A rough spot on the sole of your foot may look like a callus but could be a plantar wart. This small skin growth develops when a virus enters the skin. Plantar warts usually appear on the bottom of the foot, where pressure from standing can push them deeper into the skin. They can look like calluses because the surface becomes thick and hard. Tiny black dots may appear within the growth. These dots are small areas of dried blood, not dirt. Some warts cause pain while walking, especially when pressure falls directly on the affected area. Others cause little discomfort at first.

Plantar warts develop after contact with human papillomavirus, also called HPV. This virus causes warts on other parts of the body, too. Children, teenagers, and older adults are frequently affected. A single wart can grow larger and develop smaller warts nearby. Another form, called mosaic warts, consists of several small growths packed closely together. These clusters can be harder to treat. A podiatrist examines the skin to distinguish a wart from a callus or another growth. Checking the area is important because different skin problems can look alike.

Treatment focuses on removing the wart and reducing discomfort. A podiatrist can recommend medicine applied directly to the growth or an acid treatment that removes affected skin. Another option is freezing the wart with a special treatment called cryotherapy. Laser treatment may also be considered for stubborn cases. The best approach depends on the wart's size, location, and response to previous care. Follow-up appointments allow a podiatrist to check progress and determine whether more treatment is appropriate. Plantar warts can return after treatment, so careful monitoring matters. If you have symptoms of plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Corns are small areas of thickened skin that form in response to repeated pressure or friction. Unlike calluses, which tend to cover wider areas, corns usually have a firm center and a more defined shape. They commonly develop on the tops or sides of toes, between toes, or on weight-bearing parts of the foot. A corn can cause tenderness, burning pain, or discomfort when shoes press against it. Redness, warmth, or drainage can signal an infection and should receive prompt medical attention. Corns can be especially concerning for patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet.

Wearing shoes that are too tight can rub against the toes and create concentrated pressure. High heels may force the toes forward, while loose shoes can let the feet slide and rub. Foot structure can raise the risk of a corn or callus. Bunions, hammertoes, and prominent joints may press against the inside of a shoe. Changes in the way a person walks can place added pressure on one part of the foot. Cutting or scraping a corn without professional guidance is not recommended. It can injure healthy skin and increase the risk of infection.

A podiatrist can examine the affected area and determine whether the growth is a corn or callus. The evaluation includes checking foot shape, shoe fit, and walking patterns. Treatment can involve carefully reducing the thickened skin to relieve pressure. A podiatrist can also provide protective padding or custom orthotics to improve how pressure is distributed across the foot. In some cases, treatment for an underlying bunion or hammertoe can reduce repeated pressure. Regular monitoring is particularly important for patients who have diabetes or circulation problems. If you have developed a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A blister is a raised pocket of fluid that forms when the upper layers of skin separate. On the feet, repeated friction is the leading cause. Shoes that are too tight, loose, or stiff can rub the skin. Heat and moisture can make this rubbing worse. Blisters frequently develop on the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. Symptoms of foot blisters include tenderness, redness, and a fluid-filled bubble. Although most blisters heal within several days to a week, pressure can delay healing and increase discomfort.

Some people face a greater risk of complications from a foot blister. Diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet can make a small wound harder to notice and heal. A blister that breaks can invite a bacterial infection. Warning signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, or swelling. Drainage, worsening pain, and red streaks also require medical attention. A podiatrist can examine blisters that are severe, keep returning, or do not improve. Prompt care is especially important for patients with diabetes or circulation problems, since an untreated infection can threaten tissue and raise the risk of limb loss.

Popping a blister yourself is not recommended. A podiatrist can clean and protect the area, safely draining a large blister while preserving its protective skin, or applying a dressing. The podiatrist can also reduce pressure with padding or custom orthotics. To help prevent new blisters, the podiatrist may assess shoe fit, foot shape, and walking patterns. Recommendations can include wearing well-fitting shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and protective padding for areas that rub. Patients who develop repeated blisters may need an evaluation for a bony prominence or another source of pressure. Addressing the cause can improve comfort and reduce the chance of another blister forming. If you have a painful blister on the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Steven Wolfington, DPM of Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist 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 Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can make walking, standing, and staying active difficult. The ankle is a weight-bearing joint made up of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide movement and stability. Pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from repeated stress. Ankle sprains are a common cause and occur when ligaments are stretched or torn. Other causes include arthritis, tendon problems, and fractures. The location and severity of ankle pain can vary depending on the affected tissue. Some conditions cause discomfort only during movement, while others may produce pain even when little pressure is placed on the ankle.

Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, tenderness, or difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. Some people also notice bruising or reduced ankle movement after an injury. Ankle pain that develops gradually may be related to changes in the joint or irritation of a tendon. Because the ankle supports the body with each step, ongoing discomfort can change the way a person walks. These changes may place additional stress on the foot or other parts of the lower leg. Severe pain, significant swelling, or an inability to walk should receive prompt professional attention. An exam can help determine the cause and severity of the problem.

A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain and identify injuries or conditions affecting the foot and ankle. During an examination, the podiatrist may check joint movement, stability, and areas of tenderness. Imaging may be recommended if a fracture or another structural problem is suspected. Podiatry treatment depends on the diagnosis and may focus on reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting proper ankle function. An individualized care plan can also address foot mechanics that may place extra stress on the ankle. If persistent ankle pain, swelling, or limited movement is interfering with walking or daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Steven Wolfington, DPM from Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC. Our podiatrist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sheboygan, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.