2014 Foot Review

How much did you learn this year? Test your knowledge on topics we covered in 2014. The answers are listed in the comments.

1. What is the most common culprit of burning feet?

2. A sprain is damage to “blank” and a strain is damage to “blank” and “blank”.

3. If icing an injury, it is safe to ice the area for how many minutes per hour?

4. True or false? Shoe inserts are the same thing as orthotics.

5. Plantar Fasciitis and Rectocalcaneal Bursitis are ailments of what part of the foot?

6. True or false? Hammer toes, claw toes and mallet toes are most commonly due to tight shoes.

7. Gout causes a pain in which toe?

8. Extra bone that forms on top of normal bone is known as what?

9. Bunions are: a) an area of thick skin caused by pressure b) a foot deformity in which the end of the toe curls downward c) an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe

10. Are warts the result of an infection or a virus?

Image by Sally Mahoney. Happy New Year to my flickr friends. (2006). Flickr.

Preventing Foot Warts

Foot warts can potentially reoccur even after treatment. Taking a few steps to prevent warts can help to avoid the pain and frustration of this foot ailment. Use this list as a guide to keeping your feet healthy.

1. Warts are the result of a virus. Wearing shoes in public places can help to prevent the virus from entering the body through small cut or cracks on the soles of the feet. Sandals should be worn at pools and in public bathrooms and showers.
2. Viruses love moist environments. Keep feet clean and dry. Make sure to change socks on a daily basis, or more often if feet become sweaty.
3. Check feet weekly. You should have skin changes checked out by a physician right away.
4. Warts are contagious. You should avoid direct skin to skin contact with someone you know has a wart.
5. Don’t share towels, socks or shoes with others. You don’t know who may be carrying the virus.
6. If you do have a wart, keep it covered with a bandaid to prevent spreading it to others.

There are a variety of treatments to take care of foot warts. Your physician will be able to explain your options and recommend the best treatment for you. He will also tell you how to best prevent future warts. 

Image by Lizard10979. Summer Feet. 2010. Flickr.

Minor Foot Problems

Minor problems with toes, feet and ankles are very common. Symptoms can develop from normal wear and tear, overuse, aging, injuries, etc. If suffering from minor foot problems such as sprains, stiffness and swelling, there are steps you can take to care for your feet at home.

• Elevate your feet to relieve pressure.
• Remove restrictions such as jewelry or tight socks.
• Stay away from activities that make your foot feel worse.
• Trade your high impact exercises for low impact activities.
• Ice areas that are swollen.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Stretch feet to ease strains.
• Massage feet to promote circulation.

If home treatments do not help your foot problem, it is best to see a physician. He will be able to properly diagnose your problem, suggest treatments and get you on the road to recovery. 

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

What do you know about bunions?

Test your knowledge on bunions. Find the answers in the comments section.

1.       Bunions are:

a.       An area of thick skin caused by pressure

b.      A foot deformity in which the end of the toe curls downward

c.       An enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe

2.       A bony bump at the base of the little toe is called:

a.       Bunionette

b.      Tailor’s bunion

c.       Both A and B

3.       Which is not a cause of bunions:

a.       Flat feet

b.      Wearing shoes that are too tight

c.       Friction on an area of skin

d.      Too much pronation

4.       Bunions cause the big toe to bend

a.       Away from the other toes

b.      Toward the other toes

5.       True or false: A bunion can cause a hammer toe?

6.       Symptoms may include:

a.       Pain in the big toe

b.      Red/irritated skin over the bunion

c.       There may be no symptoms

d.      All of the above

7.       If you have a bunion, it helps to wear shoes that:

a.       Have a high heel

b.      Are narrow

c.       Have wide and deep toe boxes

8.       True or false: Medicine can prevent or cure bunions.

If you think you may have a bunion, make an appointment with your physician. He will want to know when the bunion started, what activities or shoes make the pain worse and if any other joints hurt. He will also do an examination to check the range of motion in your toe. Sometimes x-rays are used to check for bone problems.

Image by Charles Chan. ???. (2007). Flickr.

A Caregivers Guide to Diabetic Foot Care

If you are a caregiver or family member helping someone manage their diabetes, read these important tips about how to help them avoid foot problems.

Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming straight across with a nail clipper and smoothing with an emery board. Do not round off the corners. Caregivers should check toenails once a week for swelling and other signs of infection.

Caregivers should encourage keeping feet clean, dry and moisturized. It is best to avoid hot water and soaking feet, which can lead to dry skin. Remind your patient to keep feet moisturized.

Teach your patient how to do a self-check on their feet. The sooner problem spots are found, the better. Utilizing a hand-held mirror can be helpful in identifying blisters, sores, etc. Small problems like corns, calluses or cuts can cause serious problems for anyone with diabetes. Caregivers can help to smooth out corns and calluses with a pumice stone. Minor cuts should be kept clean with soap and water.

Caregivers should be sure their patient has the proper footwear. It is important to wear protective and supportive shoes that do not cause blisters or cuts. Socks should not be so tight that circulation is cut off.

Being a caregiver is an important job and can make a huge impact in the life of the one you are helping. If you have any questions regarding diabetic foot care, please call our office for more information.

Image by andy_5322. My Foot - 4. (2006). Flickr.

Bone Spurs

A bone spur is extra bone that forms on top of normal bone. Feet are a common place for bone spurs to appear. They can cause pain and other problems if they rub on other bones, ligaments, tendons or nerves. Bone spurs can form due to:

• Aging – Cartilage breaks down over time and can cause bone spurs to form along the edges of the joint.
• Tight ligaments
• Stress on the feet due to sports and activities
• Extra pressure from being overweight
• Poorly fitting shoes

It is possible to have bone spurs and not know it, as many cases do not cause any symptoms. Many bone spurs do not require treatment. However, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, or if the spur is damaging other tissue, then your physician can recommend a course of treatment to ease your symptoms. Treatments include:

• Stretching
• Rest
• Orthotics
• Icing the area
• Steroid injections or ibuprofen
• Surgery

Bone spurs on the foot most commonly affect toes and heels. If you notice a bump on one of those areas, check with your physician to see if it could be a bone spur

Image by Debra Roby. Toe Pre-surgery. (2007). Flickr.

Healthy Feet are Happy Feet

When you think of staying healthy, you may think “eat right” and “exercise”. Of course these are at the root of a healthy lifestyle, but there is more to it than just that. Following these simple tips can help you to take proper care of your feet and prevent toe, foot or ankle problems from arising.

1. Keep feet clean, dry and moisturized.
2. Properly fitting shoes are essential to good foot health. Shoes should not pinch, should be comfortable and should provide support.
3. Maintain a reasonable weight. Added weight can add extra stress to the lower extremities.
4. Wear socks that are breathable and non-constricting.
5. Walking regularly can improve circulation and increase flexibility.
6. Cut toe nails straight across to prevent ingrown toe nails.
7. Do foot exercises and stretches to keep muscles limber.
8. Massaging feet can release tension and boost circulation.
9. Do foot checks. If anything looks out of the ordinary, or your are experiencing pain, see a physician. 

Image by Pink Sherbert Photography. Woman's Feet Holding Pink Rose Fresh Pedicure. (2009). Flickr.