A shoe bite refers to a painful irritation or blister that forms on the skin due to friction between the feet and ill-fitting shoes. These blisters typically appear on areas like the heels, toes, or sides of the feet. The primary cause of shoe bites is wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or made from stiff materials that rub against the skin. This constant friction leads to skin damage, causing redness, swelling, and eventually blisters. To prevent shoe bites, it is essential to choose shoes that fit well and provide adequate support. Using blister pads or cushioned insoles can also help reduce friction. Additionally, breaking in new shoes gradually and wearing socks made from breathable materials can protect the skin from excessive rubbing. Untreated blisters may become infected and become quite painful. If you have developed a foot blister, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional prevention tips, and provide effective relief methods.

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 one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV. These warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, HIV, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to develop plantar warts. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making feet particularly vulnerable. Plantar warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking, and may appear with tiny black dots at their center, which are blood vessels. While treatments like salicylic acid can help, they often take time and may not work for deeper or larger warts. A podiatrist can offer a proper diagnosis and suggest effective treatment for plantar warts. Treatment options include cryotherapy, laser therapy, or minor surgical removal for faster, more lasting results. If you have a plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Skiing can place significant strain on the ankles, often leading to soreness or pain, particularly for those unaccustomed to the activity or wearing poorly fitting boots. The repetitive flexing and rotational demands of skiing can stress the ankle joints, ligaments, and supporting muscles. Ankle pain from skiing may result from overuse, improper alignment in ski boots, or injuries such as sprains or strains. Pain often affects the tendons and muscles that stabilize the joint, sometimes accompanied by swelling or difficulty bearing weight. A podiatrist can assess your ankle pain to determine its cause, whether it stems from biomechanical issues, improper equipment, or soft tissue injury. Treatment may involve improving joint stability, recommending supportive footwear, or addressing specific conditions to reduce pain and prevent further complications. If you experience ankle pain after skiing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet are absent or collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. Flat feet may lead to discomfort in the feet, ankles, or toes, and can sometimes affect balance or mobility. They also may result from undeveloped arches in childhood, injuries, or conditions that weaken the tendons and ligaments in the feet. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty standing on the ball of the foot. Treatment options vary based on severity. Podiatrists often recommend custom orthotics to provide arch support, improve foot alignment, and relieve pressure on the joints. In some cases, immobilization with a brace or boot may help reduce strain on the affected area. For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the arch or adjust bone alignment. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your condition and determine the proper path to recovery. If you have problematic flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Arcadia Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Mesa, and Sun City, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.