Category: C

Clubfoot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Foot types, Paediatrics

Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a congenital condition that affects one or both feet. It is characterised by a deformity in which the foot is turned inward and downward, and the heel is elevated. The foot is also shorter and narrower than normal.

The cause of clubfoot is not well understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not a painful condition in infants, but if left untreated, it can cause significant problems later in life, including pain, difficulty walking, and a reduced range of motion in the affected foot.

Treatment for clubfoot usually involves a combination of nonsurgical and surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Nonsurgical treatments may include the use of casts, braces, or orthotics, while surgery may involve releasing tight tendons or ligaments, or realigning the bones in the foot.

With early and appropriate treatment, most children with clubfoot are able to develop normal walking patterns and lead active, healthy lives.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - Ankle, C

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition in which an individual experiences recurrent ankle sprains or a feeling of giving way in the ankle joint. It is usually caused by an initial ankle injury or sprain that did not heal properly, resulting in ankle joint instability. The condition is most commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve jumping, twisting, and turning, such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. However, it can also affect individuals who are not involved in sports.

Symptoms of chronic ankle instability may include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle joint, a feeling of giving way or instability in the ankle, and difficulty walking or participating in physical activities. Over time, repeated ankle injuries can lead to damage to the ankle joint and surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Treatment for chronic ankle instability may involve physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve ankle stability, wearing an ankle brace or taping the ankle to provide additional support, and in some cases, surgery to repair damaged ligaments or other tissues in the ankle joint. It is important to seek treatment for chronic ankle instability to prevent further damage and improve mobility and quality of life.

Children’s feet

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Paediatrics

Children’s feet are unique in many ways compared to adult feet. They are soft and pliable, and they continue to grow and develop rapidly until the age of 13.5 years in females in 15 years in males. Therefore, proper foot care during childhood is essential for ensuring healthy foot development.

Some key differences between children’s feet and adult feet include:

  1. Growth: Children’s feet grow very quickly, and their bones are not fully formed until late adolescence. This means that they are more susceptible to injury and deformities.
  2. Arch: Some children may have excessively flat feet or high arches that require treatment.
  3. Fat padding: Children’s feet have a thick layer of fat that protects the bones and joints. As they grow older, this fat layer gradually thins out, making their feet more vulnerable to injury.
  4. Skin: Children’s skin is more delicate and sensitive than adults, making them more prone to skin conditions such as blisters, calluses, and warts.

It is important to ensure that children wear properly fitting shoes, avoid wearing hand-me-down shoes, and maintain good hygiene to prevent foot problems. Regular visits to a podiatrist can also help detect any foot problems early and prevent them from worsening.

Childhood obesity and foot pain

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Paediatrics

Childhood obesity can lead to foot pain and other foot-related problems. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the feet and can cause conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and Sever’s disease. Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, which can cause pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, and it causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Sever’s disease is a condition that causes heel pain in children and adolescents, and it is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone.

Additionally, children who are overweight may be less physically active, which can lead to weaker foot muscles and poor balance. This can increase the risk of falls and other foot injuries.

If a child is experiencing foot pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Addressing obesity and making lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet, can also help alleviate foot pain and prevent future problems.

Chemotherapy-induced foot problems

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Cancer

Chemotherapy can cause various side effects on the feet, including:

  1. Peripheral neuropathy: Chemotherapy can cause damage to the peripheral nerves that control the sensations and movements of the feet. This can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the feet, which can affect mobility and balance.
  2. Weakness and fatigue: Chemotherapy can also cause weakness and fatigue in the muscles of the feet, making it difficult to stand, walk, or perform other physical activities.
  3. Infection: Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections, including foot infections.
  4. Nail changes: Chemotherapy can cause changes in the appearance and texture of the nails, such as discolouration, ridges, and brittleness.
  5. Swelling: Chemotherapy can cause swelling in the feet and ankles, which can be uncomfortable and interfere with mobility.

It is important for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to maintain good foot hygiene, wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, and report any changes in foot health to their healthcare provider. They may also benefit from physical therapy, orthotics, and other supportive measures to manage foot symptoms and maintain mobility.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Neurology

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a genetic disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. CMT is also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN).

CMT causes a progressive loss of muscle tissue and sensation in the feet and legs, which can eventually spread to the hands and arms. Symptoms of CMT can include weakness in the muscles of the feet, ankles, and legs, difficulty with balance and coordination, foot deformities such as high arches or hammertoes, and numbness or tingling in the feet and hands.

There is currently no cure for CMT, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics or braces to support the feet and legs, and medications to help manage pain or muscle spasms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct foot deformities or relieve pressure on nerves.

Because CMT is a genetic disorder, it is important for individuals with a family history of CMT or symptoms of the disease to seek genetic counselling and testing to determine if they are at risk for passing the condition on to their children. It is also important for people with CMT to take steps to manage their symptoms and prevent complications, such as falls or injuries due to foot deformities.

Charcot foot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Diabetes

Charcot foot, also known as Charcot arthropathy, is a condition in which the bones and joints in the foot break down due to nerve damage. This can cause the foot to become deformed, and can also lead to instability, fractures, and joint dislocations.

Charcot foot is most commonly seen in people with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause loss of sensation in the feet. Without proper sensation, people with peripheral neuropathy may continue to walk or bear weight on an injured foot, leading to further damage.

Symptoms of Charcot foot include swelling, warmth, and redness in the foot or ankle, as well as deformities such as a collapsed arch, a rocker-bottom foot shape, or an abnormally shaped foot. If left untreated, Charcot foot can lead to severe deformities that may require surgery or amputation.

Treatment for Charcot foot typically involves immobilising the foot and avoiding weight-bearing activities until the bones and joints can heal. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair fractures or correct deformities. It is important for people with diabetes to take steps to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent peripheral neuropathy, as well as to monitor their feet regularly for signs of injury or infection.

Cellulitis

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Dermatology & nail pathology, Infections, Lower leg

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It typically occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin’s barrier. Here are some key facts about cellulitis:

Causes:

  • Cellulitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus bacteria.
  • Risk factors for cellulitis include skin injuries or conditions that break the skin’s barrier, such as eczema or athlete’s foot, as well as conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms:

  • Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
  • The affected area may also feel tender or firm to the touch and may develop a fever or other systemic symptoms.

Diagnosis:

  • A diagnosis of cellulitis is typically made based on the appearance of the skin and the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
  • Blood tests or imaging studies may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Treatment:

  • Treatment for cellulitis usually involves a course of oral or intravenous antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and monitoring.
  • Home care measures, such as elevation of the affected area and warm compresses, can also help alleviate symptoms.

Prognosis:

  • With prompt and appropriate treatment, cellulitis typically resolves within 7-10 days.
  • However, in some cases, complications such as abscess formation, sepsis, or lymphangitis can occur.
  • Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may occur in people with underlying skin conditions or weakened immune systems.

High arched foot (pes cavus)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Foot types, H

Cavus foot, also known as high arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is higher than normal. This can cause increased pressure on the heel and ball of the foot, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time.

Cavus foot can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, trauma, or muscle imbalances. In some cases, there may be no apparent cause.

Symptoms of cavus foot can include pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, or leg, difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, and an unstable or wobbly gait. In severe cases, the foot may develop calluses, corns, or ulcers due to the increased pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Treatment for cavus foot depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Conservative measures may include wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning, using custom orthotics or inserts to redistribute pressure on the foot, and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the foot and ankle. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the foot and relieve pressure on the affected areas.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your foot or if you have concerns about your foot alignment or gait. A healthcare professional can diagnose cavus foot and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Capsulitis of the second toe

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Forefoot, Rheumatology

Capsulitis of the second toe is a condition in which the ligaments surrounding the joint at the base of the second toe become inflamed and weakened. This can cause the toe to shift downward and lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

The exact cause of capsulitis of the second toe is not always clear, but it is often associated with wearing tight or narrow shoes, repetitive stress or overuse, or a structural abnormality in the foot that puts excess pressure on the second toe. It is also more common in women than men and may be more prevalent in those with a high arch or a long second toe.

Treatment for capsulitis of the second toe typically involves conservative measures such as rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and low heels, as well as using metatarsal pads or custom orthotics, can help to redistribute pressure on the foot and relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, a walking cast or immobilisation boot may be necessary to allow the ligaments to heal.

If left untreated, capsulitis of the second toe can lead to progressive deformity and a more severe condition known as a hammertoe. It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent pain or swelling in the second toe or any other foot or ankle problems.