Items filtered by date: July 2016

Thursday, 28 July 2016 11:03

Ankle Sprains: When to Seek Help

Dealing with Ankle Sprains Before They Get Worse

Ankle sprains are very common injuries. Odds are that at some point in every person’s life—be it while running on the playground as a child or landing awkwardly on the stairs as an adult—a sprain will occur. Often sprains are simply complications from over-extended ligaments in the ankle that will clear up on their own. However, in some cases the ligaments will stretch severely or even tear, prompting the need for medical attention.

The most common recipients of ankle sprains are men between the ages of 15 and 24, and women over the age of 30. At least half of all ankle sprains occur during strenuous activity; however, almost as many occur from daily activities such as going downstairs or walking on soft or slippery surfaces. An average of 25,000 people each year seek medical attention for ankle sprains in the United States.

There are a few signs to look out for when sustaining a sprain. With mild sprains there will be pain along the inside of the foot and difficulty walking. Most sprains involve swelling, although with a mild sprain the swelling should not be severe and should go away within a few days. With more severe sprains there will likely be bruising and severe swelling. Most people report a popping or tearing sound occurring at the onset of the injury. It is likely you will not be able to put any weight on the injured foot at all.

The swelling that can occur with a severe sprain is similar to the swelling that occurs with a fracture. It is important to seek medical attention whenever swelling occurs, as there may be a more serious injury capable of worsening if left untreated. Even simple sprains, if left untreated, can turn to joint weakness or stiffness later on.

What Can I Do?

Like many conditions of the foot and ankle areas, there are things you can do at home to lessen the symptoms. The R.I.C.E. method of at-home treatment, derived from the first letters of Rest, Icing, Compression and Elevation, is a useful acronym to remember when dealing with Ankle Sprains.

Rest is generally the first step you should always take after a foot injury. Any amount of weight placed on the affected area can cause severe pain and prompt further injury. It is important to remain off of the affected foot/feet as much as possible, as soon as possible after the injury is sustained.

Icing the affected area for twenty-minute periods is an effective way to minimize the pain and help lessen bruising.

Compression of the injured ankle involves binding the joint with a bandage or boot, which can help to minimize swelling. However, it is recommended that you consult a health professional before binding as further injury can be caused by unskilled methods of compression.

Elevation involves raising the affected foot above the level of your chest, or at least as high as you can safely and comfortably do. This will restrict blood flow to the affected area and decrease pain.

In many cases of a sprain, a boot or crutches will be required to cushion the injured foot or to remove weight from it entirely. Podiatric professionals, like the team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, can help to asses the severity of a sprain and provide the tools necessary to help you heal.

Where Should I Go from Here?

If you have sustained a sprain, chances are that your mobility has suffered. Dr. Vikki and the qualified team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center have the tools and training necessary to educate you on how to treat a sprain and how to avoid future injury.

With many years of collective experience, Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie can help you get back on your feet and stay there. Schedule a consultation today to find out what the team at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center can do for you!

Tuesday, 26 July 2016 11:02

Cracked Feet and How to Treat Them

Cracked Feet: Here’s Why Your Feet Are So Dry

Just because your feet are tucked away in socks and shoes for most of the day doesn’t mean that they don’t need moisture, too. If you have noticed cracked heels developing, it’s a sign that the skin on your feet is in dire need of moisture. Left alone, cracked heels can cause pain, bleeding, and even infection.

Cracked heels occur when the skin is too dry to support all of the pressure on it. So when natural expansions of the foot occur during the day, the callused skin on the heel begins to split.

How to Prevent Cracked Feet

  • Purchase a good foot cream. Look for rich, heavy moisturizing creams and oils to apply to your cracked feet. Generally, greasier creams works better. Petroleum jelly is a great option if you are unsure where to start. Use the creams (or petroleum jelly) before going to bed, since they take some time to soak in
  • Choose your soap carefully. While cracked heels need to be kept clean and dry, harsher soaps will remove too much moisture from your feet. Look for milder soaps or those that note they have moisturizing properties.
  • Drink plenty of water. That dry, crackly feeling in your throat when you haven’t had water in a while is indicative of what your skin is feeling, too. Drinking more water will rehydrate your skin and help heal cracked heels.

Believe it or not, the moisture your feet get also depends heavily on how you bathe.

  • Moisturize after every shower. Make a point of moisturizing right after a bath or shower to seal moisture in.
  • Skip a shower. Bathing more than once a day can actually be harmful for your body. Water from outside the body washes away the oils from your skin and sucks moisture out. The more time you spend bathing, the less moisture your feet retain.
  • Set the water to lukewarm. While most people prefer a steamy shower, the hot water will actually dry out your skin. Set the water to room temperature instead.
  • Try an oatmeal bath. Bathing with oatmeal-based cleansers are actually a lot less drying than other cleansers, and help prevent cracked feet.
  • Don’t scrub your feet. Heavily scrubbing your feet with a towel only dries the skin out even more. Instead, gently pat your skin.

While most cases of cracked heels aren’t serious, soreness, redness, and swelling around the cracked area could be signs of infection and require examination from a podiatrist. If you are worried about infection or simply want to learn more about taking care of your feet, contact Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.

Thursday, 21 July 2016 11:01

Foot Ulcers and Diabetes

Get the Facts on Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers can develop into serious wounds and can even lead to the loss of a limb. This is why it is important to adequately treat every cut, callus and blister you sustain because they have the potential to develop into these serious foot ulcers.  Here is some information about identifying, preventing and treating foot ulcers.

Who’s at Risk?

People who suffer from chronic illnesses such as sickle cell anemia, nerve damage from alcoholism, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and those with vascular issues can all be at risk of developing foot ulcers. However, the group that is most at risk are those with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that numbs the extremities to cold, heat and pain.

Because of peripheral neuropathy, diabetics may sustain foot wounds that they are unable to feel and therefore do not treat. Walking around on untreated wounds will often cause them to become foot ulcers. Peripheral neuropathy can also cause the feet to become deformed. Putting deformed feet in normal shoes can cause blisters and calluses that may also develop into ulcers. In addition, diabetics often have poor blood circulation to their legs and feet and, without proper nourishment, the feet are unable to heal themselves of infections.

Identifying foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are red sores found commonly on the balls of the feet or underneath the big toe. If they are infected, they will also produce pus and omit a bad odor. If left untreated, these sores can develop gangrene and your foot will eventually need amputation. For this reason, it is imperative to see a podiatrist if you suspect that you have a foot ulcer so you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Preventing Foot Ulcers

  • Inspect your feet regularly for cuts, blisters and calluses that can turn into ulcers.
  • Keep your feet clean and well-hydrated.
  • Exercise regularly, this improves your circulation.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed properly.
  • Don’t go barefoot because it leaves your feet vulnerable to harm.
  • Don’t smoke because it weakens your immune system.

Treating Foot Ulcers

Cleansing and Debridement

Your doctor will cleanse the ulcer and remove any dead or dying tissue from the wound. An ointment that promotes healing may be added to the wound before your doctor bandages it.

Stay off Your Feet

Your foot may be put in a cast or protective boot. It is best to stay off your feet as much as possible while you are healing.

Assisted Wound Care

A foot care professional will have to inspect your ulcer once a week until it is fully healed. In addition, a visiting nurse will help dress your wound.

It is critical for diabetics to develop a good relationship with their podiatrists.  Most diabetics will require regular care to assure that small problems will not develop into major issues.

Now that you know some facts about foot ulcers, be sure to reach out to a foot care professional if you suspect you have one. If you have any further questions about identifying, preventing or treating foot ulcers or want to book an appointment at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center, feel free to reach out to us.

Tuesday, 19 July 2016 11:00

Treating Severe Foot Pain

Severe Foot Pain and How to Treat It

Do you have foot pain so severe that it makes it unbearable for you to walk around? Have you tried a bunch of different remedies that just don’t seem to work?

The key to solving your foot pain is first getting the right diagnosis. Here’s a look at some of the common causes of foot pain and how to treat them. However, before you try out any of these treatments by yourself, you should consult with your podiatrist.

Common Causes of Severe Foot Pain

Your feet carry you around every day, bearing your weight when you’re standing and helping you get to where you need to go. You might not think about your feet too often, that is until they start to hurt. Foot pain is a common problem among people of all ages.

A list of some of the possible causes of foot pain include:

  • Achilles tendinitis: is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon (the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone).
  • Bunions: a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe.
  • Bursitis: affects the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.
  • Corns and calluses: thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: a type of nerve damage that is the result of diabetes.
  • Flatfeet: the entire soles of your feet touch the floor when you stand.
  • Gout: sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints. Often at the base of the big toe.
  • Hammertoe and mallet toe: deformities in the imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight.
  • Ingrown toenails: when the corner or side of the toenail grows into the soft flesh.
  • Metatarsalgia: when the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed.
  • Plantar fasciitis: pain and inflammation in the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

Treating Severe Foot Pain

Treatments for severe foot pain problems include:

  • Achilles tendinitis: usually responds well to self-care measures, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation; but if your symptoms are severe then your doctor might suggest other treatment options, like pain medications (ibuprofen or naproxen), physical therapy, or surgery.
  • Bunions: some nonsurgical options include changing shoes, padding or taping your foot, medications, shoe inserts, and applying ice. Surgical options include removing swollen tissue, removing part of the bone to straighten your big toe, realigning the long bone between the back of your foot and your big toe, and permanently joining the bones of your affected joint.
  • Bursitis: treatment usually involves rest, ice, and pain relievers. However, if the bursitis is more severe, treatment might include medication, therapy, injections, an assistive device, or surgery.
  • Corns and calluses: treatment options can include trimming away excess skin, callus-removing medication, shoe inserts, or surgery.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, relieving pain, and managing complications and restoring function. To help slow the nerve damage you will need to keep your blood pressure under control, follow a healthy-eating plan, get plenty of exercise, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, and avoid alcohol.
  • Flatfeet: if your flat feet are painful then your doctor might suggest arch supports, stretching exercises, supportive shoes, or physical therapy.
  • Gout: medications that can treat gout and prevent future attacks include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, colchicine, and/or corticosteroids.
  • Hammertoe and mallet toe: wearing proper footwear (allows adequate space for your toes) will help relieve pressure and pain.
  • Ingrown toenails: your doctor may recommend lifting the nail, partially removing the nail, or removing the nail and tissue.
  • Metatarsalgia: conservative measures (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) usually relieve the pain. In rare cases, you may have to undergo surgery to realign the metatarsal bones.
  • Plantar fasciitis: you may be required to take certain medications (ibuprofen or naproxen) and undergo types of therapy (physical therapy, night splints, or orthotics). In some cases, you may have to undergo steroid shots, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or surgery.

Consult with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie

It is important to consult with your podiatrist to make sure that you get a proper diagnosis for your foot pain. Book a consultation with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie so that they can help you get rid of your severe foot pain for good.

Thursday, 14 July 2016 10:58

Orthopedic Shoes and Foot Pain

What Orthopedic Shoes and Inserts Can and Can’t Do for You

At the end of the day, are your feet so sore that you can barely walk? Is this something that occurs on a regular basis? If so, then orthopedic shoes or inserts may be the right solution for you.

But before you run out to the drugstore to pick up some non-prescription inserts, here are some things that you need to know about what orthopedic shoes and inserts can and can’t do for you.

What are Orthopedic Shoes and Inserts?

Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to provide support and pain relief for people suffering with some type of leg, ankle, or foot pain. While most people tend to think of ugly shoes when they think of orthopedic shoes, today’s orthopedic shoe is a lot more fashion-friendly then they have been in the past, and are worn by people of all ages. The exact design for orthopedic shoes varies depending on the particular health problems of the wearer. There is no one design of orthopedic shoe that will work effectively on all types of foot problems.

Wearing orthopedic shoes is a good idea whenever there is any type of health issue that makes walking painful. All orthopedic shoes and boots share several characteristics, such as:

  • Extra firm and low heels
  • Wide toes
  • Inner soles that can be removed

While the most popular type of orthopedic footwear is shoes and inserts, you can also buy orthopedic socks and slippers.

Prescription vs. Non-Prescription Inserts

Just like orthopedic shoes, shoe inserts can help relieve a variety for ailments, including flat arches and foot pain. Shoe inserts work to cushion your feet, providing comfort and support to your arches. They can also help correct biochemical foot problems or cure long-standing foot issues.

The most common types of shoe inserts are:

  • Arch supports: designed to support the foot’s natural arch.
  • Insoles: provides extra cushioning and support. They are often made of gel, foam, or plastic.
  • Heel liners: also known as heels pads or heel cups. They provide extra cushioning in the heel region.
  • Foot cushions: can be used as a barrier to stop your shoe from rubbing against your foot.

Unlike non-prescription inserts, prescription custom orthotics are designed specifically to support and comfort your feet. Prescription orthotics can be divided into two categories: functional orthotics and accommodative orthotics.

Functional orthotics work to treat foot pain caused by abnormal motion and injuries, such as shin splints or tendinitis. Functional orthotics are generally made out of semi-rigid material, like plastic or graphite.

Accommodative orthotics are made out of softer material and are meant to provide additional cushioning and support. They can be used to treat uncomfortable conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers and painful calluses on the bottom of the foot.

Causes of Foot Pain

Some of the common types of foot pain that orthopedic shoes or inserts can help treat include:

  • Plantar fasciitis: irritation or inflammation of the band of tough tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
  • Heel Spurs: abnormal bone growth on the bottom of your heel.
  • Heel fracture: a high-impact injury caused from a fall or car accident.
  • Metatarsalgia: pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot.
  • Morton’s neuroma: a thickening of tissue around the nerves between the bases of the toes.
  • Fallen arches: when the arches of the feet flatten out.
  • Bunions: a bony bulge along the edge of the foot, next to the base of the big toe.
  • Hammertoe: when your second, third, or fourth toe bends at the middle joint.
  • Claw toe: when your toe points up or down and is unable to straighten.
  • Sesamoid fracture: a break in the small bones that are embedded in the tendons attached to the big toe.

Book an Appointment

While orthopedic shoes and inserts can do a lot to help your feet feel better, you should make an appointment with a skilled and knowledgeable podiatrist before purchasing your own orthopedic shoes and inserts. Consult with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today about which products will work best for your specific foot needs, and what else you can do to help alleviate your foot pain.

What Causes Your Feet to Make Cracking Sounds?

Do you often find that your feet crack and pop when you’re walking? Are you concerned about what the noises could mean? In most cases, painless cracking and popping isn’t something that you need to worry about. It’s when the cracking causes you pain that you should be concerned.

Here’s a quick look at some of the reasons that might be causing your feet to crack and what it could mean for you.

Painless Cracking

While painless cracking isn’t something that you have to really worry about, you may still be curious about what causes your feet to crack. Some of the things that may cause your feet to crack without causing you pain include:

  • Escaping gases—the bones in our joints are surrounded by synovial fluid that lubricates and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. Synovial fluid contains oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When the joint capsule is stretched, these gases form bubbles that cause a popping sound when the bubbles are released. In order to crack the same joints again, you have to wait until the gasses return to the synovial fluid.
  • Movement of joints, tendons, and ligaments—the tendon position changes and moves slightly out of place when a joint is moved. This may cause you to hear a snapping sound when the tendon returns to its original position. Also, your ligaments may tighten as you move your joints, which can make a cracking sound.
  • Rough surfaces—arthritic joints make sounds caused by the loss of smooth cartilage and the roughness of the joint surface.

Painful Cracking

In some cases, your feet making cracking sounds could be an indication of a greater problem. Some more serious problems that may cause your feet to crack include:

  • Morton’s neuroma—a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. This condition may feel similar to having a pebble in your shoe. Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause your feet to crack, and you may also feel a sharp burning pain, as well as a stinging, burning, or numbing of the toes. This condition can be caused by wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight or ill-fitting, causing extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot; by participating in high-impact sports that may subject your feet to repetitive trauma; or by foot deformities, such as bunions, hammertoe, high arches, or flatfeet.
  • Achilles tendon rupture—the Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous chord that connects the muscle in the back of your calf to your heel bone. Overstretching your Achilles tendon can cause it to tear (rupture) completely or partially. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you will most likely feel a pop or snap, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg. Ruptures tend to occur within two and a half inches of the point where it attaches to the heel bone. It is often caused by a sudden increase in the amount of stress on your Achilles tendon, such as increasing your participation in high-intensity sports, falling from a height, or stepping in a hole.
  • Locked joint—if a joint becomes locked when it pops or cracks then there is a chance that something is caught between the joint surfaces. A piece of torn bone or cartilage may be the cause. Once the joint is stuck, it will need to be manipulated to unlock it, which will cause a popping sound.

Book a Consultation

If you experience any pain or swelling in your cracking joints, then it’s important that you seek out medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Book a consultation with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today. With years of collective experience in their fields, they’ll be able to help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your feet to make cracking sounds and how the issue can be alleviated.

Thursday, 07 July 2016 10:56

Age-Related Foot Issues

How Aging Contributes to Foot Issues

Over time, our bodies begin to wear down and our feet are no exception. Myriad changes occur to our feet as we reach our senior years. This includes muscular and skeletal changes, as well as skin and toenail changes, each coming with their own possible challenges. Here is an overview of some of the common foot issues that can come with age:

Changes in Size

Most would assume that shoe sizes stay the same after puberty, but this is not the case. As we age our feet “spread,” which may alter the size of the shoe you should be wearing. Every time you go shopping for a new pair of shoes, you should measure your feet, both for length and width. If it seems like your shoes are growing less comfortable day by day, then you might want to make sure you aren’t outgrowing them.

Skin Issues

One of the more obvious changes we undergo as we age is the thinning of skin. Our feet are no different; and since they are an area that is often subjected to frequent friction, they can see a lot of complications. Due to the weakening and drying of the skin, abrasions are common. Make sure to use moisturizer to keep your skin supple and soft.

Several types of keratosis can make your feet skin look as if it is cancerous or infected, but these raised pigmented bumps are usually benign. Any changes in your skin should be addressed by a physician, as some of these conditions may be masking a more serious affliction.

Arthritis

As the wear and tear on our joints adds up over time, arthritis begins to set in. Arthritis of the feet can be one of the most painful and debilitating forms of this condition, since the feet bear the weight of our bodies. Reduced bone density can also play a role in this type of joint pain.

The weakening of joints and bones can also lead to more frequent fractures and sprains, so it’s important to wear durable, supportive, and comfortable shoes.

Swelling

Circulation problems are also more common with age. Issues with the veins in the legs can cause feet to swell, making shoes ill-fitting from day to day. Sometimes only a single foot will swell, other times both will. Hormonal changes and some medications can be the cause of these issues, as well.

Bunions

An additional reason to wear shoes that fit correctly is bunions. Wearing narrow shoes can cause your big toes to press inwards, jutting out the joint and causing it to elongate and press on the skin. Bunions aren’t only caused by wearing small shoes, as there is also a genetic component to their formation. They can also form on your smaller toes, but they are more pronounced on the big toes.

Hammer Toes

Ill-fitting shoes and arthritis can also cause a condition known as hammer toe. Normally, our toes point outwards from our body, but a hammertoe causes them to point downwards towards the ground. This can affect any toe on the foot, and be quite painful. The physical cause of this downward turn is a dislocation of the middle joint in the toe. Dislocation can be caused by wearing tight shoes such as high heels; or factors such as injury, arthritis, or pressure from the aforementioned bunions.

Gout

A specific type of arthritis, gout is caused by having too much uric acid in the blood stream. While this doesn’t cause symptoms in all patients, in certain individuals these high levels of uric acid cause crystals to form on the joints, usually the big toe. Gout manifests in sudden attacks of pain in the big toe until it is treated. Risk factors for gout include being overweight and having a diet high in meat and alcohol.

Gout is usually somewhat obvious by its visible effects on the big toe, causing swelling and redness. Steroids can stop a sudden gout attack, and there are long-term treatment options as well for chronic gout.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie

As with any part of the body, investing in your foot health is essential to ensure that your feet age gracefully alongside you. To keep your feet fit for years to come, schedule a consultation with trusted podiatrists Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today at the Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center.

Tuesday, 05 July 2016 10:55

Causes of Foot Rash

Treating Your Foot Rash

Do you have a rash on your feet, but you can’t seem to figure out what’s causing the problem? Not surprisingly, there are many different things that can cause a foot rash to occur, including something occurring near the foot itself or a body-wide condition. A foot rash can affect a small area, be short-lived and mild, or it may spread further up the leg, returning frequently and be painful or itchy. Some foot rashes are also highly contagious.

The first step in treating your foot rash is getting the right diagnosis. Knowing exactly what is causing your foot rash can also help you prevent it from ever returning and turning into a chronic condition. Here’s a look at some of the things that can cause a foot rash, their symptoms, and how to treat them.

Common Causes of Foot Rash

  • Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of contact dermatitis. Usually caused by damage to the protective outer layer of skin due to contact with chemicals such as household cleaning products, detergents, dyes, cosmetics, or industrial chemicals. This type of rash is not contagious.
    Symptoms: Localized dry, cracked, scaly skin, and a non-itchy foot and ankle rash. Symptoms vary depending on exposure to the chemical.
    Treatment: Wash the area well, avoid the irritant, use anti-histamines or topical steroids.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to allergens that trigger an immune reaction in the skin. Common allergens include latex rubber, plants, metallic substances, and shoe leather. This type of rash is not contagious.
    Symptoms: Pink or red skin with small bumps which may blister. Can be extremely itchy.
    Treatment: Avoid the allergen, use a cold compress, anti-histamines or topical steroid medication.
  • Eczema is a chronic condition that usually starts in early childhood, but can be grown out of. The exact cause is unknown and may be due to a number of different factors, including an inability for skin to provide an effective barrier to allergens, bacteria, and environmental conditions. Eczema can also be hereditary. This type of rash is not contagious.
    Symptoms: Dry, red patches of inflamed skin that tend to be itchy (more so at night). Can progress into small, fluid-filled bumps.
    Treatment: There is no cure for eczema but you can relieve the symptoms by using corticosteroid cream or ointment, anti-histamines, or UV light therapy. Make sure to regularly moisture the skin, and take shorter, less frequent baths or showers in warm water.
  • Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection (a type of ringworm) which is often caused by sweaty feet, tight shoes, damp footwear, or anything that makes the foot warm and wet for long periods of time. This type of rash is contagious.
    Symptoms: Scaly, itchy, flaky, red foot rash accompanied by a stinging and burning sensation. Blisters may also occur.
    Treatment: Anti-fungal medication (usually cream or ointment). Good hygiene such as changing shoes and socks often.
  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a mild viral infection often contracted through coughing and sneezing. This type of rash tends to occur during warmer weather and is highly infectious.
    Symptoms: Red, non-itchy hand and foot rash. Blisters may occur in the mouth, hands, and feet. Fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of being unwell. Dehydration is also a common side effect as it can be painful to drink.
    Treatment: Oral anaesthetics and over-the-counter medications (paracetamol and ibuprofen).

Other Causes of Foot Rash

Some of the other, less common causes of foot rash can include:

  • Food allergies
  • Insect bite or bee sting
  • Chickenpox or shingles
  • Erythema nodosum (red nodules under the skin)
  • Impetigo
  • Lyme disease
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Roseola
  • Scarlett fever
  • Meningitis
  • Pityriasis rosea
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Strep throat
  • Kawasaki disease
  • Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Lichen planus (purplish itchy papules)
  • Medications
  • Stress
  • Sunburn
  • Allergic purpura
  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)

Consult with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie

Before you try to treat your foot rash at home, it is important to get the right diagnosis to determine the cause of your foot rash. Book an appointment with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today, so that they can help you figure out the best treatment plan for your foot rash.

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