B Conditions
Blisters-Indianapolis, IN
Those who walk or run long distances are not strangers to foot blisters. When the foot intensely and repeatedly rubs up against the inside of the shoe, a blister can form. A blister is a puffy, bubble of skin filled with fluid that protects the skin and promotes healing of the injured area. Wearing poorly fitting shoes -- or new shoes that haven’t been broken in – can set the wearer up for blisters. The main symptom is the appearance of a bubble-like, raised portion of skin. Other symptoms that may accompany the bubbled skin include:
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Pain
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Redness
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Itching
When running or walking wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and clean socks. If you get a blister, wear shoes as infrequently as possible. Protect the blister with a loose bandage until the body absorbs the fluid in the blister and the blister thoroughly heals. If you get a blister, do not pop it unless it is large and likely to be irritated further. To pop a blister, wash hands and sterilize a needle by pouring alcohol over it. Poke a small hole in the blister and squeeze the liquid out. Seek out medical attention if the blister pus is white or yellow. This means it is infected. After popping, apply an anti-biotic ointment to the site with a bandage loosely covering the area.
Bunions-Indianapolis, IN
Bunions are a disorder that changes the structure of the foot bones and can get progressively worse with time. A naturally abnormal foot structure, tight shoes that squeeze the feet into an abnormal shape, or arthritis are prime causes for bunions. The characteristic symptom of bunions is the inward leaning of the big toe. Other symptoms include:
A bump on the side of the big toe
Pain
Redness or inflammation
Numbness
Tenderness
Wearing shoes with pointed toes can make the condition worse. Shoes with wide toe-boxes are appropriate when bunions are an issue. Placing cushioning pads over the bunion are helpful as well. To avoid aggravating the condition, avoid standing for long periods of time. An orthotic professional can prescribe specially fitted shoes with fitted insoles that can correct the shape of the foot. To relieve any pain you could use a heating pad, warm water foot soak, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen. A more uncommon treatment involves the injection of corticosteroids to relieve inflammation. If these methods do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Surgery will correct the bone structure of the foot and any soft tissue that has changed and will remove the bump.