Acrocyanosis

What is it?

Acrocyanosis is a disorder that affects the skin on feet, specifically the toes and ankles. It is caused by the constriction of tiny arteries toward the end of the legs. The arteries carry oxygen and nutrients through the blood to the skin on feet. Acrocyanosis causes these arteries to spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. Skin is unable to receive the necessary amount of oxygen, which causes the skin to turn a blue, purple or red color.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, feet will be persistently cold and be blue in color. Feet can also be sweaty and can swell. There is rarely pain associated with Acrocyanosis. The disorder gets worse when exposed to the cold and improves when feet warm up.

What is the treatment?

Treatment can be as simple as keeping feet warm and dry. Acrocyanosis affects more women than men, but is not a common disorder. If you notice any discoloration in your feet, it is important to see a medical professional.

Image by William Warby. Michael's Feet. (2009). Flickr.

Diabetes: Caring for Feet Daily

Patients with diabetes need to be extra careful when caring for feet. Be mindful of these tips when washing feet daily:

1. Use warm, not hot, water.
2. Be sure to wash all areas of the feet, including between toes.
3. Use a mild soap. Do not use antiseptic soaps.
4. Pat, don’t rub, feet dry.
5. Dry the area between toes to avoid moist feet that can lead to bacteria and fungus which can cause infection.
6. Moisturize feet to prevent calluses and cracks. Do not put lotion between toes. Do not use perfumed lotions.
7. Clean under toenails carefully.
8. Do not cut cuticles.
9. Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
10. Carefully use a pumice stone to prevent calluses.
11. Always put on clean socks.

It is important to keep feet protected and do everything possible to avoid infection. If you are diabetic and have a problem with your feet, seek the opinion of a podiatrist immediately. 

Image by Photo AteLier. Shower No. 2. (2011). Flickr.

When to see a Podiatrist

It may seem easier to try to take care of foot problems on your own, but most of the time, it is best to get your foot ailments treated by a physician.

Corns and Calluses

Do not cut corns or calluses and do not use razor blades on them

Do not use liquid corn and callus removers, they can damage the skin

Do see a podiatrist. Corns and calluses are generally symptoms of another problem. A physician will be able to figure out what is causing the pressure. Over the counter treatments treat only the symptoms, not the underlying problem.

Ingrown Toenails

Do not treat at home if you have diabetes

Do not try to cut out the ingrown portion of the nail

Do see a podiatrist if the nail is not healing properly, gets worse, or continues to come back. Over the counter treatments help ease pain, but do not treat the problem.

Warts

Do not try to cut out of skin

Do see a podiatrist if the wart becomes painful to walk on. Your physician will be able to figure out the best way to treat the wart, this may include removal.

Fungus

Do not ignore, fungus is contagious

If over the counter treatments are not working, seek the advice of a physician. Your doctor can prescribe pills or medicine to put on your skin.

Blisters

Do not break the blister

Do not wear shoes that cause friction against the area

Do not cover when there is nothing rubbing against it

Do see a physician if the skin becomes infected or the blister becomes crusty and oozing. 

Image by Nina J.G. Foot Blister. (2011). Flickr.

Burning Feet

A burning sensation in the feet can be caused by many medical conditions. Nerve damage in the legs, which is knows as neuropathy, is the most common culprit of burning feet. Damaged nerves send pain signals to the brain without an actual injury.

Burning feet due to neuropathy must be treated by stopping ongoing nerve damage.  Some burning feet causes and likely treatments include:

Diabetes

Patients must keep blood sugars in the normal range by making dietary changes or changes in medication

Chronic kidney disease

Dialysis is sometimes used to eliminate toxins that cause neuropathy

Vitamin deficiency

Taking B12 supplements can help replace this nutrient

Hypothyroidism

Taking oral synthetic thyroid hormones can raise low thyroid levels

Aside from neuropathy, burning feet can be caused by infections and inflammation, such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal drugs can relieve the burning sensation.

If you experience the discomfort of burning feet, seek the medical opinion of a podiatrist. 

Image by pozek. fire. (2006). flickr.

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.