Dealing With Diabetic Foot Blisters

People with diabetes face a higher risk of foot blisters because nerve changes can reduce sensation, and skin may become fragile. Friction and pressure from footwear can continue without pain as a warning sign, allowing a blister to worsen quickly. Blisters often form on the toes, heels, or the ball of the foot, and can break down into open wounds that are slow to heal. When skin is compromised, the risk of infection and ulcer formation increases. A podiatrist can assess circulation, skin quality, and pressure points to determine whether infection or deeper tissue damage is present. Care options include safe and sterile blister management, protection of surrounding skin, and strategies to reduce repeated pressure. Regular monitoring helps protect diabetic feet and lowers the risk of serious complications. If you suffer from diabetic foot blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for ongoing treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors 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 Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Different Types of Foot and Ankle Wounds Explained

Foot and ankle wounds fall into several common categories based on how they develop. Pressure-related wounds form from constant weight or rubbing and are often found on heels, toes, or areas over bone. Arterial wounds are linked to poor blood flow, and usually appear on the toes or outer foot with dry or pale tissue. Venous wounds occur when blood does not return well to the heart and are more common around the ankles with swelling and skin discoloration. Neuropathic wounds develop when sensation is reduced, allowing injuries to go unnoticed and worsen over time. Additionally, surgical wounds may struggle to close after procedures if swelling, infection, or movement interferes with healing. Traumatic wounds result from cuts, punctures, or falls and vary in depth and severity. Identifying the type helps guide care. If a foot or ankle wound is slow to heal, evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Littleton, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Surgical Remedies for Ingrown Toenails

Surgery for ingrown toenails corrects how the nail edge presses into the skin of the toe and causes pain and drainage. When ongoing problems affect walking or shoe wear, a podiatrist can recommend surgery to remove the portion of nail that continues to grow into the skin, while preserving a natural nail appearance. One approach involves removing a narrow section of the nail and treating the growth center so that edge does not return. This helps reduce repeat irritation, infection, and tissue overgrowth along the nail fold. Surgery for an ingrown toenail is performed carefully under local anesthesia and targets the nail plate and matrix, the area responsible for nail growth. If you have a problematic ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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When Heel Pain Slows Every Step

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed. The condition may not always show visible changes, but the heel can appear slightly swollen or tender to touch. It often feels like a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain may lessen with movement but return after long periods of standing or activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by reviewing symptoms, examining foot structure and gait, and confirming the diagnosis while ruling out other causes of heel pain. Treatment options may include stretching programs, footwear recommendations, night splints, and anti-inflammatory care. Early podiatric treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and prevent chronic symptoms. If you are dealing with heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Front Range Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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