It Just Appeared Out of Nowhere! What To Do About Blisters

Have you ever dealt with a tiny sliver that gave you a ton of discomfort? Something small in the right place can really be a pain…literally! A blister can be just that – a small little injury that can cause a lot of pain.

How did my blister happen?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for a blister to develop. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has heard often from his patients, “The blister just appeared!” Blisters are caused by friction. When poorly fitting shoes or a repetitive activity cause pressure and friction on the same area of skin, the layers of skin break and a pocket of fluid forms.

What should I do if I get a blister?

Right after a blister forms, it can be helpful to use some ice to alleviate some of the pain and swelling. As tempting as it is to want to pop a blister, it is usually best to leave it alone. The fluid inside promotes healing and an open blister puts you at risk for infection. If the blister does get punctured, applying some hydrogen peroxide can help ward off infection. Do not remove the skin over a blister, as the skin underneath is very sensitive and prone to infection. Put a bandage over the blister and use a cushioning pad or a piece of moleskin to protect the area.

What can I do to prevent a blister?

Dr. Pandya offers several easy tips to keep blisters at bay:

• Break new shoes in gradually
• Use petroleum jelly or a bandage on an area that rubs before the blister forms
• Wear socks made out of acrylic and synthetic fiber materials

Keep an eye on your feet. If a blister is painful and showing signs of being infected, come in to our podiatric office for help. This is especially important if you have poor circulation or diabetes. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to request an appointment or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com. 

Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon

What does cholesterol have in common with your feet?

You may not normally associate cholesterol with feet but there is a condition called a xanthoma that can affects your Achilles tendon. A high cholesterol level can cause small deposits of cholesterol to develop under the skin or along tendons. They appear as small nodules or bumps. If these bumps are noticed, it is important to be aware that your risk of heart attack, heart disease or stroke is greatly increased.

Foot specialist Dr. Tejas Pandya treats all foot and ankle conditions and sees how xanthomas can develop within the Achilles tendon on the heel. Looking like a little sore or bump under the skin, they are usually flat, yellow in color and soft to the touch. To diagnose a xanthoma, aside from its characteristic appearance, Dr. Pandya may take a small biopsy to examine whether the growth contains cholesterol.

Aside from treating the underlying cholesterol problem, xanthomas may be removed with a laser treatment or by surgically cutting them out. They can grow back and other ones can appear in different locations in your body. Focus needs to primarily be on getting your cholesterol to where it needs to be. This may mean medications and lifestyle changes but lowering your cholesterol level may allow existing xanthomas to reduce in size or go away entirely.

Since a small lump or bump could be caused by a number of things, it is important to get even something small looked at. Dr. Pandya will be able to do a thorough evaluation and diagnosis to determine the cause of your bump(s). If it is near your Achilles, it may very well be a xanthoma, which will indicate a specific course of treatment.

Make an appointment today if you see a bump on your Achilles. Call our podiatric in Troy, NY and Clifton Park, NY at (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Where to Start on Getting in Shape for Summer

Spring is here – Summer is coming!

What does the thought of warm summer weather bring to mind? Lazy days, family fun and beach vacations may be at the top of your list. For many, the thought of summer brings up the need to get in shape!

Summer is a time to be active and if the winter doldrums have had you cooped inside living a sedentary lifestyle, it may be time to kick things into gear. But where does one start? The experts at www.livestrong.com have been helping beginners and pros alike in getting and staying fit and healthy.

One of the first things to do is take a true assessment of your habits. Old habits die hard and it may take some new goals and scheduling to turn things around. Start small and evaluate the best ways to ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet. You need food for the energy you are going to burn working out but it needs to be the right food. There are many online tools that will give you a quick refresher course on how you can change your diet in a way that suits you and your lifestyle.

Second, team up your new diet plan with a well-rounded exercise plan. Find some activities you love to do and strive for 60-90 minutes of aerobic exercise every single day. You may need to get creative if you lead a busy life but regular exercise is going to help you burn calories, release stress and build up your cardiovascular health just to name a few of the benefits!

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY needs to be part of your team as well. Nothing will be more frustrating in your endeavors than foot or ankle pain. Catch problems before they arise and get help finding the best athletic footwear for your feet. Make an appointment today so we can help you stay on track! Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Help For Shin Splints

Are you a runner with lower leg pain?

Shin splints are definitely an unwelcome visitor when you are trying to keep up with a running or exercise routine. Known as medial tibial stress syndrome, it is a common problem seen at our Troy, NY podiatric office.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya, treats runners and athletes on a regular basis. Shin splints can stop you in your tracks, but with treatment by Dr. Pandya and an understanding of how they develop will get you back on your feet in no time.

Shin splints cause pain alongside or behind your shinbone. Pain arises from your muscles and tendons becoming inflamed. You might notice swelling and tenderness if you touch your lower leg. Typically, shin splints develop after too much stress has been put on your shinbone. Dr. Pandya often sees shin splints in patients who:

• Consistently run downhill

• Run in unsupportive or worn out footwear

• Are heavily involved in sports or activities with starts and stops such as basketball or tennis

• Train too hard and too fast, putting an overload of stress on their legs

• Play sports on hard, unforgiving surfaces

• Have flat feet or rigid arches

Suffering from shin splints is not fun. You can effectively treat them at home by resting and avoiding any activities that cause further pain. Try ice packs and elevating your shin to reduce swelling. If you can’t keep them from returning, you may need corrective shoes or custom orthotic inserts to support your feet.

Contact us today for help and stop living in pain. You can make an appointment by calling (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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