Items filtered by date: September 2023

Foot blisters are a common and painful skin condition that can disrupt your daily life. These small, fluid filled sacs form as a result of friction or pressure on the skin, typically caused by ill fitting shoes, prolonged periods of walking or running, or repetitive movements. Blisters can develop on any part of the foot, but they are most commonly found on the heels, toes, and soles. The body creates blisters as a protective mechanism and the clear fluid inside serves as a cushion to shield the underlying skin from further damage. While blisters will often heal on their own, it is important to avoid popping them as this can increase the risk of infection. Instead, keep the area clean, apply a sterile dressing, and protect it from further irritation. Wearing shoes that fit properly is a preventive measure, in addition to using friction reducing creams to minimize the likelihood of foot blisters. If you have developed blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you 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 Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromas are small lumps that develop in the sole of the foot and can cause foot arch pain in some cases. Treatment aims to reduce pressure on the nodule and alleviate pain. Treatment options include observation if the fibroma is not causing significant pain and non-surgical treatments like exercises. Other options are corticosteroid injections, shoe orthotics if the pain is mild to moderate, and surgery if the pain is severe and non-responsive to non-surgical methods. Exercises focus on stretching and strengthening the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues, to reduce tension on the fibroma. Corticosteroid injections can provide immediate pain relief and reduce the size of the nodule. Orthotics help relieve pressure on the nodules, although custom orthotics may be needed for larger nodules. Physical therapy may include ultrasound or shockwave therapy to reduce the size of the nodules, and radiotherapy can stabilize and shrink fibromas. Surgery is considered a last resort and involves removing the fibroma along with a portion of the plantar fascia. Recovery from plantar fibromas can take 6 to 12 months, during which modifications to activities and foot care are essential. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is important and then the most suitable treatment can be recommended.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it demands careful attention to various aspects of one's health. Among these, foot care stands out as a critical concern for individuals living with diabetes. The reason behind this lies in the potential complications that can arise when diabetes goes unmanaged, including neuropathy and poor circulation. These conditions can make the feet susceptible to injuries, ulcers, and infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe consequences. To avoid such outcomes, it is imperative for diabetic individuals to adopt a proactive approach to foot care. This includes performing daily inspections, maintaining proper hygiene, and selecting comfortable and well-fitting footwear. Additionally, it is important to ensure that blood sugar levels are within the recommended range. By following these practices, diabetic patients can significantly reduce the risk of foot-related complications. Daily care can go a long way in preserving foot health when living with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Foot and ankle issues, from various causes like chronic conditions or ill-fitting shoes, can interfere with daily life. Consulting a podiatrist is important for conditions like joint pain, often accompanied by swelling, redness, stiffness, or tenderness, which could be due to arthritis. Diabetes increases the risk of foot problems, from dry skin to severe complications like neuropathy, and regular podiatrist foot exams significantly lower amputation risks. Persistent heel pain caused by things like heel spurs or inflamed tendons requires a podiatrist's diagnosis and tailored treatment. Stubborn ingrown toenails, a common issue, may lead to infection and a podiatrist can provide timely treatment, including nail removal in chronic cases. Suspected foot or ankle injuries, such as sprains or strains, demand prompt diagnosis and treatment. Corns and calluses, if left untreated, can be painful and a podiatrist can safely remove them and offer prevention advice. Runners prone to issues like shin splints benefit from a podiatrist's assessment and recommendations for suitable athletic footwear. Painful bunions worsen without treatment, and a podiatrist can suggest measures like padding, taping, or orthotics. Suspected athlete's foot, a fungal infection causing itchiness and scaliness between the toes, requires professional care if over-the-counter treatments do not work. If you have any sort of foot or ankle problems, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can address these concerns, and offer diagnosis, treatment, and preventative guidance to enhance mobility and well-being.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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