Do you know that high ankle sprain has forced many sportsmen and women out of their loved profession? Yet a lot more are ending their careers prematurely as a result of this monster. It is disheartening to see your loved football idol or a lawn tennis star suddenly take the exit just because of an injury everyone had considered to be a minor one. Well, that is the reality we all have to put up with. High ankle sprain is really a threat to everyone – sportsmen and the laymen alike. High ankle sprain comes from various causes; it could be sports related, a result of placing one’s step wrongly, skidding, a poor lifting technique – just anything.

What is High Ankle Sprain?

High ankle sprain is the sprain of the syndesmotic ligaments that link the tibia and fibula in the leg, which eventually lead to a mortise and tenon joint for the ankle.

Like the name suggests, high ankle sprains are situated above the ankle, and they make up about fifteen percent of all ankle sprains. While the lateral ankle sprain occurs as a result of an inward twisting of the ankle, the high ankle sprain is caused by the external rotation of the lower leg and foot.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are common with high ankle sprain:

• Severe pain
• Minor swelling
• Inability to walk
• Pain on attempt to rotate the ankle outward
• Significant bruising
• Muscle spasm
• Cold foot or paresthesia (as a result of neurovascular involvement).

Causes of High Ankle Sprain

High ankle sprain has multiple causes from sports to road traffic accidents. In a nutshell, here are a couple causes of high ankle sprain that you need to familiarize yourself with.

• Hard tackles in a football game
• Wrong stepping
• Collision sports like wrestling, American football, Lacrosse, rugby, ice hockey, etc.
• Skidding
• Road traffic accident
• Fall from a height
• High velocity trauma
• High-heeled shoes

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of high ankle sprain is made from the presenting signs and symptoms of the injury as well as after a few medical investigations. In some cases, it is possible to arrive at a diagnosis without the need for further investigations, especially if the physician is highly experienced. However, for the sake of clarity, here are a few steps to take toward arriving at the right diagnosis of high ankle sprain.

Signs and symptoms

The presenting signs and symptoms would be enough in some cases. This is because the classical symptoms are a little different from those of fracture. Some of the signs to look out for include pain in the outside-front of the ankle (usually above the ankle), high discomfort when external rotation is applied to the leg, calf pain, swelling in a few cases, tenderness, bruising, difficulty walking, burning sensation on the affected site, etc. However, all of the aforementioned signs are also there in a fracture. But some of the signs and symptoms of fracture that are absent in high ankle sprain include crepitation, shortening of the affected limb, disfigurement of limb, swelling (in some cases), and a few others.

The squeeze test

This involves compressing the tibia and the fibula midpoint above the calf. The compression will certainly produce pains, thereby giving an idea of the type of injury. However, this alone may not be sufficient to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. Other tests have to be performed before an accurate diagnosis is made.

Dorsiflexion with compression

When the examiner or doctor compresses the internal and external malleolus, one sign to look out for is whether the injured person would dorsiflex the foot. Should this happen, it is a sign that what the person has could possibly be a high ankle sprain.

X-ray

An x-ray of the area will reveal a widening of the tibia and fibula mortise, or a fracture of the medial malleolus. A Maisonneuve fracture will show a potentially unstable or a stable injury. However, normal x-rays hardly show significant ligament injury.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound of the leg will reveal a significant injury to the ligament that supports the tibia and fibula.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also gives a very clear picture of the level of injury or tear that has occurred to the distal tibiofibular ligaments. With this or the ultrasound, diagnosis can be made without many doubts.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis has to be made to rule out certain conditions. Usually, the differential diagnosis of high ankle sprain includes deltoid ligament sprain, Weber fractures, lateral ankle sprain, and Maisonneuve fracture.

Syndesmotic sprains can sometimes be accompanied by various other injuries, including osteochondral lesion of the distal tibiofibular joint, bone bruises, etc.

Treatment

The treatment of high ankle sprain is based on the severity of the injury. Healing time can be as short as a few days to as long as up to six months. All ligaments injuries require early intervention and quick control of swelling. The use of the “RICE” technique has proven to be a better way to handle the problem in the early stage.

Rest

In deciding whether to rest the leg, certain factors need to be considered first – if the ankle is stable or unstable. This can be answered based on the result of the imaging tests as well as clinical assessment of the situation.

The second factor to consider is the level of weight-bearing that is allowed. This also depends on the level of stability. If imaging findings and patient’s comfort when weight is applied to the leg are okay, then there will be no alarm. But in a situation where imaging suggests severe injury or there is pain and discomfort when weight is applied to the leg, there would be a need to rest the leg in order to recover.

Ice

Applying ice packs to the affected part immediately after the injury helps to minimize tissue inflammatory reaction and consequently leads to a reduction in the tendency for the leg to swell. Besides, the ice also helps in reducing pain experienced with the injury.

Compression

This involves wrapping, application of splint or cast. The idea behind this is to create immobilization of the affected area and allow it some time to heal itself. Immobilization in the form of short leg cast application is also important especially if there is a broken fibula, in order to allow it enough healing time.

Elevation

Elevation of the leg is equally necessary to improve venous blood return and reduce swelling. Elevating the leg also helps reduce platelet aggregation, thereby reducing swelling also.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Diclofenac) and natural creams like Arnica can help to significantly minimise pain and swelling. You should, however, avoid anti-inflammatory medications in the first 48 to 72 hours of the injury in order to reduce the possibility of increased bleeding.

Surgery

Surgery may be indicated when there is marked instability as a result of a disruption of the normal tibiofibular relationships. If radiography reveals the presence of a fracture, surgery may also be needed. Other conditions that may require surgical intervention include scarring within the syndesmosis, latent instability, calcification in the syndesmosis, etc.

Recovery

Recovery from high ankle sprain takes a few days to as much as six months. Basically, recovery depends on the extent of the ligament damage. For full recovery to be achieved there may be need for resting of the leg, ice application, compression and elevation, as earlier discussed. Besides, physiotherapy is required to enable the physiotherapist to take the person through some physical therapy exercises.

Physiotherapy

The injured person may require the services of a physiotherapist in the long run. He has to be subjected to some physical therapy in order to prevent some complications such as chronic foot pain, or when he can’t walk after the primary injury seems to have healed. Other things that could be done include the use of custom orthoses, or walking boots. Crutches may be needed to help reduce the weight-bearing effect on the injured part.

Early resistance exercise limits the level of muscle atrophy and weakness. Different types of exercises may be included in the recovery therapy – ankle weights, elastic bands, heel raise exercises, range of motion exercise, etc may be used in addition to a calf stretch. Another way to minimize muscle atrophy and weakness in the early stage is to make use of electrical stimulation and isometric strengthening.

When to see a doctor

The presence of any of the signs and symptoms we talked about earlier should move you to see a doctor immediately in order to ascertain the extent of the injury. If you experience a burning sensation, a lump over the affected area, knee pain, or you can’t walk, then you need to see the doctor without wasting any time. You should never stay at home until the injury becomes complicated.

Conclusion

High ankle sprain is commoner among people involved in body contact sports; it accounts for 15% of all forms of ankle sprains. It can cause long term complications if not properly handled by a professional. However, with early intervention, it can be treated effetively and the injured person returns to his normal activities.

Soreness in your feet can be a very irritating issue, especially if your work demands long standing or if you are planning some physical activity. It is also a very common complaint, as the feet are always subjected to a great amount of pressure. There are many possible reasons why your feet may become sore or even painful, but luckily, there are various measures you can take to prevent and manage this condition. Here are some of the most important facts which can help you to deal with soreness in your feet.

Why are my Feet Sore?

Pain and soreness of the feet are commonly caused by intense physical activity. For example, you can experience sore feet after running due to prolonged pressure applied on the feet bones and tendons. In persons who practice mostly sedentary lifestyle, soreness in the feet can appear even after walking. Some professions demand long standing in one position without much movement. Surgeons for example fall under that category. In these persons, the venous blood and the lymph are not properly evacuated from the lower legs and feet, thus applying even higher pressure to the structures of the feet. Feet pain that stems from standing can sometimes have long-term consequences.

Another cause of feet soreness can be childbearing. During early pregnancy, the overall weight becomes rapidly increased, while the feet are not prepared to sustain that force. Wearing high heels is one of the most common causes of sore feet in women, as it puts a lot of pressure on the calcaneus (the heel bone) and its joints.

There are also some chronic inflammatory conditions which can cause the soreness of the feet. One of them is more common in men than in women and it is called gout. The gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the joints which results in joint inflammation, and it usually affects the thumbs of the feet first. In fact, any condition that causes swelling of the feet, such as thyroid gland problems, can be responsible for the prolonged feet soreness and pain.

Symptoms of Sore Feet

The most common symptoms include tension, irritation, pain, and tingling sensations, but sometimes, the symptoms can be much worse, such as burning and sharp pain in the heel area. These symptoms are in most people transient, which means that they are present during period of physical activity, and they disappear at night during the rest. Furthermore, people who are engaged in sports can also have transient soreness in their feet, which is active only during exercise.

People suffering from diabetes mellitus are in a specific situation. Namely, due to peripheral nerve damage caused by this chronic disease, they have impaired sensations in their lower legs and feet, as well as circulation problems. Injuries of the feet often pass unnoticed until the inflammatory reaction is developed, and they can cause red spots, swelling, blisters, and necrosis of certain areas of the feet. Then they can start experiencing severe soreness and pain in their feet.

How to get rid of Soreness in the Feet?

The cure for soreness in feet highly depends on the cause. For example, people who stand for several hours at work should try to make as many movements as possible in order to support the circulation of blood and lymph. Even making a small effort from time to time to move the toes and heels and feet in different directions will do the work.
If the soreness in your feet stems from running, long walks, or any other type of physical activity, that can mean two things. You are either not prepared well for that level of activity, or you may have some sort of feet abnormality which causes the soreness. In any case, you should downgrade to the less intense level of physical activity until the structures of your feet become strong enough to deal with the increased pressure. In the morning, you could do some simple warm-up exercises to prepare your feet for daily activities. Make it a habit!

Home Remedies

• You can also use some home remedies and techniques to help yourself relieve the pain. For the improvement of poor circulation in the feet, soak your feet every night before bed in cold water, as this stimulates the blood flow.
• Make sure you take enough calcium rich food, as the strength of the bones, tendons, and cartilage structures is highly dependent on the calcium levels. Vitamin D deficiency can jeopardize calcium absorption from the bowels. Therefore, it is important to include in your diet the foods rich in calcium and expose to sunlight more so that your organism can produce enough vitamin D. If you live in an area with a low annual number of sunny days, it is advised to take vitamin D supplements.
• Yoga in combination with foot massage can be very helpful to relieve the soreness in the feet. Take advice from certified professionals on the most helpful yoga techniques for this condition.
• In most cases, if you rest enough and eliminate the uncomfortable footwear, the recovery will be very fast.

When to See a Doctor

If the soreness in your feet makes it hard for you to go to work and to perform daily activities, you should refer all the symptoms to your doctor. Make sure to include all the information about your recent physical activities, diet, and medical history of similar problems. Furthermore, if you have any additional symptoms besides soreness of the feet, you should also make an appointment and see your doctor for further assessment. Pain and other sensations in the feet can be a sign of some more severe disorders related to the nervous system, such as peripheral neuropathy, spine problems, and even Lyme disease.

What are Corns and Calluses?

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of the skin, which are formed due to prolonged mechanical pressure applied to the skin surface. This process of skin thickening is called hyperkeratosis. These lesions can be very irritating and produce pain and discomfort. The differences between corns and calluses lie in slightly different causes and locations of usual occurrence. In mild cases, these conditions can be resolved spontaneously, However, medical interventions are often required in order to remove the overgrown skin layers and prevent the progression of the condition.

Symptoms

The symptoms of corns and calluses depend on their type and severity. There are two different types of corns: hard and soft corns.

• Hard corns usually appear on the tip of the toes and they are composed of the external layer of hypertrophic skin cells and the high density core located in the center of the corn, which consists of accumulated dead skin cells. Hard corns can cause severe pain while wearing shoes and significantly affect daily activities.
• On the other hand, soft corns are located between the toes, so they are often called interdigital corns. Interdigital spaces are often an environment with increased amount of sweat, so these corns absorb some of that moisture, which makes their core soft. The most common location of the soft corns is between 4th and 5th toe. If there are two soft corns, one on each toe, they are in close contact with one another, and they are called “kissing corns”.

Calluses are bigger lesions than corns. They are often located on the top side of the toes and have a broad base. The symptoms include pain, irritation, inflammation, and possible secondary infections. In some cases, calluses can be painless. One of the main features of calluses includes intractability (they rarely resolve spontaneously). Similar to hard corns, the calluses also contain a high density core, which is the main cause of repetitive irritation.

Causes of Corns and Calluses on feet

Foot bones have many protuberances, and they are normally covered with a relatively thin layer of the skin, except for the plantar side of the feet (heel), where the skin is somewhat thicker. Prolonged pressure applied to these protuberances through the skin, induces the reaction of the skin tissue, which results in proliferation and hypertrophy of the skin cells, thus thickening the skin in those affected regions. Most commonly, this occurs because of wearing inappropriate and uncomfortable shoes, long walks, running, etc. New shoes can often cause calluses because the skin is not adapted to the new mold. In terms of pathophysiology, corns and calluses formation is actually a defense mechanism developed to protect thin areas of the skin from damage caused by external pressure. Some people are more prone to developing corns and calluses, mainly due to some deformities of the feet and toes and intense physical activities during which the pressure is constantly or repeatedly applied to the feet area.

Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor will ask you after noticing the changes that look like corns or calluses is whether you are using inappropriate footwear. Also, the information about the previous experiences with similar lesions can point out that there might me some anatomical deformities of the feet which cause repetitive lesions. The doctor should also examine and note the localization of all the changes present in the feet area. Palpation of the skin changes can provide the information about the consistency and mobility of those lesions. If there are repetitive lesions occurring in the same place, radiographic images of the problematic foot from different projections can be obtained, in order to search for the possible anatomical abnormalities. In most cases, the diagnosis of corns and calluses is clinical, which means that there is usually no need to perform additional tests. If the lesions are complicated with bleeding, secondary bacterial or fungal infections, it may be harder to determine what exactly the initial cause of these lesions was.

Home Remedies for Corns and Calluses

Conventional treatment for calluses and corns consists of several parts. Firstly, painkillers and topical anesthetic creams can be used for symptoms relief. The pain relief is sometimes achieved by surgical intervention, during which the core of the corn or the callus is extracted, which subsides the pressure and consequently reduces the pain. As said before, the skin is very thick and hard in the affected regions, so some hydrating and emollient creams can be used to soften the keratin layer of the skin. Keratolytics are chemicals used to peel the dead skin cells from the superficial layer. They are applied topically in the form of creams and some of them include salicylic acid and retinoids (derivatives of vitamin A). Liquid nitrogen is also used to freeze the corns and calluses, after which they fall off spontaneously. In the most severe cases, surgical removal of the big, problematic and complicated corns and calluses is unavoidable.

Change of footwear

Apart from conventional treatment, there are many natural ways and home remedies which can help you relieve the symptoms, reduce the size of these lesions, and in some cases completely eliminate the lesions. First things first, you should definitely change your footwear and use more comfortable shoes which are not tight and apply less pressure to your feet. In that sense, high heeled shoes should be avoided for sure. If you have acute (currently active) problems with corns and calluses, you can try using shoes that are a half or one size bigger than your actual size. That will give your feet more space. However, there is still a debate whether this approach is beneficial, as too loose shoes can induce lesions caused by friction. Soaking your feet in warm water every day for 15 minutes can soften the skin in the lesion area and provide pain relief.

Lemon

Some persons reported the beneficial effect of applying lemon on the corns and calluses topically. You need to slice a lemon into small pieces, place them over the lesions and cover with regular or an adhesive bandage. Leave the lemon do its work during the night and repeat his process for a week. You will probably notice subsiding of the lesions after this period. Lemon has a keratolytic effect, which we have previously explained. Onion can be applied in the same manner as lemon.

Castor oil

You can try applying castor oil to the affected regions, as it helps to reduce pain, moisturizes the skin, and provides calming and anti-inflammatory effect. It is particularly helpful for the inflamed lesions.

Crushed Aspirin

You probably always have an aspirin at home. You can make a paste using water, apple cider vinegar and crushed aspirin. Use this paste to soften the lesion, so you can rub them off. For rubbing these hypertrophic calluses and corns, you can use a pumice stone, although if it is too painful, do not torture yourself with this approach.

Garlic

Garlic has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and it can be applied topically on the corns and calluses in order to reduce pain. Some persons also reported that the skin changes significantly subsided after applying rubbing the changes with garlic regularly.

Although there are a lot of home remedies available that can possibly be useful for calluses and corns treatment, there are still cases in which you should not experiment and in which is required to seek medical advice from your doctor. Those cases include inflamed and highly enlarger corns and calluses, and also complications, such as bleeding and infections. Repetitive formation of corns and calluses in the same locations, even after changing footwear indicates that there might me anatomical reasons for such pathology, which also requires medical assessment and proper treatment.

Can Corns and Calluses be prevented?

From the above text, it is probably already clear to you what is the best prevention from developing calluses and corns. Using the appropriate footwear, especially if you have any kind of foot deformity is a must. Avoid wearing high heeled shoes too frequently. However, this is not always possible. In fact, almost every new shoes that fit will cause temporary discomfort until your feet get used to it. This can be prevented by applying adhesive bandages on the specific spots as soon as you notice the irritation or pain. This will prevent the reaction of the skin to mechanical pressure towards the direction of developing hyperkeratotic changes. You can also use the above mentioned method of soaking your feet in warm water for – minutes every day in order to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Are corns and calluses contagious?

Although corns and calluses may seem similar to some contagious skin diseases, especially when they are inflamed, they are definitely not contagious. You cannot transmit them to another person as there is no biological agent causing this disorder. Bacterial and fungal superinfections of these lesions are possible, but they are developed on the basis of changed skin and others have a very minimal chance of getting the infection from a person with infected corns and calluses.

Pictures

Pictures of corns and calluses:

Does your toe hurt when you walk? Take a closer look at your toes. If they are swollen or green in color with thick nails, you may be suffering from an infected toe. Do not panic! In most cases infected toes can be treated using antibiotic medications and you can walk again pain-free.

What are the symptoms of infected toes?

Toe infections come along with some common symptoms such as redness, pain, inflammation and warmth in the infected toes. In some cases, thick or ingrown toenails may be the root of the toe infection. If the infection is due to fungal growth, you may notice that your toenails have turned green in color and is filled with pus.

What causes infection in toes?

Toe infections can be caused due to a variety of reasons such as infections, calluses or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or peripheral vascular diseases. It is also observed in people with compromised immunity, such as people undergoing chemotherapy. Sometimes, the soft tissues in the feet such as tendons and ligaments may also get infected. Infected toes may be caused due to:

Fungal infections

Infection in your toes may be caused due to fungal infestations (medically known as onychomycosis). Fungal infections take time to aggravate. Therefore, you may not notice any significant changes in the appearance of your toes or nails in the initial stages of fungal infection. At later stages, you may observe a change in color of your nails. Your toenail may turn green or black in color and sometimes you may observe green pus oozing out the nail or blister on the infected toe. Fungal infection occurs in the toe due to excessive growth of fungus under the toenails. Presence of moisture in the toenail, due to the moist environment in your shoes, provides suitable environment for the fungus to grow. Fungal toenail infections are contagious and you may infect your toe if you share your footwear with someone who is already suffering from fungal infection in the toes.

Poor circulation of blood to the lower extremities

Underlying medical conditions such as atherosclerosis or sickle cell anaemia that impede the blood circulation to the lower extremities may cause toe infections. Poor blood flow to the feet may also occur due to the natural process of ageing. Poor blood flow to the foot cause thickening of the toenails and thereby promote fungal growth in the inner layers of the nails, leading to toe infections.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the diseases that reduce the blood flow to lower parts of the body. Therefore, people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing toe infections. Moreover, neuropathy occurs as a consequence of uncontrolled blood sugar. Neuropathy may damage your nerves and may lead to decrease in sensation on your foot. If you are a diabetic and you get a cut or blister on your toe due to any reason, it may worsen and may infect your whole foot. Diabetes may also cause cellulitis and deep skin/ soft tissue infections.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails occur as a result of growing of edges of nail into the skin adjoining the nail. The ingrown nail may cause infection as it pierces into the skin. Ingrown toenails may become a matter of concern if you are diabetic or have some disorder that impedes blood flow into lower extremities. Cutting toenails incorrectly or poor posture while walking or running may cause ingrown toenails. In some cases, genetic predisposition may be the reason for toe infections due to ingrown toenails.

Nail infections

Nail injuries or cuts may be caused due to chemical irritants, carelessness or due to increased pressure on the toes due to ill-fitted shoes. Nail infection (medically referred to as paronychia) occurs when a skin bacteria, mostly staphylococcus, enters the skin around the nail that has been injured. Presence of hangnails may also lead to infection in your toes, causing pain and making your toes look red and swollen. Hangnails are the tiny skin tears that remain when skin splits from the cuticle. Paronychia may also lead to pus formation and may be accompanied by fever and chills, indicating a serious medical condition that requires immediate help from a physician.
In worst cases, infections due to staphylococcus may also spread into the bones of the toes (medically called as osteomyelitis), especially if the person is diabetic.

Can toe infection be treated?

If the infection in your toe is very severe and there is accumulation of pus, you may have to visit a physician to drain the pus out. The physician may use a surgical knife or place a packing called wick to drain the pus out of the infected toe. The wick may be placed for a period of 24- 48 hours to help complete drainage of the pus. You may have to take oral antibiotics after the pus is drained to expedite the healing process.

In extreme cases, partial or complete nail removal may be required to get rid of the infection on the toes. If the infection is incurable and starts spreading to other parts of the feet, the doctor may suggest toe amputation to prevent further damage. Generally toe amputation is the last resort and is recommended only if the infected toe is causing cessation of blood, nutrient and oxygen supply to rest of the foot.

Simple toe infections may be treated by using simple home remedies. You may try the following treatment at home:

Home Remedies

Cold compress

Apply cold compress or ice pack to the affected toe to alleviate the pain and swelling. Do not apply ice cubes directly to the affected skin. Doing so may further damage your tissue and aggravate the pain. Wrap the ice cubes in a wet towel before applying it to your toe.

Warm compress

If your toe infection is caused due to fungal or bacterial growth, it is advisable to use warm compresses. It will help in reducing the fungal or bacterial infection as well as the swelling.

Treatment with warm water

Soak your feet in a tub of warm water for 15- 20 minutes. You may add epsom salt or vinegar to the water. This may be particularly beneficial if you have infected toes due to ingrown nails. You can use an antibacterial soap to thoroughly clean the infected feet. You may apply a topical antibiotic ointment on the infected areas after patting your feet dry with a clean napkin. You should never soak your feet in hot water; the water you are using to soak your feet should be lukewarm.

Treatment with salt water

If you have an infected toe due to injury or fungal infection, you may soak your feet in warm water containing salt. Salt water treatment is particularly beneficial if there is bleeding due to the infection in your toes. The salt acts as a natural antibiotic. Following salt water treatment, you may apply an antibiotic ointment to heal the infection faster. You may wrap your toe after application of ointment in order to prevent the infection from spreading. Alternatively, you may dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it onto the infected toe. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antioxidant that keeps a check on the growth of the fungus that causes toe infection. It also helps in reducing the inflammation.

Foot elevation

You may keep your infected foot in an elevated position while sitting or sleeping. It is advisable to walk as little as possible till the infection in your toes settle down. Bear in mind that walking on your toes can delay healing.

Choosing the right footwear

If you have any form of toe infection, it is advisable to wear loose fitting shoes, so as to avoid worsening of the problem. It is advisable to wear socks that absorb sweat and minimize moisture.

Take care of the infected toe

• If there is pus accumulation in the infected toe, do not try to drain it out yourself. It may cause bleeding, spreading of infection and delay in the healing procedure.
• Avoid applying nail polish or rubbing coal on your infected toenail. In general you should apply only antifungal ointments or bandages on your infected toes.
• If the infection and pain in your toes persist for more than a week even after trying these home remedies, you should visit your physician to decide the right course of treatment for you.

Prevention of Toe Infections

• Toe infections can be prevented by taking proper care of your foot. If you are a diabetic, take care not to injure your toes while running or walking. If you notice a small cut or blister on your toe or any part of your feet that persists for more than a week, it is advisable to consult a physician.
• Avoid going barefoot to public places, especially public bathrooms.
• Avoid sharing your shoes or footwear with others.
• Avoid digging under or cutting your ingrown toenails on your own; you may end up infecting your toe and worsening the pain. Visit a podiatrist to prop up your ingrown toenail or to cut it.
• If you have a hangnail, do not try to pull it out forcefully. Soak your toes in warm water to soften your skin and nails and then carefully cut the hangnails using a nail clipper. Apply moisturizing oil once you have clipped your hangnail.
• If you get a pedicure done at a salon, make sure that the tools being used are appropriately sterilized. Tools such as nail clippers can be a potential source of toe infection if not appropriately sterilized.
• Maintain proper foot hygiene at all times. Do not keep your feet moist for a long time.

Pictures

Pictures of infected toe:

Do you have Trench foot? Get more insights on the symptoms, causes, treatment and home remedies of trench foot.

Do you feel a tingling, loss of feeling, burning sensation or numbness in your foot? You may have mistaken some of those symptoms for conditions like diabetic neuropathy, frostbite or even leprosy. However, trench foot is something quite different from any of those conditions.

You are not the only one suffering from this problem. History reveals that trench foot was first discovered by Napoleon’s army in 1812. Since then, this condition has become an issue that a lot of people have been diagnosed with and go through some excruciating pains before they are lucky to have permanent solution to.

Not to worry, trench foot sure has a solution. That should be good news for you. Isn’t it? The condition could limit you from running for some time, but with time you soon get a cure for it and everything is okay again. There has been so much confusion about the actual cause of this nagging medical condition. And this brings us to the question

What is Trench Foot?

Trench foot otherwise known as Non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) is a medical condition resulting from a long period of exposing the feet to damp, cold and unsanitary conditions. It falls under one of those conditions referred to as immersion syndrome. The disease got its name from the word ‘Trench’ which was used during the World War I.
The condition was common among soldiers during the World War I due to the condition they were daily exposed to in the course of executing the war. The condition resulted from wet feet, especially feet soaked in cold military boots for several hours while hiding out in trenches under unsanitary conditions.

Symptoms of Trench Foot

The signs and symptoms of trench foot include the following:

• Tingling sensation in the foot
• Itching sensation
• Burning sensation
• Numbness
• Loss of feeling
• Cyanosis of the foot
• Numb toes
• Pain
• Prickly or heavy feeling
• Swelling
• Cold, blotchy skin
• Dry and red foot with pain after warming
• Blisters
• Fissures of the skin
• Dying of skin and tissue
• Maceration of the skin can be present.
• Odor from skin necrosis
• Open sores
• Foot may require amputation especially if necrosis sets in

Causes of Trench Foot

Frostbite is known to be caused by extremely cold temperatures. But in the case of the trench foot, the near opposite is the case. The condition can occur in temperature of up to 16⁰c and as few as 13 hours. The mechanism of the injury is not quite clear. Some conditions like excessive sweating, cold, and wet conditions have however, been implicated. Trench foot is not a contagious disease, though secondary infections that can accompany it in some cases can sometimes be.

The infected feet usually become numb, red (as a result of initial increased blood supply to the area following inflammation), cyanotic or bluish due to reduced oxygen supply to the area. As the course of the disease progresses, necrosis (death of surrounding tissues) eventually set in, thereby producing a foul odor. Swelling occurs as well. In the advanced stage, the feet then develop open sores and blisters, giving rise to secondary or fungal infections. At this stage, the condition is referred to as topical ulcer or jungle rot. If no urgent and proper medical treatment is given, gangrene sets in thereby resulting in of the amputation of the affected part. Prompt intervention usually results in quick recovery.

Diagnosis

In trying to diagnose the trench foot, there are other differential diagnoses that need to be made. Since trench foot presents with signs and symptoms similar to what you see in some other disease conditions, there is need to rule out those other conditions. Other conditions to look at include frostnip, pernio, and frostbite.

Frostbite: Frostbite has a few symptoms in common with trench foot. However, while frostbite is caused by exposure to extremely cold weather or moisture, trench foot is not. So, looking at the root cause is one way to diagnose whether it is a frostbite or trench foot.

Pernio (Chilblain or cold sore) presents with symptoms that are less severe than those of the trench foot. Besides, pernio presents with painful inflammatory skin lesions which result from chronic, repeated exposures to damp, non-freezing cold temperatures. The symptoms of pernio include erythema, plaques, edema, nodules, bullae, or vesicles that usually show up as long as after 12 hours of the original injury.

Frostnips present as skin blanching, with temporary numbness and lack of pain (parasthesia). But these usually resolve after re-warming. It usually has no formation of ice crystal in the tissues and there is no tissue loss as well.

Trench foot, however, develops from prolonged exposure to wet, non-freezing cold environment which leads to neurovascular damage around the periphery, without any formation of ice crystal. The nerve damage and blood vessels damage lead to pain, pallor parasthesia (loss of pain sensation), loss of pulse, and paralysis. If diagnosis is made early enough, trench foot can be reversed. The prognosis of the disease is usually better than that of frostbite. So, recovery is faster and better in trench foot than in frostbite.

How to treat Trench Foot

Trench foot can be given symptomatic and holistic treatment. Sometimes, you can look closely at the symptoms presented and then handle them individually to provide some relief for the sufferer. However, it is always best to do a total treatment so that the person can have his peace and comfort. So what are the various ways of taking care of the problem? Don’t worry! That’s why I am here to guide you on what exactly to do to help eliminate all symptoms and bring your feet back to normal function.

Surgery

A surgical procedure known as endoscopic excision of the dorsal root ganglion to create an absence of perspiration (surgical anhydrosis) can be performed. This is achieved by surgically removing the part of the autonomic nervous system that is in charge of perspiration.

Injections

The use of Botox injection can be helpful too in a situation where there is severe sweating. Botox is injected into the smooth muscles which control the sweat glands on the bottom of the foot. This has been used by podiatrists and dermatologists, with very good results.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

They help to relieve pain, slow down inflammation and swelling as well as speed up recovery. A few examples of anti-inflammatory drugs include Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), etc. However, it must be noted that these drugs are not to be used for too long because of the negative long term effects on the body. It is, therefore, advisable to see the doctor for a better management of the disease.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor for the treatment of the primary or secondary infections and to prevent further spread of the infection. Broad spectrum antibiotics or those that can specifically take care of the causative organism should be employed in the management of the condition.

Home Remedies for Trench foot

There are simple interventions you can employ at home to help relieve pain, swelling, excessive sweating, and discomfort. Some of the few things you can do include:

• Clean your feet and dry them thoroughly
• Make sure your socks are thoroughly washed and dried daily. If possible, use some antiseptic lotion to wash them
• Take off your socks when resting or sleeping
• Expose your feet to air at any given opportunity. This will keep it aerated and dry.
• Soak the affected foot or feet in warm water of 102⁰ to 110⁰F for about 5 minutes or apply warm packs to the area.
• Add potassium permanganate solution from your local pharmacy to the warm water for soaking the feet. This helps to draw excess fluid out of the swollen feet.
• Inspect the feet daily and take action the moment you find any anomaly. This is particularly important if there are wounds on the feet that are likely to be infected
• Wear leather or clothes that easily absorb moisture.
• Add another blanket under your feet while sleeping at night. This helps to absorb excess moisture and keep your feet drier.
• Reduce moisture by applying talc or baby powder to the feet regularly.
• Avoid synthetic materials like vinyl or rubber
• Use drying agents for your feet: The most commonly used drying agent to reduce moisture is Aluminium Chloride. The use of Formalin can be helpful to some extent. Moreover, antihistamine and anti-cholinergic are known to play a major role in reducing sweating and moisture accumulation. A few examples are Pro-Banthine, Banthine, and Benadryl.
• Treat signs of infection: Blister formation, pain, color change, and swelling are all signs and symptoms of infection. They need to be treated as early as possible in or order to prevent further spread and complications.

Conclusion

The factors necessary for the development of trench foot include dampness, cold, and unsanitary conditions. If these factors are controlled or completely removed, trench foot can then be effectively prevented.

Pictures of Trench Foot

How does trench foot look like? Take a look at these pictures…

Supination of feet is a process of the natural gait cycle which involves a tri-planar motion causing the feet to move down and towards the centre of the body. Supination of feet involves a combination of inversion (twisting of the foot inward), plantarflexion (movement of your foot away from the body by bending your ankle) and adduction (movement of the foot towards the centre of the body). Excessive supination, also known as underpronation disturbs the overall body alignment, thereby making your gait unsteady.

What is supination of foot?

Have you tried to observe your feet while you are walking or running? You would notice that your feet tend to roll outwards as a process of normal motion. This rolling out of your feet between the uppermost bone of the foot that connects to the ankle (talus) and heel bone (calcaneus) is called as supination. A small amount of supination occurs naturally during your normal gait which allows your feet to form a rigid structure that helps in moving forward. However, excessive supination (over-supination) leads to poor shock absorption and may generate undue strain on the muscles and tendons around your ankles. This may cause your ankles to completely roll over, thereby causing sprain or ligament rupture in the ankle, shin splint and fracture of the heel bone.

How can I know whether I am over-supinating?

• Over-supination presents some common symptoms like arch pain, heel pain, flat foot, formation of corns and calluses on feet, ankle sprain and Achilles tendinitis. Severe cases of over-supination may lead to muscle tightness in the thigh and pain in knees, hip and back.
• You can identify over-supination just by observing the sole of your shoes. If the sole looks more worn out on the outer edges than rest of the parts, you may be over-supinating while walking or running.
• Observe the inside of your feet in the mirror. High arches on the inside of your feet may indicate over-supination.
• Take the wet foot test. Wet your feet thoroughly and take a walk along a smooth pavement; take a look at the footprints left by you.
• If your gait is normal, your will observe footprints in which the heel of your foot is connected to the forefoot by a strip which is approximately half the width of your foot on the outer sole.
• However, if you are over-supinating while walking, you will observe footprints in which your heel and forefoot are connected by a very thin strip on the outside, which may sometimes not even be visible.
• People with over-supination may be pigeon-toed or have feet that turn inward while walking or standing.

What are the causes of over-supination?

Over-supination occurs very rarely and is the least common foot type. Over-supination may be caused as a result of poor walking habits. This condition may also be attributed to genetic predisposition as in the case of high arches. Some people over-supinate since childhood. In some cases, prior injury to the feet may lead to over-supination.

Treatment

Choosing the right pair of shoes

Over-supination in most cases can be treated by just wearing the right pair of shoes that are well-cushioned. If you feel that you are suffering from over-supination, visit a podiatrist immediately to get a complete-foot strike and running gait analysis done. Based on the results of these tests, the podiatrist may be able to suggest appropriate shoes for you that will help in preventing further over-supination. While buying shoes, it is necessary to measure the length, width and depth of your feet to get a better fit and to alleviate the discomfort. Your feet tend to swell as the day progresses; therefore it is advisable to buy new pair of shoes in the later part of the day.

Orthotic inserts

If there is excessive supination that won’t go away even after wearing the right pair of shoes, you may use a pair of orthotic inserts, deep heel cups, heel wedges or insoles in your shoes. You may find a pre-molded orthotic insert that can be bought off the shelf. However, it is advisable to buy specially casted insoles or inserts that is customized for your feet.

Exercises

• Stretching and strengthening exercise may help to impart strength to the ankles that may have turned weak due to the repeated sprains or fractures.
• Athletes who suffer from over-supination should indulge in stretching exercises to lengthen the tendons and muscles in the feet. Hamstring or calf stretches may help in relieving the stiffness that occurs due to over-supination. It may also help you to improve your gait.
• You can strengthen your thigh muscles by stretching your quad and calf muscles. To perform quad stretching, stand still with your palms pressed firmly against a wall. Place one of your foot behind your buttocks and pull the leg up allowing your thigh muscles to stretch thoroughly. Hold on for 10-15 seconds, relax and repeat the same procedure on the other leg.
• To stretch your calf muscle, place your palms pressed against a wall and place one leg back, putting pressure on the forefoot. Bend the other knee and lean in to the bent knee. Hold on for 10-15 seconds and repeat the exercise on the other foot.
• Due to over-supination, you may sometimes experience pain in your inner thighs after walking or running for a longer period of time. You can strengthen the muscles in your inner thighs by raising your leg up and down while lying down sideways on the floor.
• If you suffer from heel pain, it may be due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which may occur as sequelae to over-supination. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to swelling and irritation in the plantar fascia which is a flat band of ligament that connects your heel bone and toes and provides support to the arch of your foot. To ease the pain in your heels, you can perform stretching exercises for the plantar fascia by sitting on the floor with your legs outstretched and trying to hold one of your toes. Then pull your foot upward and hold it in this position for 10-15 seconds. Relax and repeat the same procedure on your other foot.
• Strengthening the muscles in front of your shin can help you to walk steadily. You may try simple exercises like jump roping or step-ups to improve the alignment of your feet and to train them to land properly.
• Always bear in mind that you should gradually increase the intensity of exercise. If you are wearing new shoes or orthotic inserts, start with a less strenuous version of exercise and slowly progress towards the more difficult form of work-outs, making sure that you do not experience any pain due to the exercise. It is advisable to consult a physiotherapist to know the exercise that suits you best.

Poor circulation in feet can be the answer to questions like why your feet always feel cold even when you are wearing two pair of socks during the summer or why your spouse complains about your cold feet against their legs in bed. In this article you will see what the signs of poor circulation in feet are, why it is important to have good blood circulation in your feet, the causes of poor circulation in feet and how you can improve the circulation of blood in your feet.

Your feet are where poor blood circulation is most found to occur. You will see this condition a lot in the elderly, especially those who suffer from medical conditions like diabetes, and hypertension but in cases where children have congenital heart defects they can also develop poor circulation in feet. When you have circulation problems in your feet it can cause tissue damage in your feet. It can cause a wide range of symptoms and utter discomfort. Having bad or poor circulation is infamous for being referred to as a “silent killer.” Around the world it is known to affect more than ten million people.

If you think you have poor circulation in feet it is important that you seek the medical attention of your physician as it could be a sign of a serious health problem.

Why is blood circulation important in feet?

Having good blood circulation is not only important to your feet but also for your entire body. To live a healthy life it is an indispensable requisition. Having the correct amount of blood flow to your feet is needed for the movement of your feet and legs. It is also needed for various bodily functions and for the functioning of many organs in your body. Having proper circulation delivers the oxygen-rich blood that your body needs every day.

Signs that you have got poor circulation in feet

The signs, or symptoms, of poor circulation in feet can range from mild to severe, depending on what the underlying reasons are and how severe they are. These signs do not appear overnight but develop over a period of time. This is why it is nicknamed the silent killer. Some common signs include:

• Usually the symptoms of poor circulation in feet develop slowly and in the beginning stages are characterized by pain and cramping in your buttocks, legs, or feet.
• For some the cramping and pain subside when you rest and come back when you do your regular daily activities. The pain and cramping usually starts in the beginning stages because your blood circulation to the working muscles is impaired.
• As the poor circulation to feet becomes worse you may start to have foot cramps while resting or while sleeping. The reason for the foot cramps is that the symptoms are now developing while you remain stationary for a long period of time due to the lack of required blood flow to your feet muscles.
• Swelling of your feet due to improper kidney functions
• Poor circulation in feet at night can cause cold feet, usually right before you go to sleep because the blood flowing between the veins and arteries is what helps to regulate your body’s temperature. Sometimes instead of cold feet your feet may feel very warm.
• After eating certain foods
• During long periods of being stationary, especially after sitting for long periods of time or when you first get up in the morning.
• You may have sudden severe pain in the leg due to blood clot formation
• Any wounds or cuts on your feet usually will not heal very easy
• Diminished growth of toenails and hair growth, especially in the distribution of hair on your foot.
• Foot may appear bluish sometimes due to the lack of adequate amount of oxygen in the blood stream
• Fatigue due to the lack of proper nutrients and oxygen reaching your muscles causing you to feel lethargic and have a lack of stamina to do your daily tasks
• Developing sores and ulcers on the feet that usually take time to heal
• Skin could become thin, tight, and have a shiny look or pale look
• Numbness in one or both feet causing the feeling of pins and needles or like your feet has gone to sleep.
• Shortness in breath after doing simple tasks
• Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure
• Varicose veins
• Rashes that cover a small or wide area on your feet
• Weak pulse
• Pain when immobile but not when walking or standing
• Difference in temperature between both feet, which could indicate poor circulation in one leg only.
• Swollen ankles
• Cramps in your calves when walking and during sleep
• Feet may feel itchy due to dry skin

During pregnancy many women face poor circulation in feet because the growing fetus is applying pressure on their blood vessels. Retaining water can cause swelling in their feet and is a major sign of poor circulation in feet while pregnant. Even after pregnancy a woman might have poor circulation in feet due to the excess weight gain from being pregnant.

Causes

Besides being elderly there are different other factors that play a key role in poor circulation, including lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and genetics. One common cause is peripheral vascular disease also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). It is a medical condition that is characterized by the narrowing or obstruction of the big arteries that are from your heart and brain. PAD commonly occurs in your lower extremities. What causes this disease varies but the most common reason is atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of your arterial walls with fatty deposits. Other medical conditions that can cause poor circulation in legs include:

• Thyroid disorders
• Kidney problems
• Raynaud disease, which is a medical condition in which the small arteries of your body narrow down and cause a decrease in the supply of blood to your feet. It is a condition that mainly affects women between the ages of fifteen and forty-five.
• Liver diseases
• Stress and/or anxiety – when a person is anxious or stressed the blood circulation increases to the major organs but decreases in other non-major places like your feet.

In some with poor circulation in feet it is caused by your body’s response to cold temperatures. In cold weather your body reduces the flow of blood to the legs and feet. Other causes can include:

• Having gout
• After surgery due to the fact that you may not be able to get out of bed for a certain period of time causing immobility
• Smoking
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity

How to improve blood circulation in feet

There are a variety of things that you can do to help improve blood circulation in your feet.

• Try to avoid being immobile for a long period of time
• Stay warm
• People who are diabetic will need to keep their sugar levels under control
• People with high blood pressure will usually have to take medication
• Foot massages to enhance the blood circulation to your feet
• Hydrotherapy
• Take a baby aspirin daily.
• Wear shoes and clothes that are not tight fitting and can slow down the circulation in your body, especially your feet from wearing tight shoes

Lifestyle changes

• Stop smoking
• Regimen of regular exercises like taking daily walks
• Increase the amount of water you drink each day
• Eat foods that will help to lower your cholesterol
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Watch your caffeine intake
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that contain saturated fats. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin A, C, and E, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Staying warm when out in the cold
• Add garlic to your diet. This can help to improve the circulation of blood to your body
• When sitting elevate your feet on a surface that is ten to twelve inches above the floor to ensure proper circulation
• Reduce the intake of salt in your diet because it can lead to water retention.

Foods that help to improve circulation in feet

• Dark chocolate: it contains flavonoids that help to improve blood circulation, and helps to lower your blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
• Citrus fruits: these fruits are loaded with vitamin C and can act as natural blood thinners to help prevent or reduce any blood clots in your body. Vitamin C also enhances healthy blood circulation
• Nuts and seeds: these are rich in vitamin B3, Omega 3-fatty acids and niacin and help you to have a healthy blood flow

Specialty designed products

• Exercise equipment
• Wedges you put between your legs when relaxing
• At night when you sleep use a bed wedge to put between your legs
• Compression socks and hosiery that are designed to stabilize your leg tissues and help the blood to circulate easier to your legs and feet

Medical treatments

• Medication that helps to prevent blood clotting
• Angioplasty to open up the blocked arteries by using a vein from another part of your body in order to bypass the artery that is blocked
• Medications to help lower your blood pressure
• Medications to help lower your bad cholesterol levels

Ingrown toenails are medically termed as onychocryptosis or unguis incarnatus. This is a common condition of the toenails that affects many people in different age groups. However, the people most commonly affected are people with diabetes, people in adolescence as well as young adults.

Symptoms of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown nails are most common in the toes, although they may also be present in hands. In the toes, the most commonly affected toe is the big toe, also called the hallux. The most common symptom is pain, and occurs early when the problem arises. If ignored, the problem may progress to several other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty in walking, discharge and bleeding. There may also be redness and infection. For purposes of staging, the symptoms of ingrown nails are used to classify ingrown nails into four stages.

• The first stage is known as the inflammatory stage. This stage is characterized by pain, mostly when the outer part of the nail is pressed firmly, slight swelling and redness.
• The second stage is also known as the abscess stage. It is characterized by an increase in the symptoms observed in stage one. There is increased swelling, pain, redness, discharge and infection.
• The third stage is known as the hypertrophic stage. It is characterized by formation of granulation tissue (tissue that forms when wounds are healing) and increased growth of the nail fold-which is called hypertrophy. The fourth stage is known as the distal hypertrophic stage, whose main feature is a deformity of the toenail.

Other symptoms experienced may be as a result of complications of ingrown toenails. These complications include infections, which are quite common. Common infections due to ingrown toenails include bacterial infections and those infections caused by a fungus. Nails infected by fungus often take on a deep yellow hue. An affected person may notice a yellow nail. Another indicator of infection in an ingrown toenail is a blister which forms quite soon after an infection sets in. This may, in fact, be the first sign of an infection. Other complications include osteomyelitis and cellulitis which are extremely rare. On rare instances, there may be scarring.

Causes of Infected Ingrown Toenails

It has been noted that ingrown toenails are relatively common among people of certain demographic groups. Diabetics, for example, are more susceptible to ingrown toenails. It has also been noted that people with pre-existing nail abnormalities such as abnormally thick or abnormally thin nails, a big toe rotated towards the other toes, and a nail plate that has an abnormal shape are at greater risk of developing ingrown toenails.

There are several factors that contribute to development of ingrown toenails. These include:

Birth abnormalities

Ingrown toenails that are present at birth are termed congenital. These are thought to be as a result of either genetic influence – where a parent who has ingrown toenails is thought to pass genes that make the baby susceptible to ingrown toenails. It may also be due to trauma incurred during pregnancy.

Improper nail care

The most common cause of ingrown nails as concerns nail care is often wrong trimming of the nails. Where most people trim their nails in a round fashion, trimming should be preferably done in a straight line. The nail should not be trimmed too short so as to ensure the nail fold does not grow over the nail. It is also paramount that the nail clipper that one uses is clean and hygienic.

Poor foot care

When foot hygiene is improper, there is increased susceptibility to infection. Although infection is usually a result of ingrown toenails, it may actually be the cause. When toenails become infected, they become weak and brittle, resulting in them breaking easily. These broken parts of the nails may get lodged in the nail fold, thereby resulting in ingrown toenails.

Increased pressure on the foot

This is usually a result of poorly-fitting shoes. Tight shoes press upon the toes and cause the nail fold to press into the toe nail.

Increased sweating of the foot

This can also be brought about by poorly fitting shoes. Walking or conducting any activity in them is not only very uncomfortable but results in profuse sweating. This can also be the cause in adolescents who often sweat a lot. In both of these situations, sweat makes the nail fold softer than usual, making it possible for the nail to lodge in the nail fold easily. (Related: Sweaty feet causes and treatment)

There are other factors that may contribute to development of ingrown toenails. Some antiretroviral drugs, like Indinavir have been demonstrated to result in higher incidences of ingrown toenails among those who use these drugs. Tumors and other forms of growths affecting the nail bed, for example warts, and previous nail surgery may also result in ingrown nails.

Home Remedies

Home remedies are usually beneficial for stage one and some stage two ingrown nails. However, it is always advisable to take caution when applying these home remedies. For example, it is not advisable to try and remove the part of the nail that has grown into the nail fold using nail clippers or other apparatus available in homes and used for cutting. A diabetic who develops ingrown toenails must at all times seek medical advice. They should not try any home remedies as these may prove to be more detrimental to their health. This caveat also applies to people with any vascular or circulatory anomalies.

Home remedies for ingrown toenails include:

• Use of appropriate shoes and footwear: This may also be protective for those who have not yet developed ingrown toenails but are at risk of developing them. Shoes should be well fitting, not too big and not too small. Those who have developed ingrown toenails may opt for sandals to reduce pressure on the big toe. It may also offer relief from pain.
• Proper nail care: As explained earlier, nails should be clipped in a straight line, not in a rounded fashion. A clean nail clipper should also be used.
• Dental floss and cotton placed under the toenail: These may be placed directly under the nail after cleaning the feet. The elevation of the toenail will remove the edge of the toenail from direct contact with the nail fold. This may prevent further in-growth of the nail and may also offer reprieve from any pressure exerted upon the nail.
• Pain medications: These help to relieve the pain, thus decreasing the discomfort associated with walking, sporting and schooling activities.
• Foot care and relief: Foot care regimen involves cleaning the foot properly every day. One may also soak their feet in warm soapy water or water mixed with Epsom salts. There are also available soaks that are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that may be helpful. Essential oils, including coconut, rosemary or clove oil may be applied to the region of the nail to enable it to grow normally.
• Antibiotic cream: One can apply antibiotic cream to the area with pain. This would help prevent infection or get rid of any existing infection. One may also apply silver nitrate, hydrogen peroxide and iodine to the affected area to clean it and possibly disinfect it.

How to Treat Ingrown Toenails?

Treatment for ingrown toenails is recommended for diabetics, those with vascular or circulatory problems, those with stage two and above ingrown nails and those for whom home remedies do not work. Delayed treatment may result in gangrene (death of the affected tissue). Treatment options include:

Controlling the underlying conditions

As stated earlier there are several causes of ingrown nails. Some of these can be controlled or at least prevented. This can be done by:

• Use of oral and topical antibiotics: These would be essential in treating and preventing any bacterial and fungal infections, and would require a prescription from a doctor.
• Managing blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of a patient with diabetes developing ingrown nails.
• Proper maternal care during pregnancy: This would reduce the number of babies born with congenital ingrown nails following the effect of trauma.

Using splints

These vary in design, make and material. They are placed under the ingrown nail-at the edge of the nail- to elevate the nail permanently allowing the wound to heal and enabling the edge of the nail to be excised.

Cutting

Cutting any skin or tissue that has grown around the nail. This is usually a surgical procedure. It would require that the tissue into which the edge of the nail has grown is made numb, by use of local anesthetic, and then cut. This can be done by resection of a wedge-shaped portion of the nail fold and the ingrown part of the nail.

Partial or total matricectomy

This refers to surgical or chemical destruction of part of or the entire matrix of the nail. Destruction of the nail matrix would prevent additional nail tissue growth. This is done in recurrent ingrown toenails, along with excision of any fragments that may have broken off from the nail.

Laser treatment

This uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove warts present around the region of the nail as these cause ingrowth of nails. Laser treatment also requires use of an anesthetic to numb the region.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is quite literally, treatment that uses cold. It is used to freeze the affected part of the nail, causing the tissue to be destroyed.

A lot of persons live with numbness in feet. While some have been able to get a way out of this nagging medical condition, a lot of others have had to live with it for the rest of their lives. For those who cannot find a lasting solution, numbness in feet remains a cross they have to carry through life.

Numbness in feet results from different medical conditions; they can be transient or become chronic. Generally, they start from the feet and can spread gradually to other areas if not quickly handled or treated properly. Early intervention is the best way out.

What Causes Numbness in Feet?

Numbness in feet and legs when walking does not come suddenly; it comes from some other known or unknown medical conditions which can primarily be deeply seated in other organs apart from the feet. Several disease conditions have been implicated in the development of this problem:

Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy

One serious complication of diabetes is neuropathy (disease or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, resulting in numbness or weakness). The feet of the affected person loses pain sensations and becomes vulnerable to injuries, sores, and infections. There could be numbness in feet after sitting or standing for a long time.

Spinal cord injury

The nerves supply sensory impulses to the various parts of the body. But when there is a spinal cord injury, the part distal to the affected portion could become completely cut-off from receiving sensations. This can manifest with numbness in feet.

Poor blood circulation

If for any reason there is a pressure on arteries supplying blood to the legs, there would be poor tissue perfusion leading to reduced oxygen and nutrients reaching the affected area. For instance, if when sleeping you carelessly place your legs across the hard edges of your bed, blood supply to your feet is reduced. When this happens, the early warning signs could be numbness in feet or tingling in feet getting out of bed.

Vitamin deficiency

Another cause of numbness in feet is vitamin deficiency. However, it must be understood that it is not all vitamin deficiencies that bring about this symptom. Specifically, the deficiency of vitamin B12 leads to nervous disorders which eventually manifest in ‘pin and needle’ or burning sensation in the feet and sometimes palms. This sensation can get worse during running, badly reducing one’s speed.

Inflammation of the blood vessels

Inflammation of the blood vessels, otherwise known as vasculitis, can also result in poor blood circulation to the tissues around the area of inflammation. This can particularly present with pain in the calves and the feet. Prolonged blood vessel inflammation can result in the formation of a blood clot or thrombus, which then becomes a threat to life.

Side effect of chemotherapy

Certain drugs have the tendency to cause numbness and cramps (as side effects). When such drugs are taken for a prolonged period, they may produce such side effect as leg cramps, which can continually harass one.

Bone fracture

One other culprit is bone fracture. With fracture, tissues and nerves are injured, leading to severe pain, numbness, leg cramps, and sometimes blood clot formation.

Frostbite

Have you ever been exposed to extremely cold weather? If so, you would have experienced some level of discomfort resulting from such exposure. The extreme cold condition leads to freezing of the fingers, toes, and numbness in the hands and feet as well.

Heavy metal poisoning

One obvious symptom of heavy metal poisoning like lead poisoning is numbness in feet. There could also be leg cramps.

Stroke

Stroke is a condition of loss of sensation in some parts of the body as a result of rupture of blood vessel in the brain or due to blockage of the brain vessels by an embolus, thrombus or any other foreign body.

Alcohol and cigarette consumption

Excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarette can lead to vitamin deficiency and the introduction of some systemic poisoning that can present with numbness in legs after quitting smoking in the long run.

Monthly menstrual cycle

Some women experience nasty symptoms before period. Such symptoms can be a tingling in the hands, numbness of feet, lower back pain, etc. The symptoms and signs can also accompany early pregnancy. During this period, the woman may experience early morning numbness or tingling feet in getting out of bed.

Signs and Symptoms of Feet Numbness

Feet numbness has noticeable signs and symptoms which can aid you in diagnosing the condition. They can also be accompanied by other symptoms. These signs and symptoms include

• Leg numbness
• Pins and needles sensation (Prickling)
• Lower back pain
• Muscle spasm
• Sensitivity to touch
• Tingling in feet getting out of bed
• Numbness in feet after sitting
• Numbness in feet and legs when walking
• Leg cramps
• Burning sensation in the feet
• Weak-feeling foot
• Blurred vision

Treatment of Numbness in feet

Numbness in feet is a treatable condition. However, the prognosis depends on the cause and the duration the disease has taken.

• Treat the cause: The best solution is to treat the cause of the problem. For instance, with proper management of diabetes, the numbness of feet associated with the condition gradually gets alleviated.
• Treat injuries: With the right treatment applied to your injuries, the complications are adequately taken care of as well. Once the source of the trouble is well handled, the tendency is that the problem itself also vanishes.
• Use Vitamin supplement: Since some forms of foot numbness result from vitamin deficiency, it would be wise to go on vitamin supplements to effectively eliminate the problem.
• :Reduce or stop consumption of alcohol and cigarette: Alcohol and cigarette are a known cause of numbness in feet. So, putting a stop to cigarette and alcohol consumption or reducing the quantity consumed can go a long way in helping to solve the problem.

Home Remedies

The following home remedies have been tested and proven to work well in the management of numbness of feet.

• Warm compress: This can be achieved by using towel or napkins dipped into warm water to softly add some compressions to the area.
• Massage: Put some coconut, mustard or olive oil in your palm and use it to massage the area in a circular fashion.
• Herbs: A research made by the University of Maryland Medical Center revealed that Ginkgo supplements play a vital role at preventing blood platelets from sticking together, thereby improving blood circulation.
• Exercise: Quality exercise also helps tremendously in improving blood circulation and reducing some of the symptoms such as tingling.
• Change position: Don’t sit or lie in one position for too long. You need to change your position periodically. This helps to improve blood circulation to all parts of the body.

Conclusion

Numbness of feet can be quite disturbing and troubling if not promptly addressed. But with proper and early intervention, most of the signs and symptoms that accompany this condition can be fully handled.

Do you have skin peeling off from the bottom of your feet? Get to know the various causes behind this problem and find out how to stop skin peeling on feet by using simple homemade natural remedies.

Skin on hands and feet – The noticeably eccentric form of skin
Have you ever noticed that the skin on your hands and feet are distinctly different than the skin on the rest of your body? The skin on your hands and feet, more precisely palms and soles, do not have hair. Moreover, your hands and feet start looking wrinkled when you soak them in water. Unlike the rest of your skin, your palms and feet have a unique pattern of ridges called fingerprints and footprints. Apart from giving away clues to the forensic experts to solve crimes, these footprints and fingerprints help in keeping your skin intact.

Symptoms of Peeling of skin on feet

The skin on your feet may tend to appear flaky and start to peel off. This condition is often associated with itching, development of rashes or cracks on your feet and dryness. You may often notice peeling of skin on your feet after taking off your shoes once you have worn it for a long time or after taking a bath. Skin peeling associated with itching often occurs as a result of some underlying medical condition. Your feet may end up looking repulsive due to peeling off of the skin.

Causes of Skin Peeling on Feet

Most of the times, peeling of skin on feet may not be a matter of concern. However, it is not advisable to ignore this condition for a long period of time as it may lead to bleeding, be painful and cause infection. Here are some of the common reasons for peeling of skin on feet.

Buildup of excess dead skin on feet due to dryness

Excess dead skin on your feet may be produced due to various reasons like medical or environmental factors. One of the major reasons for dead skin build-up is due to lack of moisture on the skin of your feet. There are no oil glands on the skin of your feet and it is dependent on the numerous sweat glands present on the skin of your feet to keep it moisturized. Dryness of the skin on your feet may be caused due to various reasons like taking a shower in excessively hot water, medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid, excessive cold weather in winter or low levels of humidity. Use of harsh chemicals or non- moisturizing soaps may also cause dryness and flaking of your skin. Other reasons may be environmental factors such as sunburn due to excessive heat in summer. Swimming in the beach water may also cause peeling of skin on your feet due to infections caused by various parasites luring in the sea water.

Eczema

Various skin related conditions like eczema or psoriasis also results in peeling of skin on feet due to the formation of excessive dead skin. Eczema is associated with dryness, itching and flaking of skin.

Reiter’s syndrome

Medical conditions such as Reiter’s syndrome or endrocrinal problems may also lead to peeling of skin on feet. Reiter’s syndrome or reactive arthritis is a disorder that is caused as a result of immune response to bacterial infection. It causes inflammation in joints, skin, eyes, mouth as well as the urinary tract. Formation of blisters followed by flaking and peeling of skin on feet may be observed as a symptom of Reiter’s syndrome.

Exfoliative dermatitis

Exfoliative dermatitis is a medical condition which causes redness and peeling of skin on all parts of your body, including the skin of your feet. In some cases it may be caused due to various underlying medical conditions, whereas in others the cause remains unknown. People suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis may be at risk of developing exfoliative dermatitis. Adverse drug reactions to certain groups of medicines such as sulfa drugs, penicillin, phenytoin and isoniazid may also cause excessive skin peeling on your feet.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer including leukaemia and lymphoma are known to cause peeling of skin on your feet and other parts of the body. Skin peeling is a very common observation among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or targeted treatments. However, skin peeling due to cancer treatment is very short lived and gets cured easily by application of moisturizing creams.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Peeling of skin on the feet may occur as a long term symptom of STDs like syphilis. It is accompanied by formation of blisters and rash like sores on the bottom of the feet.

Athlete’s foot

Peeling of skin on the soles or between the toes associated with dryness can be caused due to a condition called Athlete’s foot. It is a contagious form of fungal infection. Athlete’s foot is more commonly observed in people who enter barefoot in public bathrooms, showers/ swimming pools or have sweaty feet due to use of ill- fitted shoes and socks.

Toe box dermatitis

Wearing shoes that have a rubber toe box causes the warm air and sweat to get trapped inside the foot thereby causing redness and eventually peeling of the skin on the toes and between fingers. Toe box dermatitis can be avoided by using shoes that have toe box made of breathable material.

Fever

High fever associated with sweating may lead to peeling of skin on the bottom of your feet. This occurs due to retention of sweat on the sole as the skin on the sole is thicker than the skin on any other part of the body. Blister formations may occur followed by peeling off of the skin.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a condition that occurs when bacteria enters your skin due to a cut or scratch on the skin. If there is a cut on your feet, the bacteria may enter the skin of your feet and cause itching, redness, swelling and peeling of the skin on your feet and toes.

Peeling of skin on feet of toddlers and pregnant women

Peeling of skin on the feet of toddlers occurs due to shedding of the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin. Peeling of skin on feet is a very common condition in babies born past due date. It may be caused due to some form or allergy or as a natural process of development of skin. Many women reported drying of skin especially on their feet during pregnancy. This can be avoided by applying moisturizer on the feet.

How can peeling of skin on foot be treated?

The symptoms of skin peeling on foot may appear to be very mild at first; however it may cause serious problems if left untreated. Sometimes, worsening of skin peeling on feet may cause the heel to crack, thereby causing difficulty in walking and pain in the joints.

Treatment of peeling of skin on feet mainly involves the diagnosis of the underlying reason for this occurrence. If you naturally have dry skin, you can treat the skin peeling by applying moisturizer or essential oils on your feet. Lotions, except baby lotion, are not advised to treat dry skin as lotions generally contain alcohol which increases the dryness of skin.

If the peeling of skin on your feet has occurred due to fungal infection, you may have to use topical antifungal medications to get rid of the fungal infection. However, if the topical medication seems to be ineffective, you may have to visit a medical practitioner and use a combination of oral and topical antifungal agent.

If the skin on your feet is peeling due to some underlying medical conditions like psoriasis or diabetes, immediate medical help should be sought so as to root out the cause of skin peeling.

Home Remedies

You can cure the peeling of skin on your feet using these simple home remedies:

• Soaking your feet in hot water containing around two tablespoons of vinegar may help in removing the excess dead skin easily. Alternatively, you can use a homemade foot scrub prepared using lemon juice, ripe banana, avocado and orange peel. Lemon juice and orange peel has a very mild acidic effect on the skin and helps in removing the dead skin easily. Olive oil and lavender oil are also reported to be effective in removal of dead skin. A pumice stone, a foot shaver or a soft brush can be used to rub off the dead skin cells after application of the foot scrub. After the dead skin cells are removed, apply a natural moisturizer like coconut oil or almond oil to keep the skin of your feet soft.
• Applying plant extracts that have antibacterial properties and help in maintaining good skin conditions may be used. For instance, garlic oil which has potent antibacterial and antifungal effects may be applied on your feet to protect your feet from infections.
• Taking a few precautionary measures like using shoes that fit well, applying sunscreen before exposing your feet to sun, taking shower in lukewarm water can help in prevention of peeling of skin on your feet. It is advisable to avoid sauna, steam bath or excessive exposure of feet to heat.
• Staying hydrated and regularly applying moisturizer on your feet helps in maintaining appropriate levels of moisture on the skin of your feet.
• While running or walking for longer period of time, it is advisable to wear shoes that fit well and are made of breathable sweat-absorbent material to protect the skin of your feet from dryness and skin peeling.
• It is preferable to avoid alcohol and caffeine that increases the itchiness. It is essential to resist the temptation to scratch the affected area.
• Applying ice packs to the affected areas may help in reducing the itchy feeling. Most importantly, keep your feet clean and free of any bacterial or fungal growth at all times. Skin peeling may also occur due to vitamin deficiency, therefore it is essential to include food rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A and E, in your daily diet.