Blisters

Should I puncture this blister? This question is frequently asked by patients and runners. It is always best to have a physician make the ultimate decision, but a majority of blisters can be released to allow the fluid to drain and lead to a faster and less painful recovery. A blister is secondary to friction which disrupts the layers of skin allowing fluid to accumulate. When access fluid is present and the skin is unable to stretch, this can become very painful. Using a sterile instrument such as manicure scissors, or even a needle (always wipe with alcohol) the blister can be broken allowing the fluid to drain from a gravity dependent area on the blister. Blisters can also result from fractures or even peripheral vascular disease. These are medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

Extra Digits

Extra Digits

Also known as Polydactyly, extra digits are the most common congenital digital anomaly of the hand and foot. It may appear in isolation or in association with other birth defects. Isolated polydactyly is often autosomal dominant or occasionally random, while syndromic polydactyly is commonly autosomal recessive.

The condition is usually asymptomatic, but can sometimes lead to a painful lesion between the toes, or in the below case, a painful deformed nail was the result. After 40 years of discomfort, the patient finally elected to remove the nail. Eventually we will remodel toe to prevent pain from occurring in between the great toe and the 2nd toe. The "Webbed" toes that are seen are non symptomatic and I usually advise not surgically correcting if pain is not present.