A blister on the foot can become infected when bacteria enter through broken skin, often caused by friction from tight shoes or repetitive motion. An infected blister may appear red, swollen, and filled with cloudy fluid. The surrounding area may feel warm or tender. Attempting to pop or drain a blister increases the risk of deeper infection and possible tissue damage. If untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue or bone, leading to serious complications. A podiatrist can properly drain an infected blister in a sterile manner, prescribe necessary medication, and assess whether further care, such as wound cleaning, is needed. A podiatrist can also determine underlying causes, like poorly fitting shoes or biomechanical issues, that contribute to recurring blisters. If you believe you have an infected blister on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and safe, sterile 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 Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle 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 Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ankle tendons often develops from repetitive strain, overuse, or biomechanical imbalances that affect how the foot moves and bears weight. The tendons surrounding the ankle include the posterior tibial, peroneal, and tibialis anterior, each serving a unique role in stabilizing and supporting the foot during walking or running. When these tendons are stressed, inflammation or degeneration can develop, leading to pain and weakness. The posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch, can cause pain along the inner ankle when strained. Pain on the outer side of the ankle often involves the peroneal tendons, especially in people with high arches or a history of ankle sprains. The tibialis anterior tendon, located at the front of the ankle, can become painful from repetitive lifting of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate tendon pain through a detailed exam and imaging to determine the best treatment. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, entering through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. They often develop on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot, causing discomfort or pain when standing or walking. Plantar warts may look like rough, grainy bumps with tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. The skin around the wart can become thickened or callused, making it difficult to see the wart clearly. These warts can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces like locker rooms and showers. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar warts through a physical examination and may use specialized tools to distinguish them from corns or calluses. Treatment options include topical medications or minor procedures to remove the wart. If you are dealing with plantar warts it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to safely and effectively treat the condition.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns are a common foot problem that develop from repeated pressure or friction, often caused by ill-fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns. They usually appear as small, thickened areas of skin that may be hard and dry or soft and rubbery, often forming on the tops and sides of toes or between them. Corns can feel tender or painful when pressed, making walking uncomfortable. The surrounding skin may appear inflamed, and the center can look yellow or translucent. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the type of corn and identifying any underlying causes, such as foot deformities or gait issues. Treatment options include professional removal of thickened skin, advice on proper footwear, prescribing custom orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure, and guidance on foot care to prevent recurrence. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience discomfort or notice changes in your feet.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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