A foot ulcer is an open sore that develops on the skin of the foot and can extend deeper. These wounds can be difficult to heal when circulation or sensation is reduced. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, or an area that looks cracked or broken. An ulcer may begin as a blister or callus before becoming serious. Diabetic patients should pay close attention because nerve damage can make an injury difficult to feel.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing a foot ulcer. Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and previous ulcers are common concerns. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can create repeated pressure and friction. A hot spot is an area of the foot that feels unusually warm, irritated, or tender before the skin breaks down. Causes may include pressure from footwear, a callus, or prolonged walking. Identifying a hot spot early can help prevent a wound from developing.

Preventing foot ulcers starts with daily foot checks and properly fitted shoes. Keep feet clean and dry, moisturize dry skin without applying lotion between the toes, and avoid walking barefoot. Check for cuts, blisters, and hot spots. If you notice a wound, do not ignore it or attempt to remove surrounding tissue yourself. Prompt care can reduce complications.

A podiatrist will examine the ulcer, assess circulation and sensation, and determine how deep the wound is. Treatment may include cleaning the ulcer, removing unhealthy tissue, and reducing pressure with appropriate footwear or offloading devices. The podiatrist may also recommend imaging or coordinate care for infection, diabetes, or circulation problems when needed. Healing requires follow-up and careful home care. If you have a foot ulcer or a concerning hot spot, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Verde Complete Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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 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 Verde Complete Foot and 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 office located in Longwood, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease causes heel pain in growing children, especially those who are physically active. It usually develops between ages eight and 14, when the heel bone is going through a period of growth. The condition affects the growth area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. This area is still developing from cartilage into mature bone. Repeated stress from running or jumping can irritate it and cause pain. Symptoms include heel pain with exercise, increased pain after activity, and limping. Some children also walk on their toes to reduce pressure on the painful heel. One or both heels can be affected.

Growth and activity levels can influence the development of Sever’s disease. A child can experience symptoms after increasing the amount or intensity of sports participation. Starting a new sport can also place different demands on the heel. Activities that involve frequent running and jumping are strongly linked with symptoms. Changes in height and weight can contribute as the body develops. Foot structure can play a role as well. Children with flat-foot posture can have a slightly greater risk. Certain shoes, especially those with a low heel, can place added strain on the growth area by increasing tension through the Achilles tendon.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain by discussing symptoms and examining the child’s feet and legs. X-rays are generally not used to diagnose Sever’s disease, although imaging can sometimes help rule out another cause of heel pain. Treatment focuses on reducing pain while managing activity appropriately. A podiatrist can recommend activity changes, heel raises, or custom orthotics based on the child’s needs. The condition rarely causes long-term problems once the growth area matures. If your active child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Verde Complete Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that develop when the feet experience repeated pressure or friction. Although they are similar, they often appear in different ways. Calluses usually cover a wider area and commonly develop on weight-bearing parts of the foot, such as the sole. Corns are typically smaller and may form on or between the toes. They can have a firm center that becomes painful when pressed. Poorly fitting footwear, changes in foot structure, and certain walking patterns can increase pressure on specific areas. Corns and calluses are the skin’s response to repeated stress, but ongoing discomfort may indicate that the source of pressure needs professional attention.

Symptoms depend on the location and thickness of the affected skin. A callus may feel rough or hardened, while a corn can cause more focused pain when walking or wearing shoes. Some corns develop between the toes, where moisture can make the skin softer. Changes in toe position or foot shape may also create areas where skin repeatedly rubs against footwear. People with diabetes or poor circulation should take areas of damaged or thickened skin seriously, because foot complications can become more difficult to manage. Recurring corns and calluses should be evaluated to identify what is causing continued pressure or friction.

A podiatrist can examine corns and calluses and determine whether foot structure, footwear, or walking mechanics are contributing to the problem. Professional podiatric care may include safely reducing thickened skin and addressing areas of excessive pressure. A podiatrist can also evaluate related conditions, such as bunions or toe deformities, that may contribute to recurring symptoms. Treatment is based on the location and cause of the problem, with the goal of improving comfort and protecting foot health. If painful or recurring corns and calluses are making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Verde Complete Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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