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Footionary
Bunions
This bony bump on the outside edge of your big toe is a form of
arthritis. It indicates that degenerative changes are taking place
in the bone beneath. In fact, the bunion may be causing your
first toe to push inward against your second toe and create a
hammertoe. Not all bunions result in complete swinging-in of the
big toe. There are simple bunions that appear on the side of a
straight big toe and others on the top of the big toe joint, (as
opposed to the side.)
Only surgery can clear up your problem once and for all. There
are several different surgical procedures, and in most cases
they are done on an ambulatory basis. There is no need for
hospitalization for the average person. Some bunion procedures
don't even require stitches after minimal incision.
Hammertoes
is a permanent deformity of one of your middle toes-probably the
big toe's neighbor-in which the joint has become bent up and
twisted.
Correcting a flexible hammertoe is classified as minor surgery. A
flexible hammertoe is one that can be manually straightened out
by putting pressure on the top to force it to lie flat.
Another type of hammertoe surgery can be performed when the
hammertoe is more rigid. This is called arthroplasty. It can be
done under local anesthesia and will permanently eliminate the
pain. In both cases you can usually return to work immediately.
Corns
A corn is a hard, thickened area of skin found on the top of, the
tip of, or between your toes. It's round and yellow. If yours is
reddish, you've got an inflamed corn. A corn has a central core
that descends into your flesh in a cone-shaped point killing all
the normal cells in its way.
Chronic corns are caused by a hammertoe condition. Recurring
corns can be eliminated through a minor surgical procedure.
Additionally, collagen treatment brings relief to some corn
sufferers and is the treatment of choice for those who are unable
to undergo surgery.
Fungal Nails
Fungal toenail infections can occur after years of microtrauma to
the toes, from shoes that don't fit properly.
When the nail matrix is infected, your best bet is to have the nail
surgically removed. Anti-fungal drugs can also be applied to the
nail, and can be combined with periodic professional cleaning of
the nail.
Heel Spurs
This is a bony protrusion on the bottom of your foot caused by a
growth of calcium that has begun to project downward and is
touching your plantar fascia. (The thick piece of tissue
underneath the skin on the sole of your foot).
If your pain is acute, take an analgesic like Tylenol or another
over-the counter painkiller. If this is not sufficient, ultrasound
therapy, electrogalvanic stimulation, and special footbaths can
help. Heel spur surgery is designed to correct whatever
biomechanical problem is causing the spur in the first place.
Calluses
Layers of dead, thickened skin that also form to protect bones
and tissue. If you are on you feet a lot, you may need additional
cushioning.
To reduce calluses, soak feet nightly in warm water with a
chamomile tea bag added as softener. Buff calluses with a
pumice stone or brush. Apply moisturizer and wear socks to bed.
A moleskin pad may relieve minor callus discomfort. If calluses
are caused by structural foot problems, you may need orthotics.
Sore calluses are almost always the result of these problems,
and they won't go away until the underlying problems are
corrected.
Flat Feet
The adult acquired flatfoot is a progressive, paiinful deformity
resulting from gradual stretch of the tibialis posterior tendon as
well as the ligaments that support the arch of the foot.
Most flat feet are not painful, particularly those flat feet seen in
children. In the adult acquired flatfoot, pain occurs because soft
tissues (tendons and ligaments) have been torn. The deformity
progresses or worsens because once the vital ligaments and
posterior tibial tendon are lost, nothing can take their place to
hold up the arch of the foot.
Treatment consist of Rest,Immoblization,orthotics,bracing and
possible surgery.
Neuroma
A neuroma is the swelling of nerve that is a result of a
compression or trauma. The pain can be described as burning,
tingling or cramping with occasional shooting and numbness in
the toes. Symptoms usually occur during or after walking or
standing. The most common site for a neuroma is on the ball of
the foot. The most common cause of neuroma in ball of the foot
is the abnormal movement of the long bones behind the toes
called metatarsal bones
Ulcerations
Ulcerations are a result of a break down of the skin. Ulcerations
are classified based upon their depth and their cause. Common
ulcerations are due to diabetes, ischemia (poor circulation), and
venous stasis (varicose veins).
Bunions
This bony bump on the outside edge of your big toe is a form of
arthritis. It indicates that degenerative changes are taking place
in the bone beneath. In fact, the bunion may be causing your
first toe to push inward against your second toe and create a
hammertoe. Not all bunions result in complete swinging-in of the
big toe. There are simple bunions that appear on the side of a
straight big toe and others on the top of the big toe joint, (as
opposed to the side.)
Only surgery can clear up your problem once and for all. There
are several different surgical procedures, and in most cases
they are done on an ambulatory basis. There is no need for
hospitalization for the average person. Some bunion procedures
don't even require stitches after minimal incision.
Hammertoes
is a permanent deformity of one of your middle toes-probably the
big toe's neighbor-in which the joint has become bent up and
twisted.
Correcting a flexible hammertoe is classified as minor surgery. A
flexible hammertoe is one that can be manually straightened out
by putting pressure on the top to force it to lie flat.
Another type of hammertoe surgery can be performed when the
hammertoe is more rigid. This is called arthroplasty. It can be
done under local anesthesia and will permanently eliminate the
pain. In both cases you can usually return to work immediately.
Corns
A corn is a hard, thickened area of skin found on the top of, the
tip of, or between your toes. It's round and yellow. If yours is
reddish, you've got an inflamed corn. A corn has a central core
that descends into your flesh in a cone-shaped point killing all
the normal cells in its way.
Chronic corns are caused by a hammertoe condition. Recurring
corns can be eliminated through a minor surgical procedure.
Additionally, collagen treatment brings relief to some corn
sufferers and is the treatment of choice for those who are unable
to undergo surgery.
Fungal Nails
Fungal toenail infections can occur after years of microtrauma to
the toes, from shoes that don't fit properly.
When the nail matrix is infected, your best bet is to have the nail
surgically removed. Anti-fungal drugs can also be applied to the
nail, and can be combined with periodic professional cleaning of
the nail.
Heel Spurs
This is a bony protrusion on the bottom of your foot caused by a
growth of calcium that has begun to project downward and is
touching your plantar fascia. (The thick piece of tissue
underneath the skin on the sole of your foot).
If your pain is acute, take an analgesic like Tylenol or another
over-the counter painkiller. If this is not sufficient, ultrasound
therapy, electrogalvanic stimulation, and special footbaths can
help. Heel spur surgery is designed to correct whatever
biomechanical problem is causing the spur in the first place.
Calluses
Layers of dead, thickened skin that also form to protect bones
and tissue. If you are on you feet a lot, you may need additional
cushioning.
To reduce calluses, soak feet nightly in warm water with a
chamomile tea bag added as softener. Buff calluses with a
pumice stone or brush. Apply moisturizer and wear socks to bed.
A moleskin pad may relieve minor callus discomfort. If calluses
are caused by structural foot problems, you may need orthotics.
Sore calluses are almost always the result of these problems,
and they won't go away until the underlying problems are
corrected.
Flat Feet
The adult acquired flatfoot is a progressive, paiinful deformity
resulting from gradual stretch of the tibialis posterior tendon as
well as the ligaments that support the arch of the foot.
Most flat feet are not painful, particularly those flat feet seen in
children. In the adult acquired flatfoot, pain occurs because soft
tissues (tendons and ligaments) have been torn. The deformity
progresses or worsens because once the vital ligaments and
posterior tibial tendon are lost, nothing can take their place to
hold up the arch of the foot.
Treatment consist of Rest,Immoblization,orthotics,bracing and
possible surgery.
Neuroma
A neuroma is the swelling of nerve that is a result of a
compression or trauma. The pain can be described as burning,
tingling or cramping with occasional shooting and numbness in
the toes. Symptoms usually occur during or after walking or
standing. The most common site for a neuroma is on the ball of
the foot. The most common cause of neuroma in ball of the foot
is the abnormal movement of the long bones behind the toes
called metatarsal bones
Ulcerations
Ulcerations are a result of a break down of the skin. Ulcerations
are classified based upon their depth and their cause. Common
ulcerations are due to diabetes, ischemia (poor circulation), and
venous stasis (varicose veins).
Dawn D. Rhodes D.P.M., P.A.
