Overlapping Toes
By The Foot Care Aide | September 21, 2009
All about Overlapping Toes
Unless you were born with overlapping toes, the most likely cause of the problem is continuously wearing shoes of a poor design or those that fit poorly. There are, however, other causes that bear mentioning.
The Causes of Overlapping Toes Include
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can cause deformities in the joints, which can cause the toes to overlap or press on each other. Any of the joints of the toes and feet can be affected.
Hammertoes are sometimes seen as overlapping. The hammer toe deformity usually occurs in the joint closest to the back of the toe, opposite the toenail. The ends of the toes point downward like a hammer or mallet.
Mallet toe is similar to hammertoe, but the deformity occurs in the joint closest to the end of the toe or toenail. In the second, third and fourth toe there are two joints. Either one can become deformed.
In Charcot foot, the big toe leans against the second. The most common cause of Charcot foot is diabetes, particularly when it is poorly controlled.
A bunion on the big toe or a tailor’s bunion on the small toe can cause the toe to bend in towards the other toes. This misalignment can cause any of the toes to overlap and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Congenital abnormalities or birth defects may be the cause. If that is the case, other symptoms may or may not be present. The condition is usually diagnosed at birth and other symptoms are evaluated to see if the problem is more serious.
Problems Caused by Overlapping Toes
Overlapping toes can cause the formation of calluses and corns. Blisters may form when walking or running. The rubbing can lead to infection or ulceration.
As the pain and irritation becomes worse, the rest of the joints of the feet may be affected. Pain in the heels, ball of the foot, knees and lower back may occur, as posture is negatively affected. Unconsciously, people change the way that they walk, in order to reduce the pressure on the bent toe.
Treating Overlapping Toes
Stretching and retraining the toes to straighten them is possible, without surgery, if you begin soon enough. Corn pads and cushions can and should be used to provide temporary relief and to prevent additional deformities to the other toes.
A variety of spacers, trainers and cushions are available from FootSmart.com. Start taking better care of your feet, today.
Topics: Charcot Foot, Corns & Calluses, Overlapping Toes | No Comments »
Ingrown Toenails
By The Foot Care Aide | September 19, 2009
What is Onychocryptosis?
Onychocryptosis is the medical term used for ingrown toenails. Another less common term is Unguis incarnates. It is a common form of nail disease. While Onychocryptosis can occur on the nails of the hands, it most often affects the toenails. In this condition, the nails grow at an angle, which causes them to cut into the nail bed.
What are the symptoms of ingrown toenails?
The symptoms commonly include pain, swelling and redness along the outer edges and the base of the nail. The immune system reacts to the nail as a foreign invader and attempts to “wall off” the invader, which is actually the toenail. There may be pus or a bloody drainage. These are all signs of infection that may require professional treatment.
What causes ingrown toenails?
There are four primary causes. They are listed below, from most to least common.
- Bad maintenance—cutting the nails too short or rounding off the tips
- Shoes that are too tight, too narrow or too small in the toe-box—tight fitting socks or stockings, especially those that have seams that press on the toes
- Injury or trauma, such as a stubbed toe—running and other vigorous physical activity
- Nail deformities or diseases—genetic predisposition
How are ingrown toenails treated and prevented?
Prevention is easier than treatment, as it is with most things. You should wear comfortable shoes that are wide enough to accommodate your feet.
Learning how to cut your nails correctly, filing off the edges, if necessary is the second step. The Seki, Slant-edge toenail clipper makes that easier. The blade stays sharp. The design prevents cutting at a bad angle. The use of toenail scissors, rather than clippers, can create an angle where the lower blade is either too far back or too far forward. Either way can contribute to ingrown toenails.
An extra-thin professional file will allow you to get lift and file, even in difficult to reach areas. Professional files can be purchased at FootSmart.com and other retailers.
To prevent infection, podiatrists recommend antiseptic sprays or lotions. One of the best is called Tender Nail. It contains natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients, including tea tree oil, camphor and menthol. It can be used to reduce pain and on a regular basis to prevent infection. Unlike messy sprays and lotions, it is applied with a brush, similar to nail polish.
In serious cases, a podiatrist should be consulted for ingrown toenails. Bathroom surgery is not recommended.
Topics: Ingrown Toenails | 1 Comment »
Hyperhidrosis
By The Foot Care Aide | September 18, 2009
What is hyperhidrosis?
Simply put, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. The sweat glands secrete abnormally large amounts of perspiration; much more than what is necessary to cool the body. It can affect any part of the body, but the feet, hands, armpits and groin are most affected, simply because there are more sweat glands in those locations.
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
Other than excessive sweating, the problem is often accompanied by psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and/or depression. Dehydration can easily occur, because of the excessive fluid loss. So, thirst is another symptom that many people experience. Intolerance to cold temperatures is not unusual, as the sweating chills the body, particularly the hands and feet. Unpleasant body odor may be present and the condition is sometimes accompanied by redness of the face (blushing, rosacea) or chest.
What causes hyperhidrosis?
The underlying cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although genetics are probably involved, as 30-50% of patients have a family member with the same problem. The term “primary” is used to differentiate from hyperhidrosis that is a symptom of another problem.
Dozens of different diseases, neuropathies and injuries can cause excessive sweating. Anxiety disorders and phobias can cause it. Low blood pressure, thyroid problems, menopause, prescription drugs, Parkinson’s and heavy metal poisoning are all possibilities. Nicotine, caffeine and spicy foods can trigger a response.
People with type II diabetes typically experience excessive sweating. Special foot care advice is available for diabetics.
How is hyperhidrosis treated?
In the primary condition, not one that is caused by another problem, the recommended treatments depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, antiperspirant with high aluminum chloride content is all that is necessary.
Every effort should be made to keep the feet dry, because a moist environment increases the risk of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. In some cases, the toenails become infected, with the result being yellow, thick, unattractive brittle nails. So, here are some suggestions for keeping your feet dry, all year round.
Foot Spray
ONOX is one of the better brands. The active ingredient is zinc chloride, which is effective for controlling odor and preventing excessive perspiration. By removing dead skin, it impedes the growth of fungus and warts. Click here for ONOX Foot Spray
Wicking Wear
Wicking wear was originally developed for diapers. It pulls moisture away from the skin, to the outside of the material, where it quickly evaporates. Wick Dry Socks are available at FootSmart.com in a variety of sizes and colors.
Lavilin Cream
An all natural antiperspirant developed specifically for the feet. The herbs leave a pleasant scent that is not overwhelming. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, a natural antibacterial. Excessive body odor is actually caused by excessive bacteria. Click here for Lavilin Cream
Shoe Liners
Shoe liners can be used to keep the feet cool, dry and odor free. They are inexpensive and can be trimmed to fit nearly any size of sandal or slide. Click here for shoe liners
All of the alternatives mentioned here are safe and inexpensive. They can help you stay comfortable, keep hyperhidrosis under control and reduce your risk of fungal infections.
Topics: Hyperhidrosis | No Comments »