Caring for your Feet

2016 is right around the corner. Start the New Year off right by taking special care of your feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, foot disorders are among the most widespread and neglected health problems affecting people in the US. Maybe you have been ignoring that pain in your foot, maybe you have been meaning to make an appointment with a podiatrist, or maybe your resolution this year is to make your health a priority. Whatever it may be, it’s always a good time to take care of your feet.

A podiatrist can:

• Diagnose and treat foot and ankle disorders
• Advise on how to prevent foot and ankle problems
• Perform surgeries to correct issues

Here are a few quick facts in caring for your feet:

• Do not ignore persistent foot pain - it is not normal.
• Inspect feet regularly and pay attention to changes - peeling, growths, moles, discoloration, etc.
• Wear properly fitting shoes and shoes that are appropriate for what you are doing.
• If you suspect something is wrong, consult a physician. Home remedies can only go so far and may cause more problems in some situations. 

Image by OUCHcharley. Poised. (2009). Flickr.

Charcot Foot

Charcot Foot is a form of arthritis that can develop in patients who have neuropathy or loss of sensation. It often develops suddenly without pain. Initial symptoms include swelling, redness and warmth of the foot and ankle. Further down the road, bones may fracture or dislocate spontaneously with no known trauma. This can cause severe deformities in the form of collapsed arches, open sores and ulcers.

Icing, elevation, braces and casts can alleviate pain, but many deformities caused by Charcot Foot may require surgery to correct the fracture or remove broken fragments of bone.

Patients can help to prevent Charcot Foot by keeping blood sugar levels under control, which reduces the progression of nerve damage. It is also important to check feet daily and to be extra careful to avoid injuries to the feet. Early diagnosis is important in the success of treating Charcot Foot. 

Image by Sarah Laval. Bare Feet. (2008). Flickr.

Pain Management

There are different types of pain that you can experience when it comes to your feet. Your doctor may suggest one of the following options for your painful condition.

Ankle Pain: Often times after an injury like a sprained ankle, you will experience some recurring or even chronic pain on the outer side of the ankle. Pain can sometimes be alleviated by anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, an ankle brace, or a steroid injection.

Plantar Fasciitis: This inflammation in the arch of the foot can be eased by calf muscle stretching, arch supports, orthotics, or steroid injections.

Arthritis: When arthritis develops in the foot or ankle, you can try physical therapy, shoe inserts or orthotics, massage, icing the area, or prescription medications.

Callus Pain: Calluses that develop on the ball of the foot can cause pain. Calluses can be shaved, padded shoes can be worn to alleviate pressure, or you can use a shoe orthotic.

Bunions: These bony bumps on the joints at the base of your toe can be treated by wearing protective pads. Some bunions require surgery to bring the big toe back to the correct position.

Your doctor will be able to figure out the best course of action to treat your pain, or the underlying condition. If you injure your foot or ankle, your doctor will tell you what you can do to help prevent pain from occurring after the injury heals. Foot pain is not something that you should ignore or learn to live with. 

Image by Anastasia R. Feet. (2013). Flickr.

What do you know about the anatomy of the foot?

1. The foot is divided into what three sections?

A. Forefoot

B. Midfoot

C. Backfoot

D. Hindfoot

2. The foot is made up of which of the following?

A. Bones

B. Joints

C. Muscles

D. Soft tissue

E. All of the above

3. Toes are also known as phalanges, true or false?

4. Which part of the foot forms the arches?

A. Forefoot

B. Midfoot

C. Backfoot

D. Hindfoot

5. What is the largest bone in the foot?

A. Tibia

B. Heel bone

C. Metatarsals

D. Cuneiform bone

6. The Achilles tendon connects what?

A. The heel to the calf muscle

B. The ankle to the calf muscle

C. The heel to the balls of the feet

7. Which part of the foot forms the heel and ankle?

A. Forefoot

B. Midfoot

C. Backfoot

D. Hindfoot

8. The forefoot contains five toes and five longer bones known as metatarsals, true or false?

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Virtual EyeSee. Question 1. (2011). Flickr.

Walking

Walking offers a host of benefits, including controlling weight, improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing blood pressure, and keeping your feet in top shape. It is important to pay special attention to your feet when walking. Not stretching properly or walking with an improper gait can lead to foot pain or even injuries.

Walking Shoes

The great thing about walking for exercise is that the only equipment you need is a pair of shoes that provide adequate support. Walking shoes should have flexibility in just the right places, should give a little when you twist them, and should bend at the ball of the foot. A professional can help fit you with a shoe that will support your type of gait.

When is it time for new shoes?

You should replace walking shoes every 300-600 miles.

If shoes are causing blisters, corns or calluses, it is time to consider a new pair.

Consider using your walking shoes only for exercise to extend the life of them.

Walking Routine

Create a walking routine. Pick a couple days a week and stick to them. Maybe there is a path by your home, maybe you want to walk with your dog or with a partner, maybe you do best indoors at a gym. Whatever it may be, walking is great for your feet and for your health.

Image by Susanne Nilsson. Walking the Dog. (2015). Flickr.

Foot Problems

About 75% of Americans suffer from some type of foot problem. There are an array of problems that can strike the feet, but they typically fall into one of the following categories.

Foot problems can be:

Acquired - improper footwear, physical stress, or small mechanical changes within the foot.

Arthritic - either from normal wear and tear, from a previous injury, or from an autoimmune disease.

Congenital - typically inherited, these problems occur at birth.

Infectious - caused by bacterial, viral or fungal disorders.

Neoplastic - an abnormal growth of tissue that may be benign or malignant.

Traumatic - associated with foot and ankle injuries.

Can you match the diagnosis to the type of foot problem above?

1. Callus

2. Athlete’s Foot

3. Tumor

4. Sprained ankle

5. Clubfoot

6. Rheumatoid arthritis

No matter what type of foot or ankle problem you are dealing with, it is always a good idea to see a specialist to get a thorough examination, an accurate diagnosis, and a course of treatment and/or prevention.

Image by Elvert Barnes. Self.Hand.Foot.SW.WDC.30nov05. (2005). Flickr.

Fun Foot Facts

On average, an adult takes 8,000 - 10,000 steps a day. That equates to walking around the earth more than four times in your lifetime.

During an average day of walking, the total forces on your feet can total hundreds of tons.

About 75% of Americans have some form of foot problem.

Women have approximately four times as many foot problems as men. Wearing high heels is a contributing factor.

A two and a half inch heel can increase the load on the forefoot by 75%.

There are 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet. They can excrete about half a pint of perspiration per day.

One foot is often larger than the other.

A toenail takes about six months to grow from base to tip.

A quarter of all the bones in the human body are in the feet. When bones in your feet are out of alignment, it throws off your whole boy.

Feet mirror your general health. Foot problems can be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Image by Ken Wilcox. Day 254 - Feet. (2009). Flickr.

What do you know about foot and ankle arthritis?

1. What is the most common form of arthritis?

a. Osteoarthritis

b. Rheumatoid arthritis

c. Posttraumatic arthritis

2. What is osteoarthritis?

a. Normal wear-and-tear

b. Arthritis after an injury

c. An autoimmune disease

3. In osteoarthritis, the “blank” in the joint gradually wears away.

a. Bone

b. Muscle

c. Cartilage

4. Arthritis can lead to bone rubbing on bone, which can produce what?

a. Broken bones

b. Bone spurs

c. Bunions

5. Joint deformity is a sign of which type of arthritis?

a. Osteoarthritis

b. Rheumatoid arthritis

c. Posttraumatic arthritis

6. Dislocations and fractures are the most common injuries that lead to posttraumatic arthritis. True or False?

7. Which of the following are symptoms of arthritis?

a. Pain

b. Inflammation

c. Tenderness

d. Joint swelling

e. All of the above.

8. An injured joint is more likely than an uninjured joint to become arthritic, even if the injury is properly treated. True or False?

Check the comments below for the answers.

Image by Leimenide. Question Mark. (2008). Flickr.

What to do with a Lower Extremity Injury

Injuries like stubbed toes, twisted ankles and strained muscles are all common. Some minor injuries can be treated at home with ice, heat and rest. There are a few important things to remember to safely treat your injury.

• Do not ice the area for more than 15 minutes per hour.
• Icing is most effective during the first 24 hours of your injury.
• Do not put ice directly on the skin. Use a cloth or paper towel between the ice and the injured area.
• Do not use a heating pad over 30 minutes.
• Make sure the heating pad is not too hot.

Try staying off the injury to give your body time to heal and elevate your feet to help reduce swelling. Be sure to gauge your progress. If swelling does not go down, if it remains difficult to move around, if bruising is persistent, and/or pain lasts, it is time to see a physician. The injury may be more serious than you initially thought. Your doctor may order you to get an x-ray to see what is going on under the surface. 

Image by andriuxphoto. (2010). Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/andriuxuk/

Arthritis and Shoes

It is common for arthritis to affect the feet. This can make walking difficult and painful, so it is important to wear shoes that are comfortable. Here are some tips on shoe wear based on the type of arthritis you have.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage and bony spurs at the base of the big toe; this leads to bunions. It is best to wear wider shoes to ease discomfort. If the arch of the foot starts to degenerate, bony spurs can start to form on the top of the foot. It is best to avoid tying shoes tightly when this occurs. Stick to shoes that do not put pressure on the point of the spur.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of the foot, which causes bone to push against the skin at the bottom of the foot. This results in calluses and ulcerations in that area. Wear shoes that take the pressure off the bottom of the foot. Rocker bottom soles are one option. Make sure there is good arch support. If you experience any abrasions on the tops of the toes or nodules on the sides of the foot, heel or toes, make sure your shoes are not rubbing against those areas.

Image by Kathryn Brisbin. Shoes. (2010). Flickr.

Myths about Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that causes red, itchy feet. Here are a few myths about athlete’s foot:

1 - Only athletes get athlete’s foot.

Anyone exposed to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot can get infected. The condition got its name because this particular fungus is common in areas where athletes hang out, such as showers and locker rooms.

2 - Only people with poor hygiene get athlete’s foot

You can get athlete’s foot even if you wash your feet constantly and washing them will not clear up the fungus.

3 - You can only get athlete’s foot by walking barefoot in areas where fungus is present.

Walking in an area where the fungus lives is only one way to get athlete’s foot. You can get infected by sharing a towel, socks, shoes or bed sheets with someone who has athlete’s foot.

4 - If the skin between your toes is not peeling, you do not have athlete’s foot.

There are many different symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can get peeling between the toes, but you may just have redness or dryness on the bottom of the feet.

5 - You cannot get athlete’s foot if your feet are covered in shoes and socks.

Fungus thrives in dark, damp places. If your shoes or socks are wet, it is possible to get athlete’s foot.

6 - Once athlete’s foot is treated, it won’t return.

Athlete’s foot can reappear if you do not take steps to prevent it.

Image by Teresa Trimm. Athlete's Foot03. (2012). Flickr.

What do you know about caring for your feet?

Taking care of your feet can help to prevent foot problems down the road. Test your knowledge to see if you know how to properly care for your feet.

1. You should moisturize every part of your foot except:

A. Heels

B. Balls of the feet

C. Between the toes

2. You should clip your toenails so that they are:

A. Straight across

B. Rounded

3. It is important that shoes are not too tight. Corns and calluses can develop when there is too much pressure against your foot. The difference between corns and calluses are where they are located on your feet. One forms on the top of the foot, sometimes on a toe. The other appears on the bottom of the foot. Which is which?

4. Sweaty feet can cause smelly feet and infections. What is a good way to get sweaty feet under control?

A. Wash your feet

B. Dry feet well

C. Wear moisture-wicking socks

D. All of the above

5. Small growths of hardened skin that are caused by a virus are called warts. They can most commonly be caught by walking on a dirty, wet surface. True or false?

6. Shoe inserts and orthotics can help with foot problems like flat arches and foot pain. Which of these has to be prescribed by a doctor?

7. Foot pain can be caused by the following:

A. High heels

B. Being overweight

C. Foot injury

D. Abnormal gait

E. All of the above

8. Good circulation is important for healthy feet. The following can reduce the flow of blood to the feet and should be avoided:

A. Standing for long periods

B. Wearing shoes or socks that are too tight

C. Stretching 

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by Thomas Galvez. Question Everything. (2014). Flickr.

Less Common Foot Problems

Everyone has heard about foot problems such as athlete’s foot, bunions, hammer toes, warts, nail fungus, etc. Podiatrists see and treat these types of problems every day. However, there are many other lesser known conditions that involve the feet. Here are a few interesting ones you may not have heard of before:

Metatarsalgia: Common overuse injury. This pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot is typically found in athletes who participate in high-impact sports.

Acrocyanosis: Blueness of the extremities. This blue discoloration of the skin can appear on toes and ankles. It is caused by the narrowing of tiny arteries toward the end of the legs.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A problem with blood flow. Feet feel cold and numb because the body does not send enough blood to your feet.

Turf Toe: Frequent constant jamming of the toe causes ligaments around the big toe to sprain. This is most commonly found in athletes who repeatedly push off their big toe.

Hallux Rigidus: A disorder that affects the joint at the base of the toe causing pain and restricted movement. This condition is progressive. It starts as limited movement and ends with stiffness of the toe.

Foot Drop: A muscle weakness in the front part of the foot that results in the dragging of toes while walking. 

Image by Craig Sunter. Two Foot Long. (2013). Flickr.

Foot Exercises for Heel Pain

Heel pain can develop for a variety of reasons. It can sometimes be relieved by some simple exercises. Here are a few to try out.

Stretching tight calf muscles

Stand about a foot away from a wall and place the palms of both hands against the wall at chest level. Step back with one foot, keeping that leg straight at the knee, and bend the other leg at the knee. Press on the wall with your hands. You will feel a stretch on your back leg.

Toe Curls

Sit with a towel on the floor in front of you. Grip the towel with the toes of one foot, curling the toes to pull the towel toward you. Repeat this process with the other foot. You can use weights on the end of the towel to make it harder and build more strength.

Towel Stretch

Lie down and use a rolled up towel looped over one foot to stretch the front of your foot. Take one end of the towel in either hand and pull gently until you feel the stretch.

If these exercises do not help to relieve pain, cause pain, or make your pain worse, it is time to see a physician. He will be able to accurately diagnose what is causing your pain and will suggest a course of treatment.

Image by Elvert Barnes. 07.Stretch.NatioanlMall.WDC.10apr06. (2006). Flickr.

Flatfoot

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch that runs lengthwise along the bottom of the foot has not developed normally. It is lower than normal or flattened out. This can affect one or both feet.

Flatfoot can be caused by:

• An inherited condition
• An injury
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Both children and adults can be flat footed. Most children develop the longitudinal arch between the ages of 3 - 5 years old. Until this time, they are flat footed.

Some common treatments for flat feet include:

• Wearing roomy shoes with good arch support
• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Padding for the heel

There can be pain associated with flat feet. Some ways to help relieve the pain include:

• Foot strengthening exercises
• Calf stretching exercises
• Heat
• Massage
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

Image by Thomas Abbs. Sunshine Feet. (2010). Flickr.

What do you know about Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging is used to diagnose a variety of foot problems. Let’s test your knowledge on the types of imaging your doctor might order to diagnose your problem.

1. Which test is a form of radiation focused into a beam that creates a picture?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

2. Which test uses sound waves to develop images of what is happening inside the body?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

3. Which test uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to create pictures of structures within the body?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

4. Which test is used to detect soft tissue injuries?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

5. Which test is used to detect fractures or dislocations?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

6. Which test is used to detect torn ligaments or tendons?

A. Ultrasound

B. X-ray

C. MRI

7. Match the color to the area of the x-ray.

White

Gray

Black

Muscles

Bones

Air

8. True or False? For ultrasounds, the echoes the sound waves make determine the size, shape and consistency of soft tissues and organs.

The correct answers are listed in the comments below.

Image by Tiffany Terry. Question Mark? (2011). Flickr. 

Foot Changes as you Age

As you get older, it is normal for your feet to experience some changes. Here are a few of the common ones:

Feet spread out. This will most likely affect your shoe size. Be sure to measure feet before buying shoes, instead of relying on the size you typically buy.

The bottoms of feet loose the fat pads that provide cushion to the feet. The heel pad is the area most affected. This can make feet vulnerable to pain and injury.

Skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This can make you more prone to injury and infections.

Ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity. This can reduce flexibility and/or reduce joint motion.

Cartilage can break down. This can cause joint inflammation and arthritis.

Nails can get thick and brittle. This can cause nails to split and break.

Start caring for your feet at an early age. If changes occur that cause concern to you, speak to a physician about what can be done. 

Image by Ale Art. Feet. (2013). Flickr.

Preventing Foot Problems

There are many things that you can do to help avoid foot problems down the road. Here are a few good tips on some easy ways to care for your feet.

Good Circulation

Many things can reduce the flow of blood to the feet. Try to avoid the following:

• Extended exposure to cold temperatures or cold water
• Shoes or socks that are too tight
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Smoking

If you are going to be sitting for an extended period, take breaks and stand up. Stretching and walking promote good circulation.

Comfortable Shoes

Shoes that fit well can help to prevent many foot problems. Beware of the following:

• Foot width can increase with age
• Lower heels are less damaging than high heels
• Thicker soles lessen pressure on hard surfaces
• The upper part of shoes should be flexible

Good shoes can help to avoid problems such as corns, calluses and bunions.

Proper Grooming

Keeping feet properly groomed can help to avoid many problems.

• Cut toenails straight across and level with the top of the toe. This will help to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Keep feet dry and clean, especially between the toes. This will help to avoid bacterial and fungal infections.
• Use a mild soap and a moisturizer every day. This will help to avoid dry skin which can cause itchy burning feet.

If a problem with the foot does pop up, it is best to get it treated right away. Your physician will let you know if and how the problem can be prevented in the future.

Image by Amy the Nurse. My Feet! (2008). Flickr.

Anatomy of a Foot

Foot Anatomy

The foot is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues. The foot is divided into three sections; the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot.

Forefoot: Contains five toes, also known as phalanges, and five longer bones, known as metatarsals.

Midfoot: Forms the arches of the feet. This section contains three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone and the navicular bone.

Hindfoot: Forms the heel and ankle. The heel bone, also known as the calcaneus, is the largest bone in the foot. The talus bone supports the leg bones, and forms the ankle.

Muscles, tendons and ligaments run along the bottom of the feet. These make it possible for movement and balance. The Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscle, makes running, jumping and balancing on the toes possible.

Foot Problems

With all these components, no wonder there are so many different foot conditions. There is potential for something to go wrong with each part of the foot. For example, bones can get fractured or broken, or grow abnormally. Muscles can get strained. Ligaments can get inflamed. Cartilage can wear out.

If something inside your foot is aching, you're having trouble walking, you're experiencing swelling, etc., see a physician to identify the problem. 

Image by Charli Lopez. Feet. (2011). Flickr.

What do you know about foot arches?

1. Which of the following is not an arch type?

A. Flat Arch

B. Curved Arch

C. High Arch

D. Normal Arch

2. How can you determine the type of arch you have?

A. Examine your footprint

B. Ask your physician

C. Both A and B

3. Match the footprint with the type of arch.

1. Normal

2. Flat

3. High

A. You can see about half your arch

B. You can see your heel, the ball of your foot and a thin line on the outside of the foot

C. You can see almost your entire footprint

4. Pronation is the inward movement of the foot as it rolls to distribute the force of impact as it hits the ground. Match the arch type with the most likely type of pronation.

1. Normal

2. Flat

3. High

A. Normal Pronator

B. Overpronator

C. Underpronator

5. Which arch type is the least common?

A. High

B. Flat

C. Normal

6. Which arch type is the most common?

A. High

B. Flat

C. Normal

7. A Flat arch can also be called what?

A. Fallen Arch

B. Even Arch

C. Uniform Arch

8. True or False? You are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis if you have flat or high arches.

Check the comments below for the correct answers.

Image by andy_5322. Footprints. (2006). Flickr.

Foot Cleaning for Diabetics

Those that have diabetes need to take extra special care of their feet in order to keep them free of infections. Following these foot washing steps will help you to keep your feet healthy.

1. Use warm, not hot, water.
2. Make sure you wash all parts of your feet using a mild soap. Don’t forget to wash in between your toes.
3. Pat, don’t rub, feet dry. Make sure every part of your foot is dry. Moist skin can harbor bacteria or fungus, which can led to an infection.
4. Help to prevent calluses or cracks by applying a moisturizing lotion. Do not put cream in between your toes; moisture will get trapped.
5. Clean underneath your toenails. Do not use anything sharp.
6. Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. Use an emery board to keep edges smooth.
7. Gently use a pumice stone on the bottom of feet to avoid calluses.
8. Put on clean socks daily. If socks become damp, change them.

If you cannot see your feet well, have someone help you with your foot care. Do not attempt to cut nails or clean underneath the toenails by yourself. If your toenails are thickened or yellow, have your podiatrist help you trim them. Do not use any type of corn, callus or wart removers and avoid lotions with perfume. If you have any questions about your foot care, or think your may have an infection, talk to your podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Image by oddharmonic. My Feet. (2010). Flickr.

Risks of Wearing High Heels

High heeled shoes can pose many risks to your feet. Some of the most common problems include "pump bump", an unnatural foot position, and sprained ankles. 

Pump Bump: This painful knot on the back of the heel is caused by wearing high heeled shoes. The material on the back of the shoe presses on this bump causing pressure which can lead to blisters, bursitis, and pain in the Achilles tendon.

Unnatural Foot Position: The position your foot is forced into puts stress on the ball of the foot. Bones and nerves can become inflamed, and this stress can even lead to hairline fractures.

Sprained Ankle: The chances of rolling your ankle increases when wearing high heels. Ligaments can stretch or tear. A severe sprain can even lead to osteoarthritis down the road.

Try to keep heel height to a maximum of 2”. The closer you can keep your foot to its natural position, the better. Also, the thicker the heel, the better. Stilettos, which are ultra narrow heels, cause your weight to be concentrated on one area. Your walking can easily become unbalanced, making you more likely to sprain your ankle. Chunkier heels distribute your weight more evenly. Remember, any size heel you wear will put extra stress on the ball of your foot. 

Image by Brunella Martin. Recap. (2011). Flickr.

Summer Foot Safety

Summer is arguably the best time of the year. Warm weather, sunshine and time spent outside are among the many things that make summers great. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your feet safe from the elements.

Sun Safety

Your feet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about protecting your skin from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of the feet and even between toes if you are going barefoot or are wearing sandals. Wearing shoes that cover the feet and avoiding peak sun hours when UV rays are the strongest are another way to keep feet safe. Check your feet frequently for any new spots or changes in moles and freckles.

Bug Bites

Getting bug bites on the feet are extra annoying due to irritation when wearing shoes. Help prevent bug bites by covering your entire foot when spending time outside at night. If wearing sandals, cover feet in bug spray. If you do get bitten, do not scratch the bite. You may open the skin leaving you prone to bacteria. You can use an anti-itch cream or a cold compress to relieve itching.

Flip Flops

Injuries such as twisted ankles and stubbed toes can occur from tripping over the front of flip flops. You can also develop blisters from the thong part of the sandal. Toes are overworked since they do all the work gripping. Keep in mind; sturdier is better. If the flip flop can bend in half, it is best to avoid them. Look for sandals that offer arch support and shock absorption. 

Image by Luke Ma. Lovely Beach - Sony A7R. (2014). Flickr.

What do you know about swollen feet?

1. Feet and ankles can swell due to:

A. A collection of body fluid

B. Tissue growth

C. Abnormal movement of tissue

D. All of the above

2. Swelling can be a side effect of an injury like a sprained ankle or stubbed toe. What is the best course of action to treat this?

A. Rest, ice, compress and elevate the foot

B. Walk it off

C. Wear tight shoes

3. Weakened blood vessels can cause fluid retention in the soft tissue of the ankle and feet. What is this called?

A. Venous Stasis

B. Venous Insufficiency

C. Venous Doppler

4. A collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissues is referred to as what?

A. Lymph node retention

B. Lymphadenitis

C. Lymphedema

5. Swollen feet are a common symptom of pregnancy. It can be serious if the swelling is accompanied by:

A. High blood pressure

B. Protein in the urine

C. Abdominal Pain

D. All of the above

6. Why do blood clots in the leg veins cause swelling?

A. They stop the return flow of blood from the legs back up to the heart

B. They can cause nerve damage

C. They can cause foot infections

7. True or False? Certain medications can cause swelling of the feet and ankles.

8. Swelling in the feet can be a sign of foot infection. Those with “blank” are at greater risk for foot infections, and should check feet daily.

A. Venous Insufficiency

B. Blood Clots

C. Diabetes

Find the answers in the comments below.

Itchy Feet

Itchy feet can be accompanied by mild to serious symptoms. You can experience:

• Dry, flaky skin
• White, moist skin
• Red, peeling skin
• Burning on the soles of feet

If you have itchy feet, it is best to see a physician so that you can be accurately diagnosed. You may have something as simple as dry skin or something more serious like eczema or athlete’s foot.

Eczema

Eczema appears as a rash with dry, thickened, scaly skin. The exact cause of eczema is unknown and flare ups can happen as a result of contact with certain substances or from certain conditions. Your physician will help to relieve and prevent itching. Lotions, creams, cold compresses, hydrocortisone, and antihistamines are a few ways used to relieve symptoms.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot can also be accompanied by red rashes and burning between the toes and/or blisters and ulcers on top of the feet. It can develop from fungi living in showers, pools, gyms and poorly ventilated shoes. Common treatments are anti-fungal powders or sprays. You can prevent athlete’s foot by not walking barefoot in public areas that are damp and humid and wearing breathable shoes and socks.

Image by Care_SMC. Eczema on top of foot. (2008). Flickr.