisters on the top of the feet. Preventing foot blisters often comes down to choosing appropriate footwear, maintaining good foot hygiene, and avoiding excessive friction. If you have problems with blisters on the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Inadequate care following acute ankle trauma can lead to chronic joint instability. Employing a standardized protocol is essential for effective ankle sprain management. Ankle sprains are categorized from grade I to grade III based on severity. For grade I or II sprains, the focus should be on an accurate diagnosis, preserving range of motion, and employing ankle support. Grade III ankle sprains often involve complete ligament tears, and surgical intervention may be necessary. It is important to note that while early motion and mobility are recommended, it may take several months for ligamentous strength to fully recover after an ankle sprain. If you have hurt your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and the necessary treatment that is required to fully heal your ankle.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball, a fast-growing racquet sport, is loved for its accessibility and friendly competition. However, the rapid lateral movements and frequent stops and starts can take a toll on your feet, leading to a variety of injuries. Ankle sprains are perhaps the most common, often resulting from quick direction changes or missteps. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by heel pain, can arise due to the constant motion and stress on the arches. Overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, are also prevalent, typically affecting the Achilles tendon or the tendons in the foot. Wearing improper footwear, especially shoes without adequate arch support or cushioning, can exacerbate these problems. To enjoy pickleball safely, it is vital to prioritize injury prevention, which can range from Investing in quality court shoes and practicing proper warm-ups. If you are interested in pursuing pickleball, prior to playing, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist, who can advise you on additional injury prevention strategies.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's neuroma is a foot condition that often goes under the radar but can cause significant discomfort. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes thickens, resulting in nerve compression. This compression can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Foremost is pain, typically felt in the ball of the foot or between the third and fourth toes. This pain is often described as a sharp or burning sensation, and patients may liken it to having a pebble in their shoe. Many individuals with Morton's neuroma experience tingling or numbness in the affected toes. Symptoms can worsen with activities that place pressure on the foot, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. If you are experiencing signs of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.