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Women's Common Foot Problems

Let's admit it, ladies. We abuse our feet. We put a lot of stress
and strain on our lower extremities, and we don't take nearly as
good care of them as we should. Based on our need to be fashionable,
we often wear shoes that don't fit well or are just not
designed for walking and standing for long periods of time.
Even Oprah admits that she only wears her highest heels once
she's seated dUring an interview. It's no wonder that those stilettos
and peep-toes are causing us pain-they are designed for
beauty, not comfort. Women have some of the same foot problems
as men, but mostly, our feet have many more "issues."
Bunions are enlargements of the joint at the base of the big
toe-the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint-that form when
the bone or tissue at the big toe jomt moves out of place.
Bunions are a symptom of our foot's development due to the
way we walk, our inherited foot type, our shoes, or for other
reasons. Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot
type that is passed down-not the bunion. Smce the MTPJoint
carries much of the body's weight while walking, bunions can
cause extreme pain if left untreated. Podiatric medical attention
should be sought at the first indication of pain or discomfort.
Stress fractures are tiny or incomplete cracks in a bone often
caused by overuse. Stress fractures occur most frequently in the
foot and ankle and can be caused by a number of factors An
unusual increase in activity causing strain in the foot (fatigue
fracture) is one of the most common causes, while weak bones
(insufficiency fractures), are caused by medical conditions such
as osteoporosis, can also be a factor. Medications such as steroids
can lead to stress fractures, as can a sudden increase in activity
levels. All of these causes can and should be evaluated by your
podiatrist when you notice pain or swelling, which are the
symptoms of a stress fracture.
A neuroma, also referred to as a "pinched nerve," is a painful
condition involving irritation ancIJor thickening of the nerve
tissue between the toes,
most commonly the 3rd
and 4th toes. The condition
brings on pain, a
burning sensation, tmgling,
or numbness
between the toes and in
the ball of the foot. Your
podiatrist can offer a
number of treatment
options for a neuroma.
Ingrown nails are a
common ailment seen by
podiatric physicians An
ingrown nail is one
r------
whose corners or sldes dIg painfully mto the soft tissue of the
toe, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually,
toenails grow out straight, but sometimes one or both corners
or the sides wlll curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is
the most common site for this condition, but other toes can also
become affected.
Ingrown toenails may be caused by anyone or more of the
follOwing: Improperly trimmed nails, shoes that are too tight,
trauma, and activities with repeated pressure on the toe (such
as running or kicking). There are other causes as well, but this
painful condition can usually be eased with one or two vislts to
your podiatrist's office.
Women may also have a tendency to develop blisters, corns,
calluses, and heel pain. All of these conditions can be treated by
your podiatrist, and a number of treatment options are available.
Once we all realize that our feet don't have to hurt, life will
be that much more enjoyable, ladies.-

New Technology in Foot Care

Podiatric medicine and surgery are changing rapidly, as is all of
medicine. Doctors of podiatric medicine now use the latest
technology both in their offices and in the hospitals to diagnose
and treat foot and ankle problems. These technologies are
changing the face of medicine, and your doctor can provide you
with more information.
Ultrasound for diagnostics - While x-ray is still m use in most
podiatric medical offices, ultrasound is another diagnostic technique
available to your podiatrist. This non-invasive technology
allows better visualization of soft tissue structures such as tendons
and even allows evaluation of joints in motion.
Orthotic scanning - In the old days, your doctor may have
taken a plaster cast mold of your feet to fashion orthotics specifically
for you. While this is still done successfully in some
offices, new technology allows your podiatrist to scan your foot
with an electronic device that captures the necessary data to
construct your custom foot orthotics. The electronic scan is
then evaluated by the podiatrist and sent to an orthotics lab for
processing. In just a few weeks, you've got a new pair of custom
foot orthotics, molded and designed specifically to correct your
particular condition.
ESWT - Non-invasive procedures like ESWT (Extracorporeal
Shock Wave Therapy) are now available in the office or surgical
center of your podiatric physiClan. Used to treat heel pain unresponSive
to standard treatment options, ESWT can be used in
several ways, and is usually administered with anesthesia. ESWT
may be a treatment option to consider prior to proceeding with
open surgery for chronic heel pain ESWT has few complications
With spring on the horizon, we are all looking forward to warming
up our bodies for increased activity levels. To make sure that
your feet are fit for spring, we offer the follOwing suggestions
- When starting a new exercise routine, or when ramping up
your current one, make sure to ease into that new routine.
that can be considered minor compared to those of open heel surgery
Ask your DPM for more information.
Surgical Implants - Knee and hip replacements are now common
in medicme for the treatment and care of arthritic and
painful joints. Many people are unaware, however, that there are
joint "replacements" for the foot and ankle. For patients with
arthritis and those with joint damage secondary to trauma, both
high-grade plastiC and metallic implants are being used to replace
joints in the foot and ankle. Ifyou are dealing with the daily pain
of an arthritic joint, ask your podiatrist about these implants.
What's next? Fungal toenails are very common and podiatrists
treat this condillon with an arsenal of weapons. However,
currently under consideration by the FDA is a laser treatment
that will resolve the fungus. Ask your podiatrist for more information
on thIS promising new treatment. -
Stretching before exercising is one way to make sure you are
warmed up and ready to go
- Consider purchasing new shoes for your new level of activity
It's important to have your feet measured, and then choose an
athletic shoe that fits your sport Make sure to break in any new
gear appropriately, and ask your podiatric physician for recommendations
for your partlcular needs.
- Take care of your feet. Examine them daily for signs of blisters,
corns, and ingrown naIls Take a few days off your new
activity if you see signs of any of these problems.
- Visit your podiatrist periodically to discuss your foot and ankle
concerns or just for a check-up before starting a new routine.
- Watch your sun exposure. As the weather improves and our feet
are more exposed, it's Important to remember sun-screen. The
tops of feet are one of the most commonly sunburned areas.
- Seek immediate care for any foot or ankle problems.
Spring is a great time of year for renewal, but don't let your
over-eagerness get the best of you. Take the time to enjoy and
take care of those two very important assets-your feet. -
Doctors of podiatric medicine are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training,
and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
~@
SPENCO®
This patient information newsietter
is supported byan educational
grant from Spenco, Inc.
AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-1621
- www.apma.org -