Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form; it develops from normal wear-and-tear as people age. The foot and ankle are prone to osteoarthritis since each foot has 28 bones and 30 joints.

Most typically osteoarthritis develops at these joints:

• Where the ankle and shinbone meet
• Where the big toe and foot bone meet
• Joints involving the heel bone, inner mid-foot bone and outer mid-foot bone

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle include:

• Stiffness or swelling of joints
• Tenderness or pain
• Difficulty moving or walking

You can care for foot and ankle osteoarthritis by wearing proper shoes and doing foot stretches and exercises to keep feet strong and flexible. However, this condition needs to be treated by a physician. Suggested treatments may include:

• Steroid medication
• Pads or arch support
• Physical therapy
• Pain relievers

Image by Quinn Dombrowski. Hard Day?. (2011). Flickr.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

It is likely you have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist, but did you know there is a tarsal tunnel syndrome of the foot? Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a painful foot condition. The tarsal tunnel is located between the inside bump of the ankle and the band of ligaments that stretches across the foot. The tarsal tunnel is home to nerves, arteries and tendons that are responsible for the movement of the foot. The tibial nerve, inside of the tarsal tunnel, provides sensation to the bottom of the foot. TTS results from this nerve being compressed.

Causes of TTS include:

• Flat feet and fallen arches that cause strain on the nerve
• Swelling due to sprains, arthritis, or diabetes
• Swollen tendons or bone spurs that compress the nerve

Symptoms include:

• Numbness of the foot
• Pain in the foot
• Tingling or burning

Treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections to relieve pressure on the nerve
• Braces or splints to reduce pressure on the foot

Image by Michael Behrens.Feet II. (2009). Flickr.

Calluses vs. Corns

Calluses and corns are areas of thickened, dead skin. They can form on your feet to protect the skin from excessive pressure or friction. They are typically caused by shoes that do not fit correctly, walking or running on hard surfaces, or flat feet.  Calluses and corns are made from the same material, but here are a few key differences.

Calluses

• Can develop on the ball of the foot, the heel, and the big toe
• Are a spread out, flat area of thick skin
• May be grayish or yellow and feel bumpy
• Develop to protect against excessive pressure on the foot

Corns

• Can develop on top of toes or between toes
• Are a localized area of thick skin that usually has a circular shape
• May have a yellow ring with a gray center (hard corn) or look like an open sore (soft corn)
• Develop from toes rubbing together or against shoes

If a callus or corn starts to cause you pain, you must seek treatment. Treatment can involve wearing padding to remove pressure or friction giving the skin time to heal, or softening and removing the dead skin. Your physician will be able to tell you the best treatment plan for you.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski. Foot Callus. (2008). Flickr.

Frost Bite Overview

With extra frigid temperatures the past few days, there has been a lot of talk about the threat of frostbite. When temperatures plunge below zero, frostbite can develop in a matter of minutes if you are not taking the proper precautions. Feet are one of the most common areas affected by frostbite. Here are a few prevention tips:

• Layer up on clothing
• Wear moisture-wicking materials
• Wear waterproof boots with a heavy rubber sole
• Eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated
• Avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol because they affect how your body reacts to the cold
• Minimize sitting or squatting in the cold for long periods. These positions can affect circulation.
• Carry an extra pair of socks to swap out if your feet get wet

Frostbite is the freezing of tissue or a body part. Warning signs include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Stinging
• Aching
• Pale, white, or grey skin

If frostbite is detected:

• Move to a warm dry area
• Remove wet clothing
• Avoid walking on frostbitten toes or feet
• Seek medical attention
• Do not use a heating pad and do not rub the area

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If your body parts are getting too cold, seek shelter. And if something does not feel right after being outside, seek the opinion of a medical professional.

Image by Matt Brittaine. Snow. (2009). Flickr.

2013 Foot Review

We’ve covered a lot of topics this year on the Vittori Foot and Ankle blog. Test yourself on how much information you remember. The answers are posted in the comments.

1. Morton’s Neuroma is a benign nerve tumor in the foot. Between what toes does it occur?
2. What is the RICE method for treating a hurt foot or ankle?
3. There are three different types of orthotics; ridged, semi-ridged and soft. What type is best for those with arthritis?
4. Clubfoot is a birth defect. It affects 1/1000 live births. True or false?
5. If you have a bunion, is it best to soak in cold or hot water?
6. Foot warts are a fungal infection. True or false?
7. Night time pain occurring behind the knee in children between the ages of 3-12 is called what?
8. The tip of a shoe may be pointed, rounded, or squared. No matter the shape, this part of the shoe is known as what?
9. An unexplained foot fracture can be a sign of osteoporosis. True or false?
10. Why do seriously stubbed toes turn black?

Image by Hartwig HKD. Happy New Year 2011. (2011). Flickr.