Blisters that develop beneath the joints of the big toe or little toe can make every step painful. These fluid-filled pockets often form from friction, pressure, or rubbing inside shoes that do not fit properly. High arches, bunions, or calluses can also cause uneven weight distribution, increasing stress on these areas. Because blisters under the foot can be deep and slow to heal, walking may become challenging, and infection can occur if the skin breaks. A podiatrist can determine what is causing the friction, drain or protect the blister safely, and recommend footwear or custom orthotics to reduce future irritation. If you experience recurring blisters under the toe joints or discomfort while walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and effective treatment to restore comfort and prevent further injury.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Webbed toes, medically known as syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are joined by skin, tissue, or bone. This condition develops during early fetal growth when the toes fail to fully separate before birth. Causes include genetic factors or certain developmental conditions. There are several types of webbing, including incomplete, where the toes are only partially joined, and complete, where they are connected to the tip. Webbing can also be simple, involving only skin, complex with bone fusion, or complicated with other deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend treatment, and coordinate corrective surgery, if needed. If your child has been born with webbed toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat this condition, monitor it, and offer expert guidance for healthy foot development.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to twisting or rolling the foot. Ankle sprains are grouped into grades, depending on the severity. Grade 1 symptoms include mild pain, and generally no bruising. A grade 2 sprain consists of moderate pain and joint instability. Additionally, loss of function and range of motion can accompany a grade 3 sprain. Temporary relief can be found by resting the ankle, applying compression with an elastic bandage, and elevating it to reduce swelling. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, recommend targeted exercises, and provide support to prevent future sprains. If you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine the severity and provide effective treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. 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 office located in Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by injuries, stress fractures, or tendonitis, each bringing its own set of symptoms and concerns. Injuries like sprains or impacts can cause immediate swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Stress fractures, often due to overuse or repetitive activity, may cause a dull ache that worsens with walking or running. Tendonitis, particularly affecting the extensor tendons, those from the front of the leg to the toes, can lead to tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort when flexing the foot. The pain may feel sharp, throbbing, or achy and may make wearing shoes or bearing weight difficult. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause through a detailed exam, imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, and an assessment of activity levels and footwear. Treatment may involve rest, bracing, orthotics, or medication. In more severe cases, immobilization or surgical options may be considered. To avoid complications and restore comfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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