What Do Summer and Sun Exposure Mean for Your feet?

Summer season is here and everyone is excited about spending some time in the sun. Whether it is just some play time with the kids in the backyard, enjoying the pool, or maybe even planning a vacation with the family and enjoying some peaceful time on a beautiful beach. Although, all of those scenarios seem like a way to spend a great summer, what many people tend to forget is protecting their skin from harmful sun exposure. We have all heard of the importance of protecting our skin from the sun due to the harmful UV radiation and the possibility of skin cancer. Unfortunately, any area of exposed skin is fair game for the cancer of the skin. It is hard to believe that skin cancer can also rise from the skin on our toes, feet, ankles, and legs. The number of individuals who forget to lather up the skin on those areas specially the toes and the feet might surprise you.

After prolonged sun exposure, irregular skin cells grow and begin to differentiate over time. If unattended and untreated, they have the potential of spreading to other parts of the body including other tissues and organs in a process called metastasis. Different types of skin cancer exist including: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma; with basal cell carcinoma being the most common skin cancer amongst all. Melanoma, which rises from skin melanocytes, is the least common and yet the most dangerous type of skin cancer with the ability to metastasize.

Skin cancer presents itself in many forms, some common presentations on the foot include: scaly, shiny, waxy, crusty, or simply a small, red lesion. The areas that one should pay close attention to on the feet in terms of screening for potential skin cancer include but are not limited to the dorsum of the foot, area underneath/surrounding the toenails, and the heels.

Risk factors for skin cancer involve light-complexion and fair skin, family history of skin cancer, age (more common in those over the age of 40), and finally the areas that sunburn easy.

The ABCDE’s of skin lesions, are some important features to look for and they entail: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and elevation of the lesion. Asymmetry is seen where one half of the lesion has a different appearance/texture compared to the other half. Be on the lookout for irregular borders of the lesion, a star like border is a common example. Color of the lesion should be assessed and any color difference compared to the surrounding skin should be noted. Any lesion with the diameter of 6mm or larger should be brought to your physicians’ attention. Last but not least, any elevation of any lesion is alarming.

Different types of skin cancer whether melanocytic or nonmelanocytic require a different type of treatment with some having surgical excision as the best definitive treatment approach. Early detection is the key with skin cancer as it is with many other health conditions. So, here is our friendly advice: enjoy your summer and your time off with your family, however, do not forget sun protection (at least SPF 30) and regular skin screenings. Try and stay out of the sun when UV rays are most intense, mainly between the hours of 11am and 3:30 pm. If a mole or a skin lesion on your lower extremities looks suspicious to you and fits the ABCDE criteria above, be sure and consult your podiatrist. Finally, have a fun, safe, and an amazing summer!

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: Way to a Rapid Recovery

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) is a new way of healing that has been deserving of much debate in the past year upon its effectiveness. It is a non-surgical, cutting edge injection therapy that is to promote healing of bone, soft tissue, cartilage, and nerves. The injection is composed of platelet extracts from whole blood. Athletes such as Tiger Woods received several of these injections in 2009 to promote healing of a tendinitis condition that he had acquired after an Achilles tendon injury in the year prior. Another well known athlete that had the advantage of PRP therapy is Troy Polamalu who received the injections for the treatment of a strained calf after a knee injury.

PRP is able to promote healing by mediating the degree of inflammation in the affected area. After an injury is sustained by a tissue, an inflammatory response begins causing redness, heat, and swelling. This aids in preventing infection and allows the tissue to become prepared for healing. The healing process begins after the inflammation period is over. Platelets play a major role in both the inflammation and the healing process. Platelets are capable of inhibiting inflammation, and therefore allowing the healing process to begin much earlier by producing several growth factors in the tissue including those that aid to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

According to a research done by Dr. Grambert, of Indiana University School of Medicine, more than one injection may be needed for complete healing and results may be seen in as many as 4 to 6 weeks. He also has found success in treating patients with plantar fasciitis using PRP accompanied by a tear in the plantar fascia which aids in lengthening. Boot immobilization is then followed to allow the patient full recovery. This treatment regimen has provided his patients with promising results, where 85% of his 89 plantar fasciitis cases returned to normal activity with no limitations within six weeks.

Another advantage of PRP is that, it is an affordable treatment for most patients. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is ongoing debate and it is currently being researched on in many labs and by many practitioners across the country, however, its promising results should not be foreseen.