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PLANTAR WARTS INGROWN TOENAILS HAMMER TOES

SPECIAL FOOT CARE SOFT CORNS PLANTAR WARTS INGROWN TOENAILS HAMMER TOES BUNIONS METATARSALGIA MORTON’S NEUROMA

SOFT CORNS

FOOT & ANKLE INSTITUTE PATIENTS

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

FOOT & ANKLE

BUNIONS

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

METATARSALGIA

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SPECIAL FOOT CARE

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

HAMMER TOES BUNIONS METATARSALGIA

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

INGROWN TOENAILS

PROTECTION »»Use a pumice stone to treat corns and callouses. No sharp instruments or home remedies! Store-

Special foot care is a must for people with diabetes, blood vessel disease, arthritis involving the feet, and the elderly. Decreased circulation to the feet is common with advancing age, diabetes, and blood vessel disease. If you have diabetes, the nerves in the foot may become less sensitive to pain. You may be unaware of an injury. Many problems are related to ill-fitting shoes. These can be corrected. You can prevent small problems from becoming big problems with routine daily foot care!

PLANTAR WARTS

INSPECT »»Inspect your feet daily »»Look for: blisters, sores, corns, callouses, redness, swelling, pain and drainage. These are signs of illfitting shoes. »»Call your doctor for any problems with sores that do not heal. »»Check your shoes daily for stones, tacks and nails which can cause blisters, sores and ulcers.

bought “cures” contain an acid that can harm skin. »»Wear clean, non-elastic cotton socks and change them daily. »»Avoid going barefoot. »»Wear comfortable leather shoes. Alternate shoes each day to allow them to breathe and dry. »»Cold feet? Wear warm, cotton, non-constricting socks to bed. Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads. »»Cut toenails straight across even with the ands of the toe. Do not cut into corners. Use an emery board or nail file for sharp edges. »»Break in shoes gradually. Shop for shoes in the after noon, when your feet are the largest.

SOFT CORNS

CLEAN AND DRY »»Wash gently very day using lukewarm water and mild soap. »»Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. »»Use a lanolin lotion or petroleum jelly to soften the dry skin. Do not apply lotion between toes. »»Use powder or cornstarch between the toes. »»To increase air circulating through the toes, wisps of lamb’s wool may be used. The lamb’s wool should be changed daily. (Cotton or cotton balls should not be used, as the fibers are irritating to the skin.)

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

SOFT CORNS

CAUSES Soft corns are caused by pressure from a bone on the next toe. Shoes that squeeze the toes together can cause soft corns.

HAMMER TOES

»»Surgery can be done if proper shoes and lamb’s wool do not relieve the pain. The type of surgery will be determined by your surgeon and will consist of either removing the bony bump causing the corn or performing a syndactyly. In this procedure, the corn is removed and the toes are stitched together over a small area to prevent recurrence. Either type of surgery can be done on an outpatient basis.

INGROWN TOENAILS

TREATMENT »»Wear shoes with adequate toe room. »»Lamb’s wool between the involved toes will relieve the pressure, thus reducing pain. »»Do not try to remove a soft corn with sharp instruments or over-the-counter drugs contain an acid, which is harmful to the skin.

SOFT CORNS ARE CAUSED BY PRESSURE FROM A BONE ON THE NEXT TOE. SHOES THAT SQUEEZE THE TOES TOGETHER CAN CAUSE SOFT CORNS.

PLANTAR WARTS

SOFT CORNS CAN BE DANGEROUS Particularly for people with diabetes or poor circulation, soft corns can be the areas where infection begins.

SOFT CORNS

Soft corns look like open sores between the toes. They are really soft callouses and are usually found between two smaller toes.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

PLANTAR WARTS

A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PLANTAR WARTS WILL DISAPPEAR WITHOUT TREATMENT. FOR THIS REASON, THE PHYSICIAN MAY CHOOSE NOT TO TREAT THE WART, UNLESS IT IS PAINFUL OR GROWING RAPIDLY.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

HAMMER TOES

Duofilm is a brand of liquid medication that contains mild acids that will slowly dissolve the wart. It will also, eventually, kill the virus causing the wart. Duofilm should not be allowed to come in contact with healthy skin surrounding the wart, because the healthy skin may become blistered or irritated. Apply the medication nightly as follows: 1. Rub the surface of the wart with an emery board, pumice stone, or callous file to remove thickened skin over the wart.

INGROWN TOENAILS

DUOFILM TREATMENT

PLANTAR WARTS

A high percentage of plantar warts will disappear without treatment. For this reason, the physician may choose not to treat the wart, unless it is painful or growing rapidly. Occasional flattening of the wart with a pumice stone, emery board or callous file is usually enough to keep the wart from causing pain. Research has shown that the power of suggestion or “wishing” the wart away may also be part of the therapy. Following treatment, it is not uncommon for some warts to return. Plantar warts can spread by contact, so it is important to protect others from infection. 1. Wear footwear at all times. Thongs or bathing shoes may be worn in community showers. 2. Do not share shoes with other people. 3. Wash out the tub or shower with a mechanical cleanser after use. 4. Do not scratch the wart area. Scratching may cause them to spread.

SOFT CORNS

Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection that usually occurs on the weightbearing surface of the foot. However, most painful callouses on the bottom of the foot are not plantar warts and it is therefore important that your physician help you in making the diagnosis.

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

PLANTAR WARTS

PLANTAR WARTS

CAUTION

Patients with diabetes mellitus, vascular disease or other conditions affecting sensation or circulation in the feet should not use the acid treatment, unless directed by their physician.

INGROWN TOENAILS

2. Soak the foot in warm water for five minutes. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. 3. Apply a thin layer of Duofilm directly to the wart each night using the brush applicator. Allow it to dry.

4. When dry, cover with a piece of “micropore” tape until the next night. 5. If the skin around the wart becomes painful or blistered, discontinue treatment until the irritation subsides. 6. Keep the bottle of Duofilm tightly capped when not in use. 7. Repeat these steps until the wart is gone, which may be several months. Check with your physician for a follow-up appointment.

SOFT CORNS

PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS, VASCULAR DISEASE OR OTHER CONDITIONS AFFECTING SENSATION OR CIRCULATION IN THE FEET SHOULD NOT USE DUOFILM, UNLESS DIRECTED BY THEIR PHYSICIAN.

HAMMER TOES BUNIONS METATARSALGIA MORTON’S NEUROMA

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

INGROWN TOENAILS

CAUSES OF INGROWN TOENAILS

Fungal infection Improper trimming of the nail Injury to the nail Poorly fitting shoes Inherited nail deformity

TRIMMING YOUR TOENAILS

1. Warm soaks 2. Reduce pressure on the toe (cut-out shoe or sandal) 3. Local antibiotic ointments

HAMMER TOES

TREATMENT

INGROWN TOENAILS

The correct way to cut a toenail is straight across. The outer nail should be even with the end of the toe. Trimming too closely and rounding the edges of the nail should be avoided. An emery board may be used to smooth the nail edge.

4. Prescription antibiotics taken my mouth 5. Cotton packing under the corner of the nail Occasionally, surgical treatment may be recommended by your doctor. The extent of the procedure necessary depends upon the severity of the nail problem. This may involve: 1. partial removal of the nail 2. total removal of the nail 3. removal of the nail and its growth plate to prevent recurrence These procedures are done on an outpatient basis and frequently can be performed in a minor procedure room. The toe may be sore and tender for a few days following the nail removal. The nail bed should be completely healed in approximately two to four weeks. During this time, you should be prepared to wear a postoperative shoe or an open toed sandal. This will help to avoid unnecessary pressure on the toenail.

PLANTAR WARTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

SOFT CORNS

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin next to it. This is usually results in the surrounding skin becoming inflamed and very tender. If left untreated, the affected area usually becomes infected. Ingrown toenails can occur in all age groups. They most often occur in the big toenail.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

HAMMER TOES

CAUSE

HAMMER TOES

Wear shoes with high toe box to make room for the hammer toes. This will relieve pain. If you cannot find these shoes at a regular shoe store,

a specialty shoe store will have them. Cushion pressure spots with adhesive donut-shaped pads (corn pads). These can be purchased at a drug store. Shoe leather can be relaxed over the hammertoe to relieve pressure. Surgery can correct the deformity. The type of surgery depends upon the degree of flexibility of the toe and joints involved. Your doctor will discuss types of surgery with you. This surgery can be done as an outpatient.

INGROWN TOENAILS

TREATMENT

HAMMER TOES CAN BE CAUSED BY THE SPREADING OF THE FOREFOOT, HEREDITY, A NERVE ABNORMALITY, IMPROPER SHOE FIT, OR DUE TO PRESSURE FROM A BUNION.

PLANTAR WARTS

A hammer toe is the result of a muscle and tendon imbalance. This causes the joint at the end of the toe to bend down, while the toe joint closer to the foot bends up. The term “clawtoe” will frequently be used interchangeably with “hammer toe.” The joints may stiffen permanently in this position. Painful corns and callouses often form when the hooked toes rub on shoes. Hammer toes can be caused by the spreading of the forefoot, heredity, a nerve abnormality, improper shoe fit, or due to pressure from a bunion.

SOFT CORNS

Hammer toes are a common deformity (problem) of the foot, and may occur in patients young and old.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

BUNIONS

INGROWN TOENAILS HAMMER TOES

PREVENTION A ND TREATMENT To prevent bunions, wear shoes that do not cramp the forefoot. If a bunion is severe, you may need prescription shoes with a wide toe box to relieve the pain. Sometimes you can relax a shoe’s leather to make room for a bunion. If your bunion is painful, soaking your feet in warm water may help. Fortunately, surgery can correct painful bunions. Your age and foot deformity will determine the type of surgery your physician recommends. Your physician will discuss your specific surgery in detail and will use X-rays to plan for the surgery.

POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY (if surgery is needed) If you have surgery to remove a bunion, the following post-operative recovery will help you get back on your feet. »»Crutches for 1-2 weeks »»No driving for at least I week »»Weekly dressing changes for 3-6 weeks »»Wooden shoe wear for 4-6 weeks »»Athletic shoe wear from 6-12 weeks after surgery Sometimes pins or screws are needed during bunion surgery. If pins are used, they will be removed by your physician between 3-6 weeks (No anesthesia is required). You will probably be out of work for 1-2 weeks, or longer if your job requires periods of standing. Swelling may persist for up 6-12 months. However, with proper rest and gradual return to dress and casual shoes, the majority of swelling should subside within 3 months.

PLANTAR WARTS

WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS? There are many reasons bunions develop. »»Spreading of the forefoot »»Shoes worn too narrow or too tight »»High heels worn frequently »»Arthritis Bunions can also be caused by heredity and tend to run in families.

SOFT CORNS

A bunion is a foot deformity in which the first metatarsal (long bone in your foot) angles inward, and the great toe turns outward. A bump then forms at the base of the great toe. Pressure from shoes often causes the bump to swell and become painful.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

METATARSALGIA

HAMMER TOES

A shoe insert (metatarsal pad) may be placed inside your shoe to relieve the pressure. If the insert is not enough, the metatarsal bar may be recommended. The bar is placed on the bottom of the shoe. If pain continues, surgery may be recommended by your physician. Surgery may involve shortening or lifting the metatarsal (long bone) to relieve the pressure on the bottom of the foot. This surgery is done as an out patient, often under local anesthesia.

INGROWN TOENAILS

TREATMENT Shoes with a lower heel and a thicker, softer sole cushion will help relieve the pain.

A NORMALLY GENEROUS FAT PAD BENEATH THE METATARSALGIA HEADS THINS WITH AGE, THEREBY EXPOSING THE BONES TO GREATER PRESSURE WITH WEIGHT BEARING.

PLANTAR WARTS

CAUSE When the traverse arch relaxes, the heads of the long bone (metatarsalgia) are brought closer to the surface. This causes pressure and painful callouses to conform over the pressure area. A rigid high-arched foot or the spreading of the forefoot with age can cause metatarsalgia. It can also be due to clawing of the toes. In addition, a normally generous fat pad beneath the metatarsalgia heads thins with age, thereby exposing the bones to greater pressure with weight bearing. Another contributing factor in the development of metatarsalgia is wearing high-heeled shoes, which cause the metatarsalgia heads to bear more weight.

SOFT CORNS

Metatarsalgia is a pressure pain in the ball of the foot.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207

SPECIAL FOOT CARE

MORTON’S NEUROMA

bearing in the area and separate the two metatarsal heads (long bones of the foot). »»If necessary, surgery can be done to remove the neuroma. Surgery is done as an outpatient. Permanent numbness between the third and fourth toes will result from the surgery, but this is not disabling.

HAMMER TOES

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION »»Avoid pointed-toe shoes. »»Wear shoes with lower heels and thicker, softer sole cushions. »»Anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. »»Metatarsal pads in the shoes will reduce the weight

INGROWN TOENAILS

A CONTRIBUTING CAUSE [OF MORTON’S NEUROMA] IS A NARROW SHOE WITH A HIGH HEEL. SQUEEZING THE FOREFOOT. AND CAUSING THE FOREFOOT TO BEAR MORE WEIGHT.

PLANTAR WARTS

CAUSES OF MORTON’S NEUROMA Morton’s neuroma is caused by irritation and inflammation of a nerve. The exact cause is unknown. A contributing cause is a narrow shoe with a high heel. The narrow shoe squeezes the forefoot. The high heel causes the forefoot to bear more weight. Both of these things can eventually cause the nerve to be pinched between two metatarsal heads (long bones in the foot).

SOFT CORNS

A Morton’s neuroma causes a throbbing, burning pain on the sole of the foot with extension to the toes. The pain occurs usually between the third and fourth toes. Removing the shoe relieves the pain. In time, a numbness in the third and fourth toes can occur.

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MORTON’S NEUROMA

2001 Vail Ave (N. Caswell St. Entrance) | Suite 200A | Charlotte, NC 28207