Care of the Feet Questions and Answers 2022/2023 with
complete solution
How many sections are divided into the feet and what are they?
3; Forefoot, Midfoot, Hindfoot
What is composed in the forefoot?
14 phalanges and 5 metatarsals
What is composed of the midfoot?
3 cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone and navicular bone
What is composed of the hindfoot?
The heel and ankle
What is the largest bone in the foot?
Calcaneous (heel bone)
What is a blister?
A defense mechanism of the body. When the epidermis separates from the dermis, and
a pool of liquid collects between these layers, while new skin regrows underneath.
Example of a chemical blister
Allergic reaction
Example of a physical injury blister
Caused by heat, frostbite or friction
What causes blisters?
-improper conditioning of feet
-heat and moisture
-improper fitting of boots and/or socks
-friction and pressure
Signs and symptoms of a blister
-fluid collection under skin
-mild edema and erythema around site
-sloughing of tissue exposing sub dermal tissue layer
-localized discomfort and/or pain
Do small blisters usually need treatment?
No
How to treat large, closed blisters:
-wash area around blister with Betadine solution or alcohol pad
-drain as close to the edge of the blister as possible, then apply gentile pressure
-apply moleskin
-DO NOT put any adhesive directly on blister
-dust foot with powder to lessen friction
-monitor for infection
Treatment for open blisters:
-wash with betadine solution or soap and water
-remove loose skin
-apply moleskin
-antibiotic ointment on wound
, -put Tefla pad over
-monitor for infection
What is athlete's foot (tinea pedis)?
A chronic fungal infection of the feet. Very common. Men are affected more than
women, and once affected, recurrences are common.
What causes athlete's foot?
-hot, humid weather, excessive sweating and occlusive footwear
-contact with contaminated footwear and floors
-poor foot hygiene
Symptoms of Athlete's foot
-reddened, cracked and peeling skin
-itching, burning, and stinging sensation usually between the toes
-sore, purulent, weeping rash
Treatment of Athlete's Foot
-antifungal foot powder daily during work hours ie. Miconazole
-antifungal ointment daily during rest hours ie. Clotrimazole
-treatment should be continued after 1 week after clearing has occurred
What is an ingrown toenails?
Occurs when the mail border or corner presses on the surrounding tissue. This
condition is often painful and often results in an infection once the skin is broken.
What is the most common cause of ingrown?
Improper trimming of the toenails and poor hygiene
What are other causes to ingrowns?
-trauma to nail plate or toe
-improperly fitted footwear
-abnormally shaped nail plate
Symptoms of ingrowns
-pain along margins of the toenail (great toe is most common)
-localized edema
-may be signs of infection (pus, blood, watery discharge)
Treatment of ingrowns
-trim a small point off the corner of the nail to relieve pressure
-remove any dead skin
-elevate the end of the nail to prevent further irritation
-surgically correct if chronic (complete or partial removal)
-if any sign of infection = antibiotics
What is a callus?
Thickening of the outer layer of skin, in response to pressure or friction that serves as a
protective mechanism to prevent skin breakdown
What is a corn?
Similar to a callus, but involves a discrete pressure spot, typically over a bone, whereas
a callus can form anywhere
What causes corns/calluses?
-tight fitting shoes
-chronic pressure/friction
complete solution
How many sections are divided into the feet and what are they?
3; Forefoot, Midfoot, Hindfoot
What is composed in the forefoot?
14 phalanges and 5 metatarsals
What is composed of the midfoot?
3 cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone and navicular bone
What is composed of the hindfoot?
The heel and ankle
What is the largest bone in the foot?
Calcaneous (heel bone)
What is a blister?
A defense mechanism of the body. When the epidermis separates from the dermis, and
a pool of liquid collects between these layers, while new skin regrows underneath.
Example of a chemical blister
Allergic reaction
Example of a physical injury blister
Caused by heat, frostbite or friction
What causes blisters?
-improper conditioning of feet
-heat and moisture
-improper fitting of boots and/or socks
-friction and pressure
Signs and symptoms of a blister
-fluid collection under skin
-mild edema and erythema around site
-sloughing of tissue exposing sub dermal tissue layer
-localized discomfort and/or pain
Do small blisters usually need treatment?
No
How to treat large, closed blisters:
-wash area around blister with Betadine solution or alcohol pad
-drain as close to the edge of the blister as possible, then apply gentile pressure
-apply moleskin
-DO NOT put any adhesive directly on blister
-dust foot with powder to lessen friction
-monitor for infection
Treatment for open blisters:
-wash with betadine solution or soap and water
-remove loose skin
-apply moleskin
-antibiotic ointment on wound
, -put Tefla pad over
-monitor for infection
What is athlete's foot (tinea pedis)?
A chronic fungal infection of the feet. Very common. Men are affected more than
women, and once affected, recurrences are common.
What causes athlete's foot?
-hot, humid weather, excessive sweating and occlusive footwear
-contact with contaminated footwear and floors
-poor foot hygiene
Symptoms of Athlete's foot
-reddened, cracked and peeling skin
-itching, burning, and stinging sensation usually between the toes
-sore, purulent, weeping rash
Treatment of Athlete's Foot
-antifungal foot powder daily during work hours ie. Miconazole
-antifungal ointment daily during rest hours ie. Clotrimazole
-treatment should be continued after 1 week after clearing has occurred
What is an ingrown toenails?
Occurs when the mail border or corner presses on the surrounding tissue. This
condition is often painful and often results in an infection once the skin is broken.
What is the most common cause of ingrown?
Improper trimming of the toenails and poor hygiene
What are other causes to ingrowns?
-trauma to nail plate or toe
-improperly fitted footwear
-abnormally shaped nail plate
Symptoms of ingrowns
-pain along margins of the toenail (great toe is most common)
-localized edema
-may be signs of infection (pus, blood, watery discharge)
Treatment of ingrowns
-trim a small point off the corner of the nail to relieve pressure
-remove any dead skin
-elevate the end of the nail to prevent further irritation
-surgically correct if chronic (complete or partial removal)
-if any sign of infection = antibiotics
What is a callus?
Thickening of the outer layer of skin, in response to pressure or friction that serves as a
protective mechanism to prevent skin breakdown
What is a corn?
Similar to a callus, but involves a discrete pressure spot, typically over a bone, whereas
a callus can form anywhere
What causes corns/calluses?
-tight fitting shoes
-chronic pressure/friction
