
Wearing the right shoes while hiking is essential to prevent foot blisters and protect overall foot health. Hiking on long trails subjects the feet to constant pressure and friction, which can lead to painful blisters if not properly addressed. The feet can also change shape over long distances, with the toes swelling and feet growing slightly in size due to increased activity. Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or too loose can worsen these issues, causing discomfort and blisters. Proper hiking shoes should provide adequate support, fit securely, and allow for enough room to accommodate foot expansion. It is also important to wear moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and keep the feet dry. Caring for the feet while hiking includes taking regular breaks to rest and allowing the feet to breathe, using blister prevention products, and staying hydrated to avoid swelling. Foot blisters can be uncomfortable, and may cause a delay in hiking. If you have developed one or more foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can offer you relief techniques, and effective prevention tips.
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 one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors 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 offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a condition that affects children, particularly those who are active in sports. It is a form of heel pain caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. The condition occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on the growth plate, leading to discomfort. Common risk factors include participation in high-impact activities like running or jumping, a rapid growth spurt, and tight calf muscles. The primary symptom is pain in the heel, which worsens with physical activity, especially during or after sports. Children may also experience swelling and tenderness in the heel. Stretching exercises that focus on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can help relieve tension and reduce pain. Stretching the calf muscles, using foam rollers, and performing gentle heel stretches can help promote flexibility and ease discomfort. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause, and provide appropriate treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and sometimes infection. When conservative treatments, such as soaking and proper nail trimming, do not relieve the condition, surgery may be necessary. There are several types of ingrown toenail surgery. The most common is a partial nail avulsion, where the affected portion of the toenail is removed. In some cases, a chemical or surgical procedure may be used to destroy the nail matrix, preventing the nail from growing back and causing further problems. Another option is a wedge resection, which involves removing a small piece of the toenail and the surrounding tissue to provide long-term relief. Ingrown toenail surgeries are typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort. If you have an ingrown toenail that is uncomfortable or has become infected, it is suggested that you seek the guidance of a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
- Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
- Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
- Cosmetic reconstruction
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
- Bunionectomy for painful bunions
- Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
- Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.