Blue toe syndrome, also called trash foot, is a blue to black discoloration of the toes due to lack of blood flow. The most common cause is when a small piece of arterial plaque breaks off in the abdominal aorta-iliac-formal arterial system (stomach and groin areas) during angiography, cardiac, foot or vascular surgery. It also occurs in conjunction with diabetes, scleroderma and Raynauds phenomenon. The plaque travels down the arteries into the foot where it lodges itself and becomes an embolism. All tissue in front of the blockage turns blue to black from a lack of oxygen to the area.
Treatment is medical – stenting, bypass surgery or anticoagulant therapy. Sometimes the condition resolves on its own and in the worse cases, gangrene can invade and there can be the need to amputate. Pedorthic attention is geared toward getting the person more comfortable and stable on their feet.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Cholesterol crystal embolisation
- Trash foot
Symptoms:
- Blue to black discoloration in the affected areas
- Pain, stinging and numbness
- Gangrene in the worst cases
Signs to look for:
- Recent angiography, cardiac, foot or vascular surgery
- Black areas of toes, fingers or other parts of the foot
Possible Causes:
- Recent angiography, cardiac, foot or vascular surgery
- Diabetes, scleroderma, Raynauds or other vascular condition
- Trauma
Goals:
- Get into shoe that accommodates toes
- Restore ideal foot motion
- Restore balance and support
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear or shoes with titanium springs
- Avoid flip-flops. Only wear sandals with a back and only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Shoes with stretchable uppers to accommodate swollen digits if necessary
Other:
- Copper, bamboo or silver socks for skin protection
- Spot stretching with ball and ring stretcher
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: pmj.bmj.com Text: bluepoppy.com, freearticlesarchive.com, pmj.bmj.com