Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Foot Deformities: Jackson Weiss Syndrome
Jackson-Weiss Syndrome (JWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by foot abnormalities. Symptoms include abnormally broad big toes, webbing of the skin between the second and third toes, an inward angling of the toes, and/or malformation or fusion of certain bones within the feet. Jackson-Weiss Syndrome is inherited and affects both sexes equally.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Are Your Feet Healthy? Make Sure by Performing the "Foot Self-Exam"
- Balance. A good test for balance involves standing on one foot, with your arms out to the side and your eyes closed. If you are less than 30 years old, you should be able to balance for 15 seconds, 30 to 40 years old for 12 seconds, 40 to 50 years old for 10 seconds and over 50 years old for seven seconds. This can be improved with exercises.
- Circulation. Look at the color of your toes. Do they look like a normal nail color or are they leaning towards red, white, purple, or blue? Press down on the nail of your big toe until the color blanches. Now let go and allow the blood flow to return to your toe. The return of normal color should take 2 to 5 seconds in a person with average circulation.
- Flexibility. How flexible are your toes? Try to pick up a marble or a small dish towel with your toes. To test your ankle flexibility, hang your heel off of a stair. Now let the heel go below the level of the stair. If this causes pain, stop the test. If your heel goes below the level of the stair without causing strain in your calf, that is a good sign. If there is some strain, this can be improved with flexibility exercises.
- Pain. A healthy foot does not produce any pain.
- Sensation. Take a pencil eraser and lightly run it on the top, bottom, and both sides of your feet. The sensation should feel equal in all quadrants. It may tickle on the bottom of the feet. That is normal.
- Skin. Check your skin for calluses, blisters, or areas of irritation. Stand next to your shoes. Are they shaped like your feet or are they causing areas of constriction that may result in irritation? Put your hand inside your shoe. Are there seams, tacks, or rough places in the shoe that correspond to calluses or blisters on your feet?
Foot Deformities: Overlapping or Underlapping Toes
Overlapping toes are characterized by one toe lying on top of an adjacent toe. The fifth toe is the most commonly affected. Overlapping toes may develop in the unborn fetus.
Underlapping toes usually involve the fourth and fifth toes. (A special form of underlapping toes is called congenital curly toes). The cause of underlapping toes is unknown. It is speculated that they may be caused by an imbalance in muscle strength of the small muscles of the foot.
See the treatment options for overlapping and underlapping toes here.
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Underlapping toes usually involve the fourth and fifth toes. (A special form of underlapping toes is called congenital curly toes). The cause of underlapping toes is unknown. It is speculated that they may be caused by an imbalance in muscle strength of the small muscles of the foot.
See the treatment options for overlapping and underlapping toes here.
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Monday, 9 May 2011
Cold Feet...In Summer?!?!
Even on the hottest days of summer, some people find themselves outside, under the scorching sun, walking around with cold feet. The cause of the cold sensation is a foot problem known as Raynaud's Disease.
Raynaud's Disease is a disorder that affects the hands and feet. It is caused by contraction of the smooth muscles controlling the small arteries supplying circulation into the hands and feet. This contraction, called a vasospasm, makes the arteries so small that they restrict blood flow.
How you can Raynaud's be fought, so your feet can feel warm again?
Raynaud's Disease is a disorder that affects the hands and feet. It is caused by contraction of the smooth muscles controlling the small arteries supplying circulation into the hands and feet. This contraction, called a vasospasm, makes the arteries so small that they restrict blood flow.
How you can Raynaud's be fought, so your feet can feel warm again?
- “Dry body brushing" may help increase circulation. Once a day, starting at the feet, rub the body with a washcloth in a circular motion up towards the heart; all body parts above the heart are rubbed downwards
- If you live in a place with seasons, wear a scarf, gloves or mittens and a good pair of socks and boots at all times during the colder months. A hat is also very important since the body loses a lot of heat through the head. Wear layered clothing and a warm coat with long cuffs.
- During the warmer months it is good to have a sweater handy as air conditioning can trigger an attack. If you are indoors, wear socks and lower the air conditioning at home; never walk around barefoot.
- Avoid taking cold beverages with your hands, washing vegetables with cold water and taking food from the freezer without gloves
- Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke as nicotine causes the skin temperature to drop
- Exercise frequently to improve circulation
- Learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels
- Keep away from using anything that vibrates as vibration may trigger an attack
- Do not engage in activities that put pressure on the fingertips (eg playing piano or guitar)
- Take care of your hands and feet as skin may become very dry from reduced circulation. Hydrate your skin with a lotion containing lanolin and use a soft and creamy soap. Keep your cuticles soft and hydrated.
Foot Deformities: Mallet Toes
Mallet toes are deformities caused by bone and muscle imbalances that become exaggerated in people with active lifestyles. Arthritis can also lead to mallet toes. Mallet toes can cause extreme discomfort and may be aggravated if restrictive or improperly fitting footwear is worn for a prolonged period of time.
Mitchell J. Wachtel Podiatry Blog: Is My Child's High Arch Normal?
RE-BLOGGED: Mitchell J. Wachtel Podiatry Blog: Is My Child's High Arch Normal?: "Children who are born with a high arch foot face many challenges. Cavus or high arch foot tends to have a c shaped foot. Over time cavus f..."
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Blisters. Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.
What is a blister?
A local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is caused by burning or irritation.
Causes:
Most blisters on the feet are caused by friction and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid built up in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue.
Treatment:
You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream.
Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. If you have to pop a blister, use a sterilized needle or razor blade. Wash the area thoroughly, then make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid. Apply a dab of hydrogen peroxide to help protect against infection. Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath needs this protective cover. Cover the area with a bandage and mild compression.
If the fluid is white or yellow, the blister is infected and needs medical attention.
Prevention:
You can prevent blisters by breaking in new shoes gradually, and putting petroleum jelly or an adhesive bandage on areas that take the rub—before the blister happens. Wear socks that have heels instead of tube socks (they bunch up and cause blisters). Acrylic and other synthetic-fiber socks are good choices. Be sure to wash and dry your feet daily to prevent bacterial infections, such as Athlete's Foot.
Foot and Ankle Wellness Center - 780 488-4844 (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
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