Items filtered by date: July 2016

A poisonous plant has recently been found to cause blisters in those who come in contact with it. The plant is called wild parsnip and it is spreading across the Midwest. The plant has a yellow-green head and typically flowers between May and July. Even after the blisters have healed, it may cause a scar on those that have come in contact with it.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often 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.

How do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition that results from overactive sweat glands. A symptom of hyperhidrosis is constant sweating nonstop. Areas on the body that are affected by this condition include feet, the forehead, underarms, and the palms of hands. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by using an ineffective antiperspirant. It is important to make sure your deodorant contains aluminum chloride because it has been proven to prevent sweating. Another cause of the condition is eating too many spicy foods. Your diet can have a large impact on the way you perspire.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

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Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is developed when the fascia in the foot is stretched and strained. This is often caused by wearing shoes that offer little to no arch support, such as flip flops. The pain that results from plantar fasciitis is often excruciating, but it can be treated. Rest, relaxation, and stretching are the most common ways to alleviate pain that stems from the condition. In order to prevent developing plantar fasciitis in the future, you should always make sure the shoes you wear have good support.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

·      Excessive running

·      Non-supportive shoes

·      Overpronation

·      Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

·      Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices

·      Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

·      Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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It is very common for athletes to experience injuries while playing the sport they love. Although there are ways to avoid such injuries, these methods aren’t always effective. When it comes to managing minor injuries, the RICE technique is often used. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Painkillers are also used to treat sports-inflictedinjuries; however some people cannot handle the side effects that come along with taking them. Consequently, these people may want to look into other treatment options such as kinesiology tape or chiropractic care. Consult with your doctor if you sustain an injury.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport 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 office located in Fort Myers, FL.We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about sports related injuries.