Your Foot Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Foot Health
What effect does Diabetes have on my feet?
It is estimated that 20-25% of Americans who have diabetes will
suffer from foot problems. People with diabetes will usually
have very poor blood circulation, dry heels, leg pain, open sores
on the feet, develop neuropathy (damaged nerves causing a loss of
sensation), or see changes in their skin color. It is very
critical that you see a podiatrist as soon as you are diagnosed
with diabetes so that he or she can do a complete evaluation.
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What you can do to prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?
The following is a list of just a few things that you can do to reduce your risk:
- Become educated on diabetic foot care
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly
- Inspect your feet daily (or have someone else do it for you)
- Wear properly fitting shoes
- Cut toenails straight across
- Visit your podiatrist regularly
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What is a Callus?
Calluses develop from a buildup of dead skin cells that become
thick and hard on the foot. Usually found on either the heel,
the ball of the foot, or inside the big toe, calluses develop as
a result of excessive rubbing and pressure. Calluses that have a
deep-seated core known as a nucleation are called Intractable
Plantar Keratosis.
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What causes Calluses?
Some of the most common reasons people develop calluses are:
- Obesity
- Deterioration of the fat pad located on the bottom of the foot
- Wearing high heeled shoes
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
- Flat feet
- High arched feet
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What treatments are available?
When treating a callused foot, do not cut or trim them with a
razor blade. This will only make the condition worses and is
particularly dangerous for those with diabetes. The best thing to
do is wear an orthotic that has been fitted for you by your
podiatrist. They will redistribute your weight to relive the
pressure being placed on your callus.
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What is a Bunion?
A bunion is a bulge on the inside of the foot at the base of the
big toe joint. It forms when the bone at the big toe joint moves
out of place, forcing the big toe to move towards the smaller
ones. A Bunionette or Tailor's Bunion is another type of bunion
that occurs on the outside of the foot at the base of the little
toe. Common symptoms associated with a bunion are swelling,
redness, corns, overlapping toes, restrictive motion, and pain.
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What causes Bunions?
Most commonly experienced by women, bunions are bought about by
years of abnormal foot function and pressure over the joint.
Certain foot types (i.e. flat feet) are more prone to bunions, as
well as foot injuries, the way we walk, and the shoes we wear.
Many women wear dress shoes that are too small and narrow for
their foot type. This causes the foot to take on the shape of
the shoes, and forces the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint to
stick out on the side of the foot.
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What treatments are available?
For relief of pain caused by a bunion, the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Wear shoes that fit properly
- Apply ice packs daily to reduce swelling
- Soak your feet in warm water
- Use non-medicated foot products such as bunion pads, night splints, shields, and bandages
- Ultrasound therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Orthotics
- A bunionectomy may be necessary in severe cases
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What are Corns?
Corns develop from a buildup of dead skin cells that become thick
and hard on the foot. They usually appear on the tops, tips, and
sides of the toes. The cone-shaped core of a corn places
pressure on the nerve below it, which can be very painful. Corns
often become more irritated by the steady rubbing and pressure
from your shoes.
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What causes Corns?
Some of the most common reasons people develop corns are:
- Having toes that are deformed
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
- Wearing high heeled shoes
- Wearing socks or stockings that are too tight
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What treatments are available?
The following may help to both prevent and treat corns:
· Wear shoes that fit properly
· Wear socks and stockings that fit comfortably
· Orthotics
*Those who have diabetes and poor circulation should not use
any chemicals to get rid of corns.
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What are Ingrown Toenails?
An ingrown toenail, or onychocryptosis, occurs when the nail
grows down into the skin instead of outward (happening most often
to the big toe). It can cause the toe to become infected and may
be very painful. Redness, irritation, swelling, and an
uncomfortable feeling of warmth are associated with an ingrown
toenail. The best ways to prevent ingrown toenails include
trimming your nails properly, guarding your feet from trauma, and
wearing shoes that provide adequate room for your toes.
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What causes Ingrown Toenails?
Many things can cause ingrown toenails.
The following are a few of the most common causes:
- Cutting toenails incorrectly
- Toenails are too large
- Toes curl, either congenitally or from diseases such as arthritis
- Frequent stubbing of the toes
- Wearing shoes that are too tight
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What treatments are available?
As soon as an ingrown toenail is noticed it should be treated.
If the toenail is not infected, you may find relief in these
simple steps:
- Soak your feet in warm salt water
- Dry them with a clean towel
- Rub on an antiseptic solution
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- Cover the toe with a bandage
If you are experiencing swelling, inflammation, discharge, or
pain, your toenail is probably infected and you should seek the
treatment of a podiatrist. He or she may trim or remove the
infected nail with a minor surgical procedure.
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What is a plantar wart?
Plantar warts are just one of several soft tissue conditions
caused by a virus invading the skin. They are often contracted by
walking bare foot on unclean surfaces. Although warts may appear
anywhere on the foot, plantar warts commonly grow on the soles.
They may spread from one part of the body to another, or from one
person to another. Children, teenagers, and people with
allergies or weakened immune systems are more prone to warts;
however, some people seem to be immune and will never develop
them. Warts are usually harmless, but can be very painful.
Plantar warts are generally hard, flat, and rough-surfaced with
well-defined boundaries. They tend to be brown or gray with a
center consisting of black pinpoints.
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What can I do to prevent plantar warts?
Proper foot hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes
are the best ways to prevent this condition. You should also:
- Keep your bath or shower area clean
- Wear shower shoes whenever possible, in public showering facilities
- Wash your feet with soap and water every day
- Dry your feet well, particularly between the toes
- Always wear clean socks
- Change shoes after two days to give them time to dry out
- Check your child's feet regularly
- Avoid contact with warts - either from other parts of your body or from other people
- Visit our podiatrist annually
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What treatments are available?
Self treatment is not recommended for anyone with warts,
especially people with diabetes and those with cardiovascular or
circulatory disorders. Your treatment may include freezing or
burning the affected area, over the counter medication, or a
simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic. A
procedure known as CO2 laser surgery is also becoming a more
popular treatment option for people with plantar warts. If you
do not seek treatment, warts can grow to an inch or more in
perimeter and multiply.
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*If you are experiencing any of the symptoms addressed, we
strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your podiatrist
for proper diagnosis.
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