Not all of the causes of foot pain are ugly or menacing. Today’s source is just plain darn right cute!
The patient, presented with a history of recent onset focused pain on the bottom of his right foot. Upon examination, the area indicated was not related to a bony prominence. This immediately makes a corn or callous an unlikely diagnosis.
More likely would be an injury, an infecting organism, or perhaps an allergic reaction. Further examination identified a second similar lesion on the same foot but not as painful. Expanding the quest to the other foot identified a third lesion. Our first suspicion was now a plantar wart but with closer examination with our dermatoscope the cause became apparent if not the culprit.
The image above shows a hair fibre protruding from the tissue, and with gentle debridement, the entire fibre was extracted in its entirety.
Asking my patient if he had any domestic pets with fawn-coloured straight hair, he produced photos of this little guy on his cell phone.
Further discussion reveals that he is predominantly is barefoot at home and that many of his clothes have become pin cushions for “Myla Lou’s” errant hairs, which prove impossible to extract.
Conclusion
So, what is the takeaway from this little story? For those of you with pets with straight hair, keep your socks and shoes on. It may come as a surprise but this is not a unique case by any means. A frequent similar example stems from a much scarier animal. Those hairdressers who choose to wear shoes without socks at work form the greatest number of cases and we have several such patients who visit regularly with multiple fibre intrusions. Got an interesting problem you’d like us to investigate we are here and waiting.
Consider yourself properly warned!
If you have enjoyed our past blogs and videos over the last year and beyond, then like and subscribe to our Facebook or Instagram feeds. We love when you share our blog, more people need to be exposed to good factual information without bias or self-interest. We will be updating them with a steady stream of new educational and informative subjects. Any subjects you would like us to write about then please send suggestions. We are easy to get hold of through any of our social media outlets or directly through our website @ www.podiatryassociates.ca
