Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that typically form in the skin's upper layers after injury, commonly on feet. The fluid cushions the damaged area, aiding healing. Most blisters contain clear serum and heal naturally in three to seven days without medical intervention. Bursting them should be avoided to prevent infection or delays in healing. If they burst, allow drainage and cover with a sterile dressing. Blisters stem from various causes, including friction, heat, chemical contact, or medical conditions, like chickenpox. Preventing blisters involves wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes, keeping feet dry with thicker socks or talcum powder, and applying sunscreen. If you have a foot blister that appears infected, is painful, or is recurring, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Community Foot 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 offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a condition that affects countless individuals, causing nails to become discolored, brittle, and thickened. Traditional treatment methods, such as oral medications or topical ointments, often yield mixed results and can take months to show improvement. This is where laser therapy, a relatively new approach, comes into play. Laser therapy for toenail fungus, also referred to as laser mycotic nail treatment, involves the use of a concentrated beam of light to target and destroy the fungal organisms that are infecting the nail. The laser's energy penetrates the nail, without causing harm to the surrounding tissue, to eliminate the fungus at its source. This innovative approach boasts several advantages, including minimal discomfort, no need for anesthesia, and typically shorter treatment times compared with traditional methods. However, it is important to note that laser therapy is not a guaranteed cure and may require multiple sessions for the best results. While promising, its effectiveness varies from person to person. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine if laser therapy is correct for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a foot condition that often goes under the radar but can cause significant discomfort. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes thickens, resulting in nerve compression. This compression can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Foremost is pain, typically felt in the ball of the foot or between the third and fourth toes. This pain is often described as a sharp or burning sensation, and patients may liken it to having a pebble in their shoe. Many individuals with Morton's neuroma experience tingling or numbness in the affected toes. Symptoms can worsen with activities that place pressure on the foot, such as walking or wearing tight shoes. If you are experiencing signs of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is a complex and often misunderstood medical condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This disorder disrupts the normal functioning of these nerves, leading to a range of symptoms. Neuropathy can manifest as tingling, burning, or stabbing sensations, often in the hands and feet, but it can affect other areas as well. Numbness, weakness, and muscle atrophy may occur over time. The condition can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, certain medications, and infections, in addition to genetic predispositions. Managing neuropathy involves addressing the underlying cause if known, and alleviating symptoms. Treatments may include medication to manage pain and lifestyle adjustments to prevent further nerve damage. Understanding neuropathy is the first step in seeking appropriate care and support for those affected by this challenging condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Beavercreek, Dayton, and Vandalia, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.