June 2021

Blisters often occur on the feet due to friction from shoes or socks rubbing against a part of the foot while you walk. Fortunately, blisters usually don’t require any special care and typically go away on their own. If you see a blister on your foot, protect it by covering it with a loosely wrapped bandage or cushioning it with an adhesive bandage. This will help prevent the blister from popping, which can be painful and expose the raw skin underneath the blister to infection. While usually not serious, foot blisters do sometimes require medical care. If your blister is showing signs of infection or becoming more painful over time, or if you are prone to getting blisters over and over again, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although they are small, the two sesamoid bones within the tendon under the big toe joint have three big responsibilities. First, they act as weight-bearing aids to the first metatarsal bone. Secondly, they facilitate normal movement of the big toe. Lastly, they help the big toe push off adequately during running and walking. Sesamoiditis can occur when these pea-sized bones and their associated tendons become inflamed due to overuse or other conditions that place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Some of these activities and contributing factors may include running, ballet, tennis, basketball, football, wearing high heels, and having high arches. If you have fluctuating pain under your big toe, a podiatrist can examine you and may perform various imaging studies to determine if you have sesamoiditis. Treatment for sesamoiditis may include various techniques to keep weight off of the foot and relieve tension in the affected area, oral or injectable medications to reduce pain and swelling, custom orthotics to redistribute pressure on the ball of the foot, rehabilitative therapies, or even surgery if the condition does not respond to more conservative treatments.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Mark Spier of Maryland. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Many people suffer from sore feet at the end of the day. This can be a result of standing and walking for most of the day, or it may happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people overlook the health of the feet, and it is beneficial to frequently practice stretches that can enhance foot and body performance. Yoga poses can target the feet, and specific stretches can improve mobility and range of motion. The top of the feet can be stretched by performing a child's pose, and tension in the body is often released. The heel and Achilles tendon can be stretched by using a scarf that is wrapped around the feet. This is done while in a sitting position, and the feet are gently pulled toward you. The plantar fascia can be effectively stretched while kneeling back on the toes. As this is done, the bottom of the foot generally feels the complete stretch. If you would like additional information about the benefits of stretching the feet through yoga poses, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine which stretches are best for you.

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

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Diabetic patients can suffer serious medical complications if a foot wound is left untreated. This is because high blood sugar levels can impact the circulatory and nervous systems, leading to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the feet. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to prevent complications from diabetes. These can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and trimming the toenails properly. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to effectively manage your foot health. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones that make up your ankle breaks. This can cause symptoms such as pain, bruising, tenderness, swelling, weakness, numbness, and difficulty putting weight on your ankle or walking. Ankle fractures may be treated with support devices, such as a brace or cast, that immobilize and protect the affected ankle to encourage healing. If you have a cast or brace, you may need to walk with crutches for a period of time. The pain of an ankle fracture can be relieved through over-the-counter medications that your podiatrist recommends. A broken ankle may need to be treated surgically if the fracture is severe. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Mark Spier from Maryland. Our doctor can 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 located in Columbia and Reisterstown, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.