Blisters typically form as a natural response to a skin injury, often emerging on the feet due to friction from footwear. They create a protective fluid-filled sac that acts like a bandage, shielding the injured skin and facilitating the healing process. However, when the blister's protective covering breaks, it becomes susceptible to infection. An infected foot blister can result in specific symptoms, including the presence of pus and a warm sensation upon touch. Neglecting an infected blister also can result in a potentially dangerous bacterial skin infection. Often painful infections originating from a blister, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, may spread to other parts of the body. This may potentially lead to sepsis, which is a life threatening bloodstream infection. Recognizing the signs of an infected foot blister includes checking for warmth, an unpleasant odor, pus discharge, or pain and swelling that surrounds the blister. Bleeding when touched or a lack of healing progress are also concerning indicators. If you have a foot blister and you suspect it is infected, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have it medically evaluated and treated.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists 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 offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Excessive foot sweating, known as focal hyperhidrosis, is a common but distressing condition. It involves uncontrollable sweating of the feet even when not hot or physically active. Treatments can help manage its impact. Normal sweating occurs when you are hot, exercising, anxious, or nervous, as the nervous system triggers sweat glands to cool the body. Medical conditions, including diabetes, menopause, thyroid problems, and nervous system disorders, can cause excessive sweating of the feet. Some medications may contribute to this as well. While excessive sweating itself does not harm health, it can significantly affect quality of life, causing emotional distress, skin conditions, and discomfort. Diagnosis involves a medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes. Treatment options can include medications, therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Moderate relief can consist of keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics, and seeking emotional support if needed. If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and treatment.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism, and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

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Corns on the feet, while small in size, can cause significant discomfort and annoyance. These thickened, hardened areas of skin typically form in response to repetitive friction or pressure. Corns are the body's way of defending against this constant irritation, creating a protective barrier that may not always be welcome. The primary cause of corns is wearing ill-fitting footwear. Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or have high heels can squeeze the toes and create pressure points, prompting corn development. Similarly, wearing shoes with inadequate arch support can lead to corns on the soles. Other potential culprits can include deformities in the feet, such as bunions or hammertoes, which alter the foot's shape and increase the likelihood of corns. By paying attention to the health and comfort of your feet, you can avoid the persistent nuisance of corns. If you have developed one or more corns on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment methods.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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Children's orthotics may be needed to support their foot growth and development. However, knowing when to seek the counsel of a podiatrist is vital. Typically, before the age of three, concerns related to a child's gait naturally resolve as their muscles and foot structures mature. In these early years, orthotics are seldom necessary, and simple shoe adjustments or exercises may suffice. Yet, specific signs should prompt consultation. For example, flat feet can lead to joint pain and posture issues, warranting attention. Likewise, if a child's feet point inward or outward, it is crucial to address this to prevent long-term muscle imbalances and mobility problems. Some foot deformities, such as hammertoes and bunions can be corrected with orthotics if addressed promptly. Abnormal shoe wear, recurring foot pain, and rapid fatigue during physical activities can all indicate underlying foot problems. In most cases, custom foot orthotics effectively address these concerns, facilitating proper development without pain. If you have any questions about your child's foot health, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for professional guidance.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists  can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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

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