Blistering is a common problem that occurs when we walk, run, play sports or simply start wearing a new pair of shoes. Blisters occur when a tear becomes present between one of the 3 layers of skin, as a result of repetitive friction. The space then fills with fluid from the capillaries as a result of hydrostatic pressure.

They can be very annoying especially if the pain hinders your daily activities or sporting performance.

Blister are caused by:

Friction – poor fitting shoes, bony prominences, repetition, socks.

Moisture – Weakens skin.

Blisters can also form as a result of a burn or allergic reaction.

Ways to prevent blisters:

· Wear in shoes properly.

· Wear correctly fitting shoes.

· Wear appropriate socks.

· Use blister prevention products – such as lubricants and antiperspirants.

· Keep feet dry.

Ideally blisters should not be popped as the fluid is protecting the skin underneath and allowing it to heal, and a break in the skin could allow infection to get in. They should be covered and the fluid will be reabsorbed, when the skin underneath heals the top lay of skin will flack away.

Your Podiatrists at Total Foot Solutions are able to assist you with this painful problem. With the use of gait and footwear analysis we are able to diagnoses the cause of your blisters and use taping for prevention. We are also able to treat blisters in order to improve healing and reduce infection risk.

Pregnancy and your feet

Many changes occur to the body throughout the pregnancy process. Often changes to the feet and foot problems can be overlooked. The Podiatrists at SG Podiatry are here to help, particularly as your feet seem to get further and further away! Have a read below of some of the changes that can occur and how we can help.

Natural weight gain during pregnancy increases pressure on the lower limb increasing your risk of foot pain. Your centre of gravity changes also putting pressure on different structures. Your Podiatrist can talk to you about footwear options (remember you will likely go up a shoe size!) and prescribe orthotics to help with foot positioning and reduce pain. Hormones released during pregnancy cause ligamentous laxity. This can make your feet flatter.

Pregnancy can cause the formation of varicose veins and swelling. The pressure on the uterus places pressure on blood vessels and displaces water, causing the legs to swell and impairing circulation to and from the feet. To help improve this you may try graded compression, putting your feet up, reduce standing times as much as possible, drink plenty of water, avoid food high in salt, do ankle rotation exercises, and wear clothing and socks that do not restrict the circulation.

Toenails will become difficult to cut and your chances of ingrowing toenails increases. In addition women have an increased risk of plantar warts. The Podiatrists at SG Podiatry can assist with all your routine foot needs.

If you are experiencing pain in your hips and knees it could come from your feet!

For years one of my clients has been experiencing pain in her hips and knees, after her initial appointment we worked out the reason why. Her left leg is three (3) centimetres longer than her right leg, this has caused not only pain in her hips and knees but is the reason for her scoliosis. If it gets picked up when the patient is a child there are many different treatment options. However, now that she is an adult one of the only treatment options left for her is to have Orthotics with a lift in the short leg. Orthotics can be used to treat discrepancies from two (2) to six (6) centimetres. We also discovered that when she walks she rolls her feet on the outside, this can be corrected by having the Orthotics support her foot to stop the rolling motion.