Items filtered by date: June 2016

Both blisters and calluses develop in response to repeated friction on the skin, however, blisters can be described as a fluid-filled bubble. As the outermost layer of skin, or the epidermis, is damaged, fluid helps to protect the bottom layers of skin from further infection. Blisters can also be caused by burns or sunburns as well as frostbite and can take up to a week to heal. Avoid popping the blister unless it has not healed on its own.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, consult with Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quistwill assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

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 one of our offices from Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Holger Badstuber, Bayern Munich defender, was spotted having resumed training three months after his broken ankle incident. Badstuber had fractured his ankle while training in February. Badstuber came back in early May to run laps around the training pitches, preparing to play again for Bayern’s starting XI. Badstuber had previously torn his anterior cruciate ligaments in 2012 and had to miss the rest of the 2012-2013 season in rehab.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quistcan provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices from Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis, occurs when the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy cartilage and tissue. “Eighty percent of North Americans have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis by age 65, and sixty percent have significant pain.” As osteoarthritis is a progressive chronic disease, the cartilage of the joints wears down over time and there is no known cure. Symptoms of the disease include gradually increasing pain throughout the body, which are usually treated with NSAIDs, or non-steroidal pills.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Devin Robinson, forward for the Florida Gators, had to have foot surgery and was sidelined for up to four months in late April. Robinson had surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot. He had originally entered the NBA draft on April 4, meaning he can return to the Gators for his junior season. There is hope that he will be ready to play for the start of the next season if he chooses to return.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Mark Quist from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Dr. Quist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Huntersville, Mooresville and Mountain Island, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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