Blisters on the leg can appear for many reasons, and understanding the cause helps guide proper care. Friction is one of the most common triggers, especially when skin rubs against a brace, tight clothing, or footwear that reaches the lower leg. Heat and moisture can also weaken the skin’s surface, making blisters more likely. Some blisters develop from contact reactions, such as poison ivy or irritants applied to the skin. Viral or bacterial infections may lead to fluid-filled lesions as well. Circulatory problems, including arterial or venous disease, can cause fragile skin that blisters easily, sometimes even without injury. Certain medical conditions, like edema, eczema, or autoimmune disorders, can also contribute. Blisters can open the door to infection, especially for people with underlying health issues. If you have such skin eruptions, it is suggested that you see a wound care specialist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Why Blisters Can Be Risky for Leg and Foot Health
Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form beneath the skin, often as a result of friction, pressure, or burns. On the feet, ankles, and legs, they are particularly common because these areas endure daily stress from walking, running, and wearing shoes. While many blisters are minor, they can become serious if not treated correctly, especially in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
Friction is the most common cause of blisters. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or not properly cushioned may rub against the heel, toes, or sides of the foot, leading to painful fluid-filled bubbles. Activities such as hiking, sports, or even long periods of standing can also trigger blisters, especially when combined with moisture from sweat.
Other blisters may form from burns, allergic reactions, or underlying medical conditions. On the lower extremities, blisters that break open expose the skin to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and complicating the healing process. If a blister appears on the ankle, heel, or shin, it may interfere with walking and daily mobility.
Proper care begins with protecting the blister. Keeping the area clean, covered, and free from further friction supports healing. However, large, painful, or recurrent blisters often require professional evaluation. For patients with compromised circulation or nerve damage, even a small blister can turn into a much larger problem if ignored.
A wound care specialist can determine the cause, provide safe drainage if needed, and apply advanced dressings to promote recovery. They can also recommend changes in footwear, activity, or skin protection strategies to prevent future blisters.
If you have developed a blister on your foot, ankle, or leg that is not healing or is becoming more painful, make an appointment with us as soon as possible.
 

Pressure ulcers on the legs and feet can take time to heal, especially when circulation is reduced or mobility is limited. If bacteria enter the wound, infection may develop, slowing recovery and requiring more advanced care. In rare cases, untreated infections may spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, but this is uncommon and can be avoided with proper attention and treatment. This is why it is important to recognize early signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. Wound care specialists provide treatments that protect against complications, including advanced dressings, gentle cleansing, debridement to remove damaged tissue, and infection control therapies. They also use pressure-relieving supports and circulation-improving methods to encourage faster healing. With timely professional care, most pressure ulcers improve steadily. If you notice any changes in a wound on your lower extremities, it is suggested that you see a wound care specialist for care.

Pressure Sores, Pressure Ulcers, and Arterial Ulcers Can Lead to Skin Breakdown

Not all wounds on the feet, ankles, and legs are the same. Pressure sores, pressure ulcers, and arterial ulcers may look similar at first, but develop for different reasons and require specialized care. Understanding these differences is key to proper treatment.

Pressure sores are often caused by friction at common rubbing points. Toes rubbing against each other can create small raw areas, while wearing ill-fitting shoes may lead to sores on the heel, ankle, or sides of the foot. These injuries usually begin at the surface but can quickly deepen if ignored.

Pressure ulcers, sometimes called bedsores, occur when the skin and tissue are compressed between bone and an external surface for long periods of time. On the lower extremities, they frequently appear on the heels, ankles, calves, or shins. Limited mobility, tight footwear, or prolonged bed rest can all contribute to these ulcers, which may progress through multiple stages from redness to open, infected wounds.

Arterial ulcers are different in that they result from poor circulation. When blood flow to the feet and legs is reduced, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the tissue. Even small sores on the toes, heels, or shins may become painful, deep ulcers that heal very slowly. Unlike friction-related sores, arterial ulcers are directly tied to vascular health and often signal an underlying circulation problem.

All three types of wounds demand professional attention. A wound care specialist can determine the cause, relieve pressure, improve circulation when possible, and use advanced techniques to promote healing.

If you notice a sore on your foot, ankle, or leg that is slow to close or worsening, call us for timely care to help prevent serious complications and preserve long-term mobility.

Venous leg ulcers are open sores that develop when veins in the legs do not move blood back to the heart the way they should. When the valves inside the veins weaken, blood can pool in the lower legs, creating pressure that damages the skin and leads to a wound that heals slowly. These chronic ulcers often appear near the ankle and may cause swelling, itching, or a heavy feeling in the legs. Wound care specialists treat them by improving circulation with compression wraps, cleaning the wound gently, and applying special dressings that encourage healing. Elevating the legs and walking regularly also helps reduce swelling and prevent future ulcers. If you notice a sore on your leg that is not healing, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a wound care specialist as quickly as possible.

Chronic Wounds and Complications That Slow Recovery
Most wounds follow a predictable healing pattern, but some linger far longer than expected. Chronic wounds are those that fail to progress through normal healing, often remaining open, painful, and vulnerable to infection. On the feet, ankles, and legs, these stubborn wounds can significantly limit mobility and quality of life.
Post-surgical wounds are a common source of concern. While surgery is intended to improve health, the incision site does not always close as planned. Compromised circulation, infection, or pressure can delay healing and leave patients dealing with ongoing discomfort. Professional monitoring and care are essential to ensure the wound is cleaned, dressed, and supported until closure is achieved.
Chronic pain conditions may also complicate recovery. Neuromas, for example, are thickened nerve tissues that can cause persistent pain in the foot. Although not open wounds themselves, they often interfere with normal gait and create pressure points that make the skin more prone to breakdown. Left unaddressed, this discomfort can contribute to recurring sores or prevent existing wounds from closing.
Chronic wounds require specialized attention because traditional home remedies are rarely enough. Advanced wound care techniques may involve debridement, specialized dressings, pressure offloading, or therapies designed to improve blood flow and tissue repair.
If you have a wound on your foot, ankle, or leg that is not healing or continues to reopen, call us today for expert care from our wound specialist.