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Many people who enjoy running and hiking can experience unpleasant blisters forming on their feet. This is often a result of friction that happens from the shoes or socks rubbing against the skin. The first layer of skin will typically become damaged, and a small pocket of fluid will form over the raw area. This acts as a natural barrier for protection, and will gradually drain as the healing process occurs. A successful measure that can be implemented which can help to prevent painful blisters from developing can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly. This will help in making sure there is adequate room so the heel does not rub on the back of the shoe. If the blister should become injured and drain before the skin has healed, an infection may occur. If this occurs, it is important to cover the affected area with a bandage until the skin has completely healed. If you are frequently getting foot blisters, it is advised to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward proper shoe fitting.

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 Dr. Milton N. Kondiles of Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Arlington Heights, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical condition that is referred to as hammertoe can happen by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This may cause the middle toes to bend downward at the joint and resemble a hammer. This ailment often promotes an imbalance in the adjoining muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and many patients notice pain and discomfort. If the toes stay in a bent position for an extended period of time, they may become difficult to straighten out. Genetic factors may also play a significant role in developing hammertoe, in addition to existing medical conditions that may include diabetes or arthritis. If hammertoe is left untreated, corns, calluses and sores may form on top of the toes, and this can cause pain while wearing shoes. If you have hammertoe, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the proper treatment techniques.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles from Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Arlington Heights, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tight calf muscles can lead to uncomfortable foot conditions that include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and tendinitis. There are reasons why calf muscles may be shortened, including genetic factors, wearing high heels for the majority of the day, or problems with posture. When the calf muscles are properly stretched, walking and running activities will typically become easier to perform. An effective calf stretch is done by standing on a step while letting the heel of one foot dip, and then repeating on the other foot. This is helpful in lengthening the Achilles tendon. Those patients who are interested in yoga can perform a downward dog yoga stretch. This is done by placing the hands on the floor, and lifting up and down on the toes. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. Milton N. Kondiles from Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Arlington Heights, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown it is beneficial for runners to develop habits that may help to prevent running injuries. Warming up before a run can improve range of motion and improve flexibility. Many runners find it helpful to begin their run with a purpose. This may include focusing on speed one day, and endurance the next day, in addition to deciding on what type of road to run on. Implementing breathing techniques may help to reduce any stiffness and tension that has developed during the run. It is important to stretch the body daily before a running practice begins, as this can help the hips, ankles and knees to remain flexible. If you would like additional information about how to prevent running injuries, it is suggested to counsel with a podiatrist, who can provide you with the correct techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Milton N. Kondiles of Kondiles Chicagoland Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Arlington Heights, and Chicago, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.