Items filtered by date: October 2024

Blisters are common nuisances that can hinder an active lifestyle, but several effective prevention methods can help keep them at bay. One of the most important strategies is wearing properly fitted shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning. It is important to choose footwear that accommodates the shape of your feet, reducing friction and pressure points. Using moisture-wicking socks can also minimize the risk of blisters, as they help keep feet dry and reduce friction. Applying blister prevention products, such as protective adhesive bandages or lubricants, can create a barrier between the skin and footwear. Additionally, gradually breaking in new shoes allows your feet to adapt, reducing the likelihood of irritation. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have developed a foot blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can provide adequate relief, and educate you on additional prevention methods.

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 Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tailor’s bunion, or bunionette, is a bony bump that forms on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. Unlike a traditional bunion, which affects the big toe, a tailor’s bunion results from the little toe pushing towards the fourth toe, causing the joint to protrude. This condition is often caused by wearing tight or narrow shoes that compress the toes, as well as genetic factors that contribute to abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the bunionette, which can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. The bump can also cause calluses to develop on the affected area due to increased friction. For persistent issues or severe discomfort from a bunionette, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Diabetic foot ulcers require careful management to promote healing and prevent complications. Proper wound care involves keeping the ulcer clean and protected with appropriate dressings. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is vital, as stable glucose levels support the body's natural healing processes. Also, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can aid in wound repair. It is also important to relieve pressure on the affected foot by using specialized footwear or offloading devices. Daily foot inspections help catch any changes or infections early. A podiatrist can provide personalized treatment plans, including possible antibiotics or wound care therapies. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage its effects on your feet.

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 Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that causes the toenail to become thickened, discolored, brittle, and sometimes painful. It often starts as a small yellow or white spot under the nail, and can spread if untreated. The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, making athletes and those with sweaty feet more susceptible. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the infection. Topical treatments like antifungal creams and medicated nail polishes can be effective for mild cases, though they require consistent use over several months. For more severe infections, oral antifungal tablets like terbinafine or itraconazole are commonly prescribed, which work by targeting the infection from within. In addition, laser therapy or removal of the infected nail may be used in resistant cases. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment that best suits your condition.

For more information about treatment, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Golf, while often seen as a low-impact sport, can still lead to various foot and ankle injuries due to repetitive motions and uneven terrain. Common injuries include ankle sprains, which occur from missteps on uneven ground, and plantar fasciitis, resulting from the constant walking and pressure on the feet. Stress fractures can develop in the metatarsal bones due to repetitive impact, especially in golfers who walk the course frequently. Tendonitis, particularly Achilles tendonitis, can arise from overuse or wearing poor footwear, leading to inflammation and pain. Golfers may also experience issues like neuromas, where nerve tissue between the toes becomes irritated, causing pain or numbness. To prevent these injuries, proper footwear with arch support should be worn. If you experience foot pain from playing golf, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a diagnosis and treatment, ensuring a swift recovery and return to the course.

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 Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.