Items filtered by date: November 2022

A small area of skin on the foot which is filled with protective liquid is defined as a blister. It is the body’s natural defense in producing new skin, which replaces the skin that has been damaged. This happens as a result of excess friction that is often caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. The skin will become reddened, and this is the first sign a blister is developing. There may be medical reasons why blisters on the feet can occur. These can consist of having eczema, psoriasis, or they may be part of an allergic reaction to specific chemicals or to an insect bite. Additionally, people who enjoy running may find that they have developed blisters, which can happen from excessive foot moisture. This can be prevented by wearing socks and shoes that are made of materials that can absorb moisture. Using a foot antiperspirant may help to reduce or eliminate sweating. It is beneficial to keep the blister covered until it drains naturally when new skin is formed. It is also wise to consult with a podiatrist if you have blisters on your feet, who can help with effective treatment and prevention methods.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. 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 office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It is critically important that seniors take the necessary steps to keep their feet healthy and strong. Often, seniors do not engage in the activity necessary to keep the muscles in their feet strong. As a result, they might be making themselves more vulnerable to suffering foot injuries or enduring a fall from weak feet. To strengthen the feet, senior citizens might consider performing certain foot exercises to improve strength and stability. For example, a senior might massage the feet with a tennis ball and perform ankle circles. As part of a daily foot exercise routine, a senior might also consider performing different toe, foot and ankle stretches. If you are a senior citizen looking to improve strength in the feet, contact a podiatrist today.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Sever’s disease is a foot condition characterized by a particular kind of heel pain. Commonly occurring in children, Sever’s disease is triggered by the inflammation of the growth plate. Many individuals with Sever’s disease will want to continue engaging in physical activity despite having this condition. Each patient is different and will require unique treatment plans. Generally, however, someone with Sever’s disease can consider switching to a physical activity that is lower-impact, such as cycling or swimming. Additionally, someone with a less severe case of Sever’s disease might consider being more selective about the training activities in which they engage. For example, if an individual is training for football, they might think about participating in activities that do not exacerbate heel pain and substituting others with more low-impact activities. As always, it is best to be cautious. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

There are two bones that lie in the tendons beneath the joint in the big toe. These are known as the sesamoid bones, and their function is to help the foot to push off while walking. People who frequently run may experience a condition that is called sesamoiditis. This can happen when the sesamoid bones become inflamed from excessive pressure and the impact the bones endure while running. Symptoms that many people have with this condition can be a sudden sharp pain, which may indicate a fracture has happened. More commonly, a burning pain may occur, which may be a sign of nerve damage. Additionally, the ball of the foot can be tender while walking on it, and it may feel like there is a pebble in the shoe. Poor foot mechanics may lead to developing sesamoiditis, and the tendon that houses the sesamoid bones may be tight. This condition can negatively impact completing daily activities, and it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you have any of the above symptoms.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

The foot condition known as hammertoe is considered to be a deformity. It can gradually affect the entire foot and generally begins by causing the second and third toes to bend downward. The joints in the middle toe bend upward, resembling a hammer. If left untreated, it can be painful to walk, and blisters, calluses, or corns may form on top of the toes. Hammertoe is caused by genetic factors and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. High heels may also fall into this category of squishing the toes, so it is best to avoid high heels when you are afflicted with hammertoe. Patients can find mild relief when protective pads are worn on top of the toes and when larger shoes are worn. Certain exercises and stretches may bring strength back to the toes, and wearing orthotics may help to maintain balance. If the condition is severe, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and surgery may be necessary. Surgery is an effective treatment method that can permanently straighten the toes. Please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what treatment is best for your hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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