February 2026

Foot blisters develop when repeated friction, heat, or moisture causes the upper layers of skin to separate and fill with fluid. They commonly form during walking, running, or exercise, especially when shoes rub against the skin. New or poorly fitting footwear, thin socks, and seams inside shoes often increase friction. Excess moisture from sweating softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to blister formation. Foot structure can also play a role, as bunions, hammertoes, or prominent bones may create pressure points. Blisters are frequently seen during long periods of activity or sudden increases in exercise. Treatment focuses on protecting the area and reducing further irritation. Padding, blister covers, breathable socks, and properly fitted shoes help promote healing. Intact blisters should generally be left unbroken to reduce infection risk, especially without being under the care of a podiatrist. If blisters are recurrent, painful, or slow to heal, it is suggested that an evaluation by a podiatrist can help identify underlying causes, and guide treatment.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common problem that can result from conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Achilles tendonitis typically produces pain at the back of the heel and along the tendon, often worsening with activity or when climbing stairs. These conditions can develop from repetitive stress, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity, and may make walking, running, or standing uncomfortable. The heel may appear slightly swollen or red, while the affected area feels tender and stiff. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough examination, using imaging if needed, and recommending targeted exercises, orthotics, or other treatments to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe pain around the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint is a frequent reason patients seek podiatric care, as these joints play a major role in balance and push off during walking. Such toe pain may develop from overuse, injury, arthritis, or pressure from footwear. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain, stiffness, and swelling, sometimes accompanied by redness, warmth, and limited motion. The joint may look enlarged or inflamed, and it can feel sore or burning, especially when standing, walking, or bending the toe. Over time, pain may interfere with daily activities and limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination, supported by imaging when needed, to identify the exact cause of the joint pain. Treatment often begins with footwear guidance, padding, or custom orthotics, and may progress to medications, injections, or corrective procedures when appropriate. If you have MTP joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s disease is a common source of heel discomfort in active children and adolescents, especially during growth spurts. It develops when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. This often occurs in kids who participate in running or jumping sports, as tight calf muscles and rapid bone growth place extra tension on the heel. It typically affects children between the ages of eight and 14. Symptoms include heel pain during or after activity, tenderness when the heel is squeezed, limping, or avoiding sports they once enjoyed. Pain often improves with rest but returns when activity resumes. Treatment focuses on reducing strain while growth continues. Rest, activity modification, stretching, supportive shoes, heel cushions, and orthotics may be recommended. The condition resolves with time as growth plates mature. If your child has ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that they be evaluated by a podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis and guide care.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Foot Health Center of Merrimack Valley. 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 one of our offices located in North Andover, and Tewksbury, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.