Tuesday, 04 November 2025 00:00

Blisters that develop beneath the joints of the big toe or little toe can make every step painful. These fluid-filled pockets often form from friction, pressure, or rubbing inside shoes that do not fit properly. High arches, bunions, or calluses can also cause uneven weight distribution, increasing stress on these areas. Because blisters under the foot can be deep and slow to heal, walking may become challenging, and infection can occur if the skin breaks. A podiatrist can determine what is causing the friction, drain or protect the blister safely, and recommend footwear or custom orthotics to reduce future irritation. If you experience recurring blisters under the toe joints or discomfort while walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and effective treatment to restore comfort and prevent further injury.

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. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. 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 our office located in Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters on the Feet
Wednesday, 29 October 2025 00:00

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 00:00

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often from running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth, tight calf muscles, and participation in high-impact sports. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and discomfort during physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease, recommend rest, stretching exercises, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If your child complains of heel pain or limps after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for accurate evaluation and appropriate treatment. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Read more about Sever's Disease
Tuesday, 21 October 2025 00:00

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse rather than a sudden injury. Common causes include high-impact activities, wearing improper footwear, or a sudden increase in physical activity. Symptoms may involve pain that worsens with movement, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Risk factors include weak bones, poor conditioning, and inadequate rest. A podiatrist can diagnose a stress fracture through imaging tests and a physical examination, then create a personalized treatment plan to promote healing and prevent further injury. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

  • Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
  • Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
  • Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
  • Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

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