What may increase your risk of a serious toe, foot, or ankle problem?


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What may increase your risk of a serious toe, foot, or ankle problem?


Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

  • Bone or foot-joint deformities from birth (congenital)
  • A history of previous toe, foot, or ankle problems, injuries, or surgery
  • Obesity

Lifestyle choices

  • Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
  • Drug abuse or withdrawal
  • Smoking or other tobacco use
  • Participating in sports or recreation that is hard on the feet, such as running or basketball
  • Work or occupation that is hard on the feet, such as a job that requires standing on your feet all day

Medications

  • Anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, or aspirin
  • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
  • Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection

Diseases

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Hemophilia
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Peripheral arterial disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Venous insufficiency

Credits


Author Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor Alison Allen
Editor Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD

- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM

- Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Last Updated February 8, 2007

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Last updated: February 08, 2007
Author: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. Chalmers, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Editors: Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

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