A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot caused by repeated stress over time. Unlike a sudden break from a major injury, stress fractures usually develop gradually from repetitive trauma and increased pressure on the bones. They commonly affect athletes, runners, and individuals who increase activity levels too quickly. When bones do not have enough time to recover between activities, tiny cracks can form and worsen. Understanding the causes and warning signs of stress fractures is important for preventing more serious injuries.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture often include localized pain that develops during activity and improves with rest in the early stages. As the injury progresses, pain may become more constant and affect daily walking. Swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity when pressing on the affected area are also common. Some individuals notice difficulty bearing weight or a change in their activity level due to discomfort. Unlike general soreness, stress fracture pain usually becomes more noticeable with continued activity and should not be ignored.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing foot stress fractures. High-impact sports such as running, basketball, and gymnastics place repeated stress on the bones. Increasing training frequency too quickly or exercising without enough recovery time can contribute to injury. Irregular running surfaces may create uneven pressure throughout the foot. Additional risk factors include poor physical health, low bone density, and female gender, especially when bone strength is affected by nutritional or hormonal factors. These conditions can reduce the ability of bones to handle repeated impact.

Preventing foot stress fractures requires gradual training increases, wearing proper footwear, and adequate recovery between activities. Maintaining strong bones through proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can also reduce risk. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Blisters develop when repeated friction causes the upper layers of skin to separate, allowing clear fluid to collect between them. This fluid forms a protective cushion over the damaged tissue while the skin begins to heal. Blisters on the feet usually result from rubbing caused by shoes that do not fit properly, repeated walking and running, or increased physical activity. Heat, moisture, and sweaty feet can also increase friction and make blisters more likely to form. Although a blister may seem minor, it can become very painful and interfere with normal movement. Early evaluation is important when a blister becomes severe, repeatedly returns, or shows signs of infection because prompt care helps prevent further complications.

Symptoms include a raised pocket of fluid, redness, and pain while walking or standing. Some blisters remain small, while others grow larger and make everyday activities uncomfortable. The skin surrounding the blister can become irritated or swollen, especially when friction continues. If a blister breaks open, bacteria can enter the damaged skin and increase the risk of infection. Warning signs include increasing pain, warmth, or pus. A careful examination helps determine whether the blister is healing properly or whether another foot condition is contributing to the problem. 

Podiatrists evaluate the blister, the surrounding skin, and the way your feet function to identify the cause of repeated irritation. Treatment focuses on protecting the damaged skin, reducing pressure on the affected area, and helping the foot heal safely. A podiatrist can also recommend shoes that provide proper support and fit correctly to reduce unnecessary rubbing. Professional care is especially important when blisters are frequent, severe, or slow to heal. Early treatment helps improve comfort, supports healthier skin, and lowers the risk of infection or ongoing foot pain. If you frequently develop blisters, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and 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 Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 office located in Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people get older, ongoing foot discomfort can make everyday movement more difficult and reduce overall independence. Carrying additional body weight may place greater pressure on the feet, ankles, and joints, which can contribute to soreness, fatigue, and difficulty with walking or standing for extended periods of time. This added strain may gradually affect balance, mobility, and participation in normal daily activities. Some individuals notice aching in the heels, arches, or forefoot, while others experience swelling, instability, or discomfort that limits exercise and social routines. Because the feet support the entire body, even mild pain can have a meaningful effect on quality of life. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of discomfort, assess walking mechanics, and recommend treatments that improve support, reduce strain, and restore comfort during movement. Addressing foot pain early may help preserve mobility and confidence. If foot discomfort is making daily activities more difficult, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for care.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays an important role while walking, running, and pushing off the foot. When this tendon becomes irritated, stretched, or torn, it can make everyday movement painful. Achilles tendon injuries can develop from repeated stress on the tendon or from a sudden movement that places too much force on it. The risk also increases when the calf muscles are tight or when wearing shoes that lack proper support. Pain usually develops at the back of the ankle or just above the heel. Swelling, stiffness, and tenderness also are common. Some patients notice pain at the beginning of activity that becomes worse after continued movement. A complete tear can cause a popping sensation followed by severe pain and weakness.

A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to identify the type and severity of the injury. The evaluation includes checking the foot and ankle for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. The podiatrist also observes how the patient stands and walks to identify changes caused by the injured tendon. Imaging tests, like ultrasound or MRI scans, provide a clear view of the tendon and help confirm a partial or complete tear. Finding the injury early helps prevent additional damage and allows treatment to begin before the condition becomes more serious.

Treatment depends on the condition of the tendon and the patient's activity level. A podiatrist develops a treatment plan that reduces stress on the tendon while helping restore strength and flexibility. Care includes custom orthotics to improve foot support and reduce strain on the tendon. It also includes guided stretching and strengthening exercises.  If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injuries, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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