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Podiatry Glossary
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Arch - The arch of the foot is the
area of the bottom of the foot between
the heel pad and toe pad.
Acrokeratosis verruciformis - a
hereditary dermatosis characterized by
the presence of numerous flat wart-like
papules on the dorsal aspect of the
hand, foot, elbow, and knee. Ankle
- the part of the leg just above the
foot; the joint between the leg and the
foot. It is a hinge joint formed by the
junction of the tibia and fibula with
the talus, or ankle bone. The bones are
cushioned by cartilage and connected by
a number of ligaments, tendons, and
muscles that strengthen the joint and
enable it to be moved. Because it is in
almost constant use, the ankle is
particularly susceptible to injuries,
such as sprain and fracture. It is also
often one of the first joints to be
affected by arthritis or gout.
Ankle clonus - a series of abnormal
reflex movements of the foot, induced by
sudden dorsiflexion, causing alternate
contraction and relaxation of the
triceps surae muscle. Athlete's
foot - a fungal infection of the
skin of the foot; called also tinea
pedis. It causes itching and often
blisters and cracks, usually between the
toes. Causative agents are Candida
albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, and
species of Trichophyton, which thrive on
warmth and dampness. If not arrested, it
can cause a rash and itching in other
parts of the body as well. It is likely
to be recurrent, since the fungus
survives under the toenails and
reappears when conditions are favorable.
Although Athlete's foot is usually
little more than an uncomfortable
nuisance, its open sores provide
excellent sites for more serious
infections. Early treatment and health
care supervision insure correct
diagnosis and prevention of
complications. Specific diagnosis is
made by microscopic examination or
culture of skin scrapings for the
fungus. |
