Common Foot Problems Flashcards
- An inflammation of the foot – supporting fascia.
- Present as an acute onset of heel pain experienced with the first steps in the morning.
- The pain is localized to the anterior medial aspect of the heel and diminishes with gentle stretching off the foot and Achilles tendon.
Plantar Fasciitis
Causes
1. Straining the ligament that support your arch
- Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament
Plantar Fasciitis
Management
- Stretching exercises
- Wearing shoes with support and cushioning to relieve pain
- Orthotic devices (help cups and arch supports)
- NSAIDs
Plantar Fasciitis
- An area of hyperkeratosis (overgrowth of a horny layer of epidermis) produced by internal or external pressure
- The 5th toe is most frequently involved but any toe may be involved
Corn
Thickened area of the skin that has been exposed to persistent pressure of friction
Callus
Causes
- Internal pressure (the underlying bone is prominent because of congenital or acquired abnormality commonly arthritis)
- External pressure (ill-fitting shoes)
Corn
- A flexion deformity of the interphalangeal joint, which may involve several toes
- Usually an acquired deformity
- Tight socks or shoes may push an overlying toe back into the line of the other toes
Hammer Toe
Treatment: eliminating the underlying causes and having the callus treated by a podiatrist if it is painful
* Keratolytic ointment applicated salicylic acid
* Feet padding
* Orthotic devices can be made
* Protuberance excision
Callus
- A condition in which the free edge of a nail plate penetrates the surrounding skin, either laterally or anteriorly.
- Is caused by improper self-treatment, external pressure (tight shoes or stockings), internal pressure (deformed toes, growth under the nail), trauma, or infection.
Ingrown Toenail (Onychocryptosis)
Treatment
- Wearing open toed sandals or shoes that conform to the shape of the foot
- Carrying out manipulative exercises, and protecting the protruding joints with pads
Hammer Toe
A surgical operation whereby a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment
Osteotomy
A deformity in which the great toe deviates laterally
Associated with this is a marked prominence of the medial aspect of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint
Hallux Valgus
There is also osseous enlargement (exostosis) of the medial side of the first metatarsal head, over which a bursa may form (secondary to pressure and inflammation)
Hallux Valgus
Causes
- Heredity
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Gradual lengthening and widening of the foot associated with aging
- Osteoarthritis
Hallux Valgus
Formation of new bone on the surface of the bone
Exostosis
Realign the toe may be required to improve function and appearance
Osteotomies
- Refers to a foot with an abnormally high arch and a fixed equinus deformity of the forefoot
- The shortening of the foot and increased pressure produce calluses on the metatarsal area and on the dorsum (bottom) of the foot
Pes Cavus
Common Causes of Pes Cavus
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Tertiary Syphilis
The surgical flexion of a joint by a procedure designed to accomplish fusion of the joint surfaces by promoting the proliferation of bone cells
Arthrodesis (fusion)
A swelling of the 3rd lateral branch of the medium plantar nerve
Morton’s Neuroma
Common disorder in which the longitudinal arch of the foot is diminished
Caused by congenital abnormalities or associated with bone or ligament injury, muscle, and posture imbalances, excessive weight, muscle fatigue, poorly fitting shoes, or arthritis
Flatfoot (Pes Pavus)
