Foot blisters develop when repeated friction, heat, or moisture causes the upper layers of skin to separate and fill with fluid. They commonly form during walking, running, or exercise, especially when shoes rub against the skin. New or poorly fitting footwear, thin socks, and seams inside shoes often increase friction. Excess moisture from sweating softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to blister formation. Foot structure can also play a role, as bunions, hammertoes, or prominent bones may create pressure points. Blisters are frequently seen during long periods of activity or sudden increases in exercise. Treatment focuses on protecting the area and reducing further irritation. Padding, blister covers, breathable socks, and properly fitted shoes help promote healing. Intact blisters should generally be left unbroken to reduce infection risk, especially without being under the care of a podiatrist. If blisters are recurrent, painful, or slow to heal, it is suggested that an evaluation by a podiatrist can help identify underlying causes, and guide treatment.

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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 our office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenail removal can offer immediate relief when the edge of a nail digs into the surrounding skin and causes swelling, redness, or sharp, persistent discomfort. This problem usually affects the big toe and can make walking or wearing shoes feel unbearable. When home care no longer helps, a minor in-office procedure can gently lift or remove the troubled nail portion and allow the skin to heal. The treatment is quick, and most people feel better almost immediately. If ingrown toenails keep returning, a podiatrist may recommend a small procedure to prevent that part of the nail from growing back. This method is safe and very effective for frequent or severe cases. Early attention helps avoid infection and speeds healing. If you notice worsening toenail pain, drainage, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Falls are a common health concern and often result from a combination of physical conditions and environmental factors. Vision problems can make it difficult to judge surfaces and obstacles, while foot pain may alter gait and balance, increasing instability. Wearing poor footwear that lacks support or traction can also contribute to slips and missteps. Home hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and uneven flooring further raise the risk. Additional risk factors include muscle weakness, chronic illness, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, address pain, recommend proper footwear, and provide custom orthotics to improve stability. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you or a loved one has fallen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Tight ankles, calves, and foot pain can significantly affect mobility and comfort. To relieve these issues, certain foot exercises can be highly effective. One simple exercise is ankle stretches, where you gently pull the foot towards you, holding for several seconds to stretch the ankle. This helps release tightness and improve flexibility. To target tight calves, try calf stretches by standing with your hands against a wall and leaning forward to stretch the calf muscles. Another useful exercise is the towel stretch, where you sit with your legs extended, using a towel around the foot to pull it towards you, stretching both the calves and the foot. Additionally, rolling a tennis ball under the foot can alleviate tension and promote blood circulation. Regularly performing these exercises can help reduce pain, increase flexibility, and improve overall foot health. If you have sustained foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to practice appropriate foot exercises.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our practitioner to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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