Fleet Feet Foot Clinic

We hope everyone learned a lot at our most recent foot clinic at Fleet Feet in Roanoke!Dr. Kate received a TON of questions, which is what we were hoping for!!
Here are a few of the questions asked at the clinic, make sure to keep up with our events, so you can have the opportunity to learn more about your feet and ankles!!

Participant: How do you prevent plantar fasciitis?
Dr. Kate: Stretching, orthotics, night splints or Strausburg socks, Ice.

Strasburg Sock, purchase in our office today!

Participant: How long does a custom orthotic last?
Dr. Kate:  5-7 years or longer if you're finished growing.

Participant: Why do corns keep coming back?
Dr. Kate: There are pressure points, or cushion (fat in your feet) is gone or you're genetically inclined to get them more often.

Participant: How do I know when to see a Podiatrist vs a Physical Therapist?
Dr. Kate: Start with your podiatrist. If your podiatrist feels the need for physical therapy, he or she will refer you

Why Do My Feet Smell?

Dr. Jennifer Feeny of Shenandoah Podiatry, discusses the embarrassing, but surprisingly common, problem of foot odor. Watch to learn an odd but effective solution! For more foot and ankle topics, check out our blog at sShenandoahPodiatry.com/blog

Nail Disorders

Anatomy of the Nail:

Nail Plate- Is the hard and translucent portion of the nail.

Nail Bed- Is the skin underneath the nail plate.

Matrix- Is the part in which the nail rests and is responsible for the production of the cells that become the nail plate.

Hyponychium- Distal nail groove which forms a seal that protects the nail bed.

Nail Grooves- Medial and Lateral

Lunula- The whitish crescent-shaped base of the nail.



Nail disorders are more common than people know. There are a number of different nail disorders that can be treated by your podiatrist. Nail abnormalities can show problems with the color, shape, texture, or thickness of the nails. Sometimes the nails can tell the health of a patient.


Here is a group of some common nail disorders:

Anonychia- This is the absence of the nail itself.

Beau's Lines- Is a depression across the nail plate which is caused by a stressful event.

Green Nail- A disorder of the nail that may be due to an infection caused by Pseudomonas.

Hapalonychia- A pliable nail plate that is usually caused by hyperhidrosis.

Clubbed nail- When the angle of the nail plate and proximal nail fold is greater than 180 degrees. This condition may occur in cardiac, pulmonary, or gastro-intestinal disease.

Koilonychia- This is known as a spoon nail. This condition is seen in iron deficiency anemia.

Leukonychia- Is a disorder of the nail where the nail exhibits white spots.

Lindsay's Nail- A condition that shows the far half of the nail discolored pink or brown and the near half dull and white. This disorder is seen in liver disease.

Macronychia- Is an abnormally large nail.

Mee's Line- A white band across the nail that is associated with arsenic poisoning or a stressful event.

Melanonychia- A disorder that demonstrates longitudinal, pigmented bands in the nails .

Micronychia- Is an abnormally small nail.

Onychatrophia- This disorder shows atrophy of the nail.

Onychauxic Nail- This disorder shows hypertrophy (Thickening) of the nail.

Onychia- A disorder where there is inflammation of the matrix.

Onychocryptosis- This is an ingrown nail.

Onychogryphosis (Rams horn nail) - Another disorder where there is thickening of the nail.

Onycholysis- This is a separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.

Onychomalacia- This is a softening of the nail plate.

Onychomycosis- Is a nail that is infected with a fungus.

Onychophosis- This type of nail is seen with a callus in the nail groove.

Onychopuntata- This disorder shows pitting of the nails as seen in lichen plannus, alopecia, and psoriasis.

Onychorrexia- Nails that are abnormally brittle.

Onychoschizia- This condition demonstrates splitting of the nail plate into layers.

Paronychia- Inflammation of the tissue folds around the nail. There may be infection with this type of nail.

Raquet Nail- A short and fat nail.

Subungual Hematoma- Associated with trauma. There is formation of a hematoma underneath the nail plate.

Terry's Nail- With this condition the proximal 2/3 of the nail plate is white. This disorder can be seen with hepatic cirrhosis.


So you see, there are many disorders of the nail. Some disorders may be more serious than others. If you suspect any nail disorders, make an appointment with your podiatrist to be properly evaluated.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetics are more likely to have foot problems.
If these problems worsen they can lead to complications and even infections.

It is important to recognize and treat any foot problems so that complications do not occur.

Diabetic patients can have nerve damage in their feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
The patient may experience numbness and tingling in their feet.

The diabetic patient with neuropathy may have a lack of sensation in their feet.
This type of patient may not experience pain the way that someone without neuropathy would experience pain.

The diabetic patient may not feel a cut, or blister.

Numbness may change the normal balance of walking and standing.
Poor weight distribution can even lead to fractures.

Pressure points can lead to ulcerations and blisters.

The diabetic patient may also have a deficiency in their circulation. The diabetic with both a wound and poor circulation could develop an infection or even gangrene.

This type of event could possibly lead to a partial amputation of the foot.

When the diabetic has nerve damage and circulation problems it is important to notice changes in the feet to prevent any complications.



Prevention:
Control of glucose levels

Regular visits to the primary care doctor

Inspecting the feet regularly:

Look between toes

Check for any cracks, blisters, scrapes, or ulcers

Look at the bottom of the feet (use a mirror if needed)

Wear protective shoe gear

Preventing any injury to the feet

Wash your feet with mild soap and water (Do not use hot water)

Dry carefully between the toes

If you note any lesions or any signs of infection notify your podiatrist immediately

See the podiatrist regularly for foot care

Never try to trim calluses yourself

Wear good fitting shoes

Avoid tight shoes and high heels

Wear clean socks and change them daily

Do not walk barefoot

Make sure there is nothing in your shoes before putting them on

Apply proper sun screen



When foot problems are found early proper treatment can take place. Notify your podiatrist immediately. Early treatment and care of a minor problem may prevent a major problem such as a serious infection.



Foot problems can be prevented through good glucose control, daily foot care, and regular inspection.

Diabetic Education

General Education for Diabetics:

Avoid any at home care for nails and calluses

Avoid constrictive bandages

Avoid open toed or opened back shoes

Be careful with adhesives and tape on the diabetic insensate foot

Buy shoes at the end of the day when the feet are the largest

Check the bath temperature before submerging the feet

Diabetics with impaired vision need someone to inspect there feet daily

Do not use chemical substances for removing corns or calluses

Dry the feet and between the toes thoroughly after showers

Inspect the feet and toes daily for any lesions

Inspect the shoes for objects before placing on feet

Never walk barefooted

Professional nail care at a podiatry office with regular visits

Protect the feet from sunburn

The use of a high toe box to accommodate hammertoes

The use of an insert to accommodate any lesions

The use of shoes with a wide toe box with extra depth

The use of water based lotion daily without moistening between the toes

Wear a shoe with an appropriate fit to avoid friction which can cause blisters