Toe Health Dictionary

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Toe: From 1 Different Sources

One of the digits of the foot. Each toe has 3 phalanges (bones), except for the hallux (big toe), which has 2. The phalanges join at hinge joints. An artery, vein, and nerve run down each side of the toe, and the whole structure is enclosed in skin with a nail at the top. The main function of the toes is to maintain balance during walking. Congenital disorders include toes missing at birth. (See also polydactyly; syndactyly; and webbing.)
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Ingrowing Toenail

The sides of the toenail curve downwards, resulting in in?ammation of the skin next to the nail which spreads to the base of the nail. The skin and nail base may become painful and badly infected. If antibiotics and local dressing do not cure the condition, surgery to remove part of the nail will be required.... ingrowing toenail

Claw-toes

See CLAW-FOOT.... claw-toes

Toes

See CORNS AND BUNIONS; SKIN – Nail.... toes

In-growing Toenail

Nail grows into surrounding soft tissue causing inflammation and possible infection, usually of the big toe.

Causes: tight shoes, inadequate footcare, cutting nails, etc. Cut nails straight across and not in a curve. Topical. After thorough cleaning with soap and hot water, dab affected area with tincture Myrrh or tincture Goldenseal. Thin-down whole of the nail with a nail file after which affected border of nail can be easily cut. Fasten slice of Lemon on nail at night to soften. Bathe nail with strong sea-salt solution. Nelson’s Hypercal Cream. ... in-growing toenail

Pigeon Toes

A minor abnormality in which the leg or foot is rotated, forcing the foot and toes to point inwards.

The condition is common in toddlers.... pigeon toes

Toenail, Ingrowing

A painful condition of a toe (usually the big toe) in which 1 or both edges of the nail press into the adjacent skin, leading to infection and inflammation.

The cause is usually incorrect cutting of the nail or wearing tight-fitting shoes.

Temporary pain relief can be obtained by bathing the foot once or twice daily in a strong, warm, salt solution, then covering the nail with a dry gauze dressing.

Antibiotics may be prescribed.

In some cases, the edge of the nail is removed and the nail bed obliterated to prevent recurrence.... toenail, ingrowing


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