General Catalogue 2023 DIGITAL

125 Spread foot Expertise A spread foot can easily be recognized. Care and pressure relief play a major role in treatment. “Spread foot is among the most common foot problems. Aside from pain, its consequences include hyperkeratosis, calluses, corns or toe deformities, among others,” FUSSPFLEGE AKTUELL expert Dr. Renate Wolansky explains. Anatomically, the cross- wise arch drops significantly in spread foot, and the strain is applied to the II. to IV. metatarsal protuberances. The foot rolls on the heel bone and the II., III. and IV. metatarsal protuberan- ces, but not – as is normally the case – on the I. and V. metatar- sal protuberances. As the crosswise arch flattens, this spreads the frontal foot. It fans out, so to speak. This results in hyperkeratosis, callosities or corns. This is painful, especially when walking or running in sturdy shoes. Muscle imbalances cause toe deformities such as hallux valgus, hammer or claw toes, often forming painful corns. This is due especially to standing constantly (for occupational reasons) and inappropriate footwear (too tight, too pointed, too small, and too high). The complaints usually increase with stress (walking, running, jumping or climbing stairs) and decrease again with rest. The affected persons apply weight to the outer edge of their feet in many cases. As an experienced foot care pro, you can already recognize spread foot during the foot inspection, both while standing and while sitting. The spread of the metatarsal bones is visible on x-rays. In the acute phase, affected persons receive analgesics. Pain relief includes temporarily putting the foot up, cryotherapy or cold wraps, tape bandages; ultrasound treatments are later recommended. Home foot exercises and foot baths with additives that encourage the circulation contribute to strengthening the insufficient foot muscles. Pressure relief plays a major role in therapy; for example, using GEHWOL pressure relief products. Pressure relief cushions, spread foot pads or butterfly rolls relieve the metatarsal protuberances. Affected persons wear well-fitting shoes made from actively breathing leather. The proven GEHWOL med Callus Cream is suitable for removing hyperkeratosis. It gently removes excess callus in only 28 days while providing skin care. Dr. med. Renate Wolansky is an orthopaedist, sports physician and medical foot care provider. She teaches podiatry, authors specialized textbooks and writes contributions for recognized expert bodies. The x-ray shows how the II., III. and IV. metatarsal protuberances fan out. Stress is applied to the foot on the heel bone (calcaneus) and the II. to IV. metatarsal protuberances, forming callus, keratosis and corns. © Dr. Renate Wolansky © Aobe Stock | Joel bubble ben P R E S S U R E R E L I E F P R O F E S S I ON A L PRESSURE RELIEF PROFESSIONAL