Onychogryphosis

A gryphotic nail is one which is thickened and deformed. They are often referred to as a 'Ram's Horn'

Onychogryphosis  occurs as a result of damage to the nail either due to one major event, like dropping something heavy on the foot, or multiple minor events.  These minor events can be as varied as having a shoe with a tight toe box causing impaction on the  toes,  to repeated forward movement of the foot in footwear, for example a runner whose toes push to the end of a trainer causing impaction.  Keen walkers are also prone to onychogryphosis, especially hill walkers.

They are difficult to manage at home and usually need professional care from a podiatrist.  If they are not treated they can lead to ulcerations and infections. They can also be very uncomfortable.

Please don't be embarrassed , treatment is very simple and straightforward.

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Chikungunya - The Treatment

 

Chikungunya is a mosquito transmitted virus which is becoming more widespread. It has recently been  reported in the Caribbean and France.  The symptoms usually appear within 3- 7 days of a bite.

To prevent the mosquito attack, use repellants on your skin at all times, wearing long sleeves and long trousers whenever possible. Keep mosquito nets over beds and the doors and windows screened. Better still, use air conditioning whenever it is available.

Don't allow water to stand in containers outside.

 The chikungunya rash

There is no medication available to treat the chikungunya virus.  

It is important to keep your fluid levels high to prevent dehydration and to take anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. Get plenty of rest.

If you suspect a mosquito bite from an area where the virus is present and the symptoms are present, it is essential to seek medical advice.

Some people benefit greatly from physiotherapy and podiatry who can offer therapies which are designed for the relief of  arthritis. Chikungunya sufferers may require orthotics for many months after the virus has passed.

After our lady sufferer had visited our surgery, she said of the Chikungunya Virus

"It has affected me so much that I will never go back to the Caribbean. Even though my son lives there."

Chikungunya - The Symptoms

Chikungunya is a mosquito transmitted virus which has evolved since the 1950's , becoming more widespread. It has recently been  reported in the Caribbean and France.  The symptoms usually appear within 3- 7 days of a bite which are high fever and disabling painful joints, most often in the hands and feet. People who have contracted chikungunya may also suffer with nausea, vomiting, headaches and a rash. Between 72 - 93% of infected people become symptomatic. Death is rare.

It is reported that acute symptoms last for around  one to two weeks, although some people suffer with painful joints for months or even years afterwards.

The symptoms are very similar to another disease called Dengue. 

Dengue is transmitted by the same mosquito as chikungunya,  and displays similar symptoms. 

Dengue is also a killer.

An incidence reported in France mainland recently occurred in two children aged 8 and 10 who had returned from a visit to  Martinique.  They both had acute fever and painful joints. The boy had swollen knees and they both had rashes on their bodies. 

The most vulnerable are the elderly and the very young and those with underlying medical conditions.

Complications due to an episode of the Chikungunya virus include painful eye conditions, retinitis and uveitis. Inflammation of the liver, kidney and the meninges of the brain.  Some patients have repeated relapses of rheumatologic symptoms after the acute phase has passed.