Podiatric Care and Foot Corns

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop when the feet experience repeated pressure or friction. They frequently appear on the tops or sides of the toes, where shoes can rub against the skin. Unlike calluses, which tend to cover larger areas, corns are usually smaller and have a firm center. They can become painful when pressure is placed on them. Wearing shoes that are too tight can contribute to corns, especially when the toes are crowded or repeatedly rub against the inside of the shoe.

Foot structure can also play a role in corn development. A hammertoe or another change in toe position can create areas of increased pressure inside a shoe. Corns can also form between the toes, where skin repeatedly rubs together. These corns can remain softer because moisture collects between the toes. People with diabetes or poor blood flow need to be especially careful with corns because foot injuries can lead to serious complications. Persistent pain, redness, or changes in the surrounding skin deserve evaluation. Repeated corns can signal an underlying pressure problem that should be addressed.

A podiatrist can examine a corn and determine what is causing pressure on the affected area. The evaluation can include checking foot structure, toe position, and how shoes fit. A podiatrist can safely reduce thickened skin and recommend padding or other devices to protect sensitive areas. Treatment can also address structural problems that contribute to repeated pressure. In some cases, surgery can be considered when a foot deformity causes ongoing pain and conservative treatment does not provide enough relief. Proper evaluation can help prevent recurring corns and protect surrounding skin. If you have developed corns on the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
  • Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
  • Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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 Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Recognizing Ankle Sprains in Children

A sprained ankle is a common injury in children, especially those who participate in sports and other physical activities. An ankle sprain happens when the strong bands of tissue that support the joint are stretched or torn. This often occurs when the foot twists or rolls unexpectedly. Children may sprain an ankle while running, jumping, or changing direction quickly. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. A child may also have trouble walking or putting weight on the injured foot. Because fractures can cause similar symptoms, a professional evaluation may be needed to identify the injury correctly.

 

Ankle sprains can range from mild stretching of the supporting tissues to more serious tears. The amount of pain does not always show how severe the injury is. Children also have areas of developing bone called growth plates, which can be injured and sometimes mistaken for a sprain. For this reason, ongoing pain or difficulty bearing weight should be carefully evaluated. A significant ankle injury may also affect joint stability and movement. Returning to normal activity before the ankle has properly healed may increase the chance of another injury. An accurate diagnosis can help guide treatment and support a safe recovery.

 

A podiatrist can examine a child’s sprained ankle and determine whether the injury involves the supporting tissues, bones, or growth plate. The evaluation may include checking swelling, tenderness, and ankle stability. Imaging may be recommended when a fracture or growth-plate injury is suspected. Podiatric treatment depends on the severity of the injury and can focus on protecting the ankle, restoring movement, and supporting proper healing. Follow-up care can also help determine when returning to sports or other activities is appropriate. If your child has persistent ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking after an injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

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Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active

Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.

Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.

Treatment of Foot Puncture Wounds

A foot puncture wound occurs when a pointed object pierces the skin and leaves a small entry hole. Nails, glass, and needles are frequent causes. Unlike a cut, a puncture can extend deep into the foot while looking minor at the surface. The object can also push dirt, pieces of sock, or shoe material into the wound. These trapped materials can damage soft tissue and raise the risk of infection. Walking barefoot increases exposure to sharp objects, but a puncture can also pass through a shoe. The wound’s depth and the object’s cleanliness both affect its severity.

Prompt evaluation is important because patients cannot always tell how deeply an object has entered the foot. A retained piece of material can remain hidden beneath the skin. Infection can develop in the skin and spread to a joint or bone. Warning signs include increasing pain, redness, and swelling. Drainage, warmth, or fever can also signal a problem. Diabetes, poor circulation, and reduced feeling in the feet increase the chance of serious complications. A wound that seems small can therefore require urgent attention, especially when the object broke off inside the foot or was dirty.

A podiatrist can examine the wound, determine its depth, and look for damage to nearby structures. The podiatrist can clean the injured area and remove material left beneath the skin. X-rays can reveal foreign objects or bone damage. Other imaging tests can locate materials that do not appear on an X-ray. Treatment includes protecting the foot from pressure and monitoring the wound. The podiatrist can check for infection and decide whether further care or surgery is required. Follow-up visits help confirm that healing is progressing and no hidden material remains. Early care lowers the risk of infection, painful scarring, and lasting damage. If you have a puncture wound on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Bryan Sullivan, DPM from Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Foot Blisters Are Common in Runners

Foot blisters are one of the most common issues experienced by runners, especially during long-distance or high-impact activity. A blister forms when repeated friction causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the layer beneath it. This space fills with fluid, which acts as a natural cushion to protect the raw skin underneath. While this is a protective response, it can still cause significant discomfort and interfere with performance. Understanding how and why blisters develop is essential for prevention and proper care.

The primary cause of foot blisters from running is friction created by rubbing shoes or socks against the skin. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, moisture buildup from sweat, and repetitive motion all increase the likelihood of skin irritation. As the friction continues, the outer skin layer begins to lift, leading to fluid accumulation. Common symptoms include redness, tenderness, a raised, fluid filled area, and pain when pressure is applied. If the blister breaks, the exposed skin may become more sensitive and prone to infection.

 

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing blisters. These include wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, excessive sweating, and long periods of running without rest. Choice of socks can also have an effect. Poor foot hygiene and biomechanical issues like abnormal gait patterns can also contribute. Preventive steps include choosing properly fitted running shoes, wearing moisture wicking socks, and keeping feet dry. Using protective padding or blister prevention products in high friction areas is recommended by experts. Taking these proactive steps can reduce discomfort and help maintain consistent performance. Early attention to hot spots can prevent blisters from forming or worsening. Proper footwear and foot care play a key role in long-term prevention. If foot blisters become painful or show signs of infection, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Bryan Sullivan, DPM of Mississippi Foot Center . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 our office located in Jackson, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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