Items filtered by date: February 2025

Heel spurs are bony growths that can form on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with plantar fasciitis. These spurs develop over time as a result of repetitive stress or tension on the foot. The primary cause is the strain placed on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. As this tissue is repeatedly stretched or stressed, calcium deposits may accumulate, leading to the formation of a heel spur. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, particularly when walking or standing after rest. Swelling and tenderness surrounding the heel area may also occur. Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause significant discomfort and restrict normal movement if left untreated. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose a heel spur, and offer appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM from InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in New Bern, NC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Blood blisters and regular blisters both form in response to friction, but they differ in appearance and severity. A regular blister is filled with clear fluid and typically forms when skin rubs against something repeatedly, causing the outer layer of skin to separate. Blood blisters, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel beneath the skin breaks, causing the blister to fill with blood rather than fluid. This can also indicate that the blister is infected. Blood blisters can feel more painful, as they put pressure on the surrounding tissue. Both types of blisters can cause discomfort, swelling, and redness. It is important to keep both clean and covered to avoid further friction. Do not pop the blister as that can increase the risk of further infection. If a blood blister does not heal, a podiatrist can safely drain it, provide wound care, and advise on prevention strategies. For persistent or painful blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to ensure proper care.

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 Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Seed corns, also known as a seed corn wart, is a type of corn that forms on the bottom of the foot, often near the toes or on the ball of the foot. It is a thickened area of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells. The term seed corn refers to the small, hard center of the corn that can resemble a seed. These growths develop when the skin tries to protect itself from constant irritation, such as from wearing tight shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or walking habits that place excessive pressure on certain areas of the foot. Over time, the body builds up extra skin in response, forming a hard, raised bump. While seed corns are not usually painful, they can cause discomfort when pressure is applied. Corns can be a bothersome foot condition. If you have developed any type of corn on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and prevention tips.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. 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 New Bern, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and redness. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injury. People with naturally curved nails or certain foot conditions are more prone to developing ingrown toenails. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, redness, and in some cases, the formation of pus if an infection develops. The area surrounding the nail may feel tender or sore, especially when walking or wearing shoes. Treatment for an ingrown toenail starts with soaking the foot in warm water to reduce swelling. For mild cases, a podiatrist may lift the nail or trim it carefully. In more severe cases, part of the nail may need to be removed or treated with a local anesthetic. If you are experiencing an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Thomas Bobrowski, DPM of InStride Crystal Coast Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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