Common Pathologic Conditions Affecting Feet and Nails

Question 1

Vascular Disorders

Answer 1

compromises blood flow w/ tissue ischemia, ulcerations/chronic wounds; consider Vascular Surgeon consult

Question 2

PAD (PVD, LEAD)

Answer 2

narrowing/hardening vessels

Question 3

Buerger’s Disease (Thomboangiitis Obliterans)

Answer 3

young males heavy smokers, claudication pain at rest w/ necrosis toes

Question 4

Raynaud’s Disease/Syndrome

Answer 4

vasospasms of small arterioles response to cold/emotional stress; young women (nails brittle & deformed)

Question 5

Blue Toe Syndrome

Answer 5

sudden onset of pain & cyanosis d/t emboli blocking arterioles; Vasc consult: embolectomy

Question 6

Venous Insufficiency

Answer 6

damage to valves, fluid leaks out (high capillary pressures) - edema + tissue fibrosis

Question 7

Autoimmune Disorders affecting soft tissues

Answer 7

autoimmune disorder eg. scleroderma - hardening of soft tissues r/t collagen production

Question 8

Arthritic Conditions Affecting Joint Function & Foot Contours

Answer 8

RA (autoimmune) increased risk of skin ulcerations of lower extremity

Question 9

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 9

chronic inflammation

Question 10

Psoriatic arthritis

Answer 10

involves distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints

Question 11

Gout

Answer 11

overproduction uric acid r/t excess ETOH, obesity, certain diuretics
Gout greater toe = podagra