Here is a chance to test your knowledge regarding a few common foot problems. The answers we provide contain helpful information.
1. True of false: If you can move your toe, it means it isn’t broken.
2. True or false: If you break a toe, you only need to seek medical attention immediately if the pain is unbearable.
3. True or false: Applying an elastic bandage to a sprained ankle is adequate treatment.
4. True or false: Do not soak your foot in hot water if you have a foot or ankle injury.
5. True or false. If you discover a wart on your foot, you should visit your podiatrist as soon as possible.
1. False: The truth is you can often walk with certain kinds of fractures. Examples of these include small chip fractures of the foot or anklebones, and fractures of the toes.
2. False: If X-rays reveal a simple fracture, care by your podiatrist will usually produce immediate relief. If it turns out your fracture is a displaced or angulated break, prompt realignment will help prevent improper or incomplete healing. Patients who fail to receive immediate treatment, regardless whether they are in great pain or not, may develop post-fracture deformity of a toe with a very painful corn.
3. False: Ankle sprains often mean torn or overstretched ligaments. This requires an x-ray and immobilization by professional strapping to reduce motion, casting and physiotherapy to ensure fast recovery. In some instances, surgery may be necessary.
4. True. Heat actually causes blood vessels to open wide, causing blood to rush into the injured area. This causes greater swelling. More swelling means increased pressure on the nerves and soaring pain. An ice bag wrapped in a towel contracts blood vessels, thus causing a numbing effect and preventing swelling and soreness. Warm compresses and soaks may be used after seeing your podiatrist.
5. True: Although warts can be painful, this isn’t the only reason you should seek attention from your podiatrist. A malignant tumor is sometimes mistaken for a wart. Unfortunately, if it is cancerous and not treated early, the patient could lose a foot. Also, because warts are actually viral infections, they can spread to other parts of the body and even to others.
So, how did you do? Did you answer all five questions correctly? If not, you should have learned some valuable information that may serve you.
Dr. Robert Abrams, DPM, is medical director of the FootCare Center of Santa Clarita. He can be reached at 661-253-3668. You can also visit his web site at www.killerfeet.net .