Urea cream

What is Urea cream? Urea is a natural substance made in the body to help with the metabolism and excretion of nitrogen. Scientist have learned to synthesize it and it is used for many different purposes. Urea cream typically ranges from 2% to 40% in potency and is used to help soften thick layers of skin and nails, also it …

Hand-Foot Syndrome or Palmar-Plantar Erythodysesthesia

What is Hand-Foot Syndrome? Hand-Foot Syndrome is a side effect of some cancer treatments.  What are the symptoms of Hand-Foot Syndrome? Redness, swelling, tingling, burning, tenderness, callus formation, blistering, skin cracking, sores, severe pain.  What is the cause of Hand-Foot Syndrome? Some cancer drugs that leg out of the blood vessels during treatment can cause the growth of skin or …

Toenail Fungus – Onychomycosis or tinea unguium

What is toenail fungus? People can develop an infection of their toenails by from different types of fungus, mold, or yeast ( dermatophytes – trichophyton, candida) . The fungus can infect multiple parts of the nail unit including the nail bed and/or plate What are the types of toenail fungus? There are 4 main types of toenail fungus: distal subungual, …

Toe Fracture

What bones make up the toes of the foot? The foot has 14 toe bones: 3 bones in toes 2-5 the distal, middle, and proximal phalanx. The big toe has 2 bones: the distal and proximal phalanx. What are the causes of toe fractures? The cause of toe fractures are trauma, whether by direct blow or impact. Most commonly people …

Turf Toe

What is Turf Toe? Turf toe is a hyperextension injury to the big toe joint (1st metatarsal phalangeal joint) with damage to the plantar plate and sesamoid complex. There is a sprain/tear to the ligaments of the joint with possible damage to the sesamoid bones. The tear of the ligaments typically occur off the proximal phalanx.  What are the grades …

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome of the Foot

What is the tarsal tunnel? The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of the ankle that contains the Tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, Tibial artery,Tibial Vein Tibial nerve, flexor hallucinating longus. These structures are covered by the flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament) that extends from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus.  What is tarsal tunnel syndrome? Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the compression of …

Jones Fracture of the foot

What is a Jones Fracture? A Jones Fracture is located at the 5th metatarsal, specifically at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. The fracture occurs in an area called vascular watershed meaning low blood supply. How to diagnosis a Jones Fracture? The area around the base of the 5th metatarsal will usually have swelling, bruising, and be tender to the touch. Xrays are …

Equinus of the Foot and Ankle

What is equinus? Equinus is a condition with limited dorsiflexion/up wards bending of the ankle joint. People with equinus are unable to bend there ankle joint past about 90 degrees, typically people are supposed to get an additional 10 degrees.  What are the causes of equinus? Equinus is typically caused by a tight achilles tendon that is formed from the …

Sesamoiditis of the foot

What are the sesamoids of the foot? There are two sesamoids in each foot, the Tibial and Fibular sesamoid. The sesamoid are located underneath your big toe joint forming the sesamoid apparatus. The sesamoids function as a pulley for tendons and allow leverage when the big toe pushes off the ground.  What is sesamoiditis? Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the sesamoids …

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis)

What is Athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot. Fungal infections of the foot are common because of the dark, moist, and warm environment inside shoes. Fungus thrives in areas such as public pools, gyms, public showers, and locker room which is why a fungal infection of the foot is called athlete’s foot.  How to diagnose …