Items filtered by date: June 2021

Blisters often occur on the feet due to friction from shoes or socks rubbing against a part of the foot while you walk. Fortunately, blisters usually don’t require any special care and typically go away on their own. If you see a blister on your foot, protect it by covering it with a loosely wrapped bandage or cushioning it with an adhesive bandage. This will help prevent the blister from popping, which can be painful and expose the raw skin underneath the blister to infection. While usually not serious, foot blisters do sometimes require medical care. If your blister is showing signs of infection or becoming more painful over time, or if you are prone to getting blisters over and over again, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact David J. Borcicky, DPM of Alabama. 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 Mobile, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications in the feet, including amputation. This is because diabetics tend to lose sensation in their feet which makes it difficult to notice any problems. Diabetes also leads to poor blood flow in the feet which can lead to numbness and slow the time it takes for wounds to heal. Because of this, it is important for diabetics to create a foot care routine with their podiatrist. This daily routine usually involves checking the feet for wounds or sores, washing the feet, keeping the skin soft and smooth, and protecting the feet with properly fitting footwear. Regular check ups with a podiatrist are also important. A podiatrist will be able to create a customized foot care plan, help provide suggestions on safely treating wounds, and help to provide shoes specifically for diabetics.

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 David J. Borcicky, DPM from Alabama. 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 Mobile, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a swollen, inflamed nerve in the foot. It usually occurs on the nerves between the toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp, burning pains on the bottom of the foot, and numbness that can radiate to nearby toes. The pain of a Morton’s neuroma usually increases with activity and decreases at rest or when massaging the foot. Conservative treatments such as resting and icing the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and modifying activities and footwear can alleviate symptoms. Surgery may be an option in severe or chronic cases. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David J. Borcicky, DPM of Alabama. Our doctor 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 office located in Mobile, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Severe pain and discomfort often accompany the foot condition known as gout. Many patients experience pain in the joints of the big toe and it can be difficult to walk. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the blood and may develop from genetic factors. Additionally, research has indicated that eating specific foods may trigger gout attacks due to high levels of purines. These can include seafood, red meat, and beverages that are made with large amounts of sugar. Foods that may lessen the onset of gout can consist of fruits, low-fat dairy products, and recipes that are made with plant-based oils. There are many patients who have changed their eating habits to include brown rice, chicken dishes, and various vegetables, and have found success in managing bouts of gout. If you would like to find out more information about what foods to eat that can help to prevent gout attacks, please consult with a podiatrist.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact David J. Borcicky, DPM from Alabama. Our doctor will treat your foot care needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

By monitoring a child’s foot development in the early years—and intervening if any structural abnormalities or dysfunction is present—the child’s quality of life can be vastly improved, and serious foot complications later in life may be avoided. Some milestones in a child’s early development are: sitting up by themselves at approximately 6-7 months, beginning to walk at roughly 12 months, and walking heel-to-toe by age 3 instead of on their toes as some toddlers do while learning to walk. Toe walking after age 3 may just be a habit, or due to a tight Achilles tendon, or it could possibly be an indicator of a muscular, neurological, or developmental issue the child may have. If you are concerned about your child’s foot development, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and consultation.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David J. Borcicky, DPM of Alabama. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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