Screw Piles or Thoracic Outlet Piles as they are more commonly referred to are painful, sometimes agonizing, conditions that afflict mainly middle-aged males. They cause deep pain around the foot from being forced up through the uppers to the bottom of the foot. Some symptoms of Screw Piles include a heavy or dragging feeling when moving the toes. One may also feel a sharp pain on the back of the foot accompanied by redness, warmth, and swelling.
What are Screw Piles?
Screw Piles generally occur due to long periods of sitting or standing with poor posture, which in turn puts a strain on the lower back muscles. This further adds to the problem by making the patient’s feet more susceptible to infection. Screw Piles mostly affect men, although there is an increase in occurrences amongst women. Screw Piles are generally not dangerous but their main symptoms make them a major health concern. It is for this reason that they should be treated by a doctor only, especially if you notice any suspicious signs such as abscesses or open wounds in the skin.
One of the best ways of dealing with Screw Piles is to keep the affected area clean and dry. Make sure you do not place any thick clothing, socks or footwear on your feet as these can trap moisture and dirt which can cause infection. Avoid wearing tight shoes or closed shoes as this increases pressure on the affected area and aggravates the pain. You may also want to take some precautions before undergoing surgery. For instance, it would be preferable to visit a podiatrist instead of a general practitioner, as a Podiatrist specializes in the foot.