Why is Foot Care so important?

We know that certain chemotherapy can affect the feet from preventing us from carrying out normal routines, especially particularly after having surgery for cancer. Some of these side effects exhibited can be painful. 

While cancer may not be curable, those suffering foot-related complications may benefit from podiatric care.

How does chemo affect your feet?

• Reduction in certain sensation. Altered ability to determine temperature leading to blistering and burns.
• Numbness. This symptom is associated with the condition "peripheral neuropathy" and can present as numbness or tingling.
• Loss of feeling can lead to deeper damage if not responded.
• Any altered muscle strength can lead to walking imbalances and increase the risk of falls due to loss of ground awareness affecting walking.
• The hard nail structure may thicken further, separate and develop fungal infections or ingrown toenails. The toxicity from some medicines affect the nail fold and nail bed causing distortion of nail cell growth. This can arise even after two months having commenced cancer treatment. Nail problems can be extremely painful and impact on the quality of life of patients.
• Skin that surrounds nails may become inflamed and even develop infections with redness and discharge. Ulcerations may develop under nails which may remain hidden unless identified by careful sectional nail removal by specialist. Also due to sensation loss, some patients may experience areas of extreme pressure. This can cause the skin underneath the nail to break down with the risk of infection.
• Hand-foot Syndrome a occurs because some treating medicines target cells such as skin. Because the skin has a rapid turnover to replace older cells, the palms and soles may appear stained red. Initial symptoms are: swelling, numbness, sense of tightness/stiffness, pain in the palms and/or soles.
• Xerosis is a form of dry skin. Splits in the skin called fissures develop on the outside of the soles and heels leading to waterloss and hence dryness. Painful hard skin areas called callus can form under the balls of the feet at the sites where friction is greatest.

Tips on foot and nail care during cancer treatment:

1. Get regular (every 6 weeks) medical pedicure treatment including nail cutting, removal of hard skin etc. 
2. Use a hand and foot cream regularly.
3. Keep nails short and use an emery board to file.
4. Use a nail strengthening oil to help reduce dryness and prevent nails from splitting.
5. Wear gloves while doing household chores, especially the washing up and gardening.
6. Avoid using false nails during treatment.
7. Wear good-fitting, comfortable shoes.

Often people are so busy thinking about their cancer treatment, that they forget about the condition of their feet!