April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and we want to help you spot the signs of common foot conditions as soon as possible. One of the biggest things we highlight during this month is the importance of regular foot inspections. It is empowering to know the current condition of your feet and ankles. The knowledge allows you to be in the best position to alert us of any changes. It may feel overwhelming because people often underestimate the value of knowing their bodies.

spotting signs

The doctors at West Hartford Podiatry Associates care about your concerns and questions. We want to know about changes — even if they seem small to you. If you notice a new mole or new pain, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can decide the next steps. Here are three common conditions and their signs.

  1. Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that can develop on your feet. They can become painful over time, and they may also burst.

  • Blisters form in response to friction and moisture
  • Leave blisters alone, and do not pop them
  • If a blister pops on its own, keep it clean to avoid infection

  1. Calluses

If you have a callus, it is calling your attention to your shoes. The problem is friction. A callus forms as a rough, thick area of skin. Your skin is trying to protect itself from further irritation.

  • Shop for shoes that have a roomy toe box
  • Use padding or cushion to ease the discomfort
  • Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to soften the callus

  1. Ingrown toenails

When your toenail begins to grow into your skin, you have developed an ingrown toenail. The condition is painful and can worsen with the wrong pair of shoes. Talk to your podiatrist for the next steps.

  • Ingrown toenails are common on your big toe; look for redness or swelling
  • If your toenail breaks the skin, clean the surface to avoid infection
  • If you have recurring ingrown toenails, talk to your doctor about permanent solutions

We have only shared a few conditions that you can spot with daily foot inspections. There are so many more. Practice makes perfect, too. The more regularly you perform inspections, the more comfortable you will become in noticing changes.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates, Harvey Lederman, DPM, Marc Lederman, DPM, and Kurt Rode, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.