Foot Problems in Homeless Persons
Authors: Keith Wrenn
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1990)

Editorials15 October 1990Foot Problems in Homeless PersonsKeith Wrenn, MDKeith Wrenn, MDAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-113-8-567 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptHomelessness is increasing. Factors contributing to health problems in homeless persons include lifestyle, exposure to the elements, contaminated environments, malnutrition, a high prevalence of substance abuse, and an increased risk for physical injury (1). In addition, access to health care is limited by financial barriers, self-neglect, transportation difficulties, fear of large institutions, and mental illness (2). Foot problems represent a relatively large proportion of complaints (up to 20%) among homeless persons (2-4). Traumatic disorders, ulcers, infections, immersion foot, and frostbite are among the many foot problems found in homeless persons.Trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in...References1. Webster I and Harris M. Bridging the gap—health care for the homeless. Med J Aust. 1988;149:536-40. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. Toon P, Thomas K, and Doherty M. Audit of work at a medical center for the homeless over one year. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1987;37:120-2. MedlineGoogle Scholar3. Gelberg L and Linn L. Assessing the physical health of homeless adults. JAMA. 1989;262:1973-9. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Wlodarczyk K and Prentice R. Health issues of homeless persons. West J Med. 1988;148:717-9. MedlineGoogle Scholar5. Olin J. "Skid row" syndrome: a medical profile of the chronic drunkenness offender. Can Med Assoc J. 1966;95:204-14. Google Scholar6. Stern S. Ankle and foot pain. Prim Care. 1988;15:809-26. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar7. McBride K and Malcare R. Peripheral vascular disease in the homeless. In: Brickner PW, Scharer LK, Conanan B, Elvy A, Savarese M, eds. Health Care of Homeless People. New York: Springer Publishing Co., Inc.; 1985:121-30. Google Scholar8. Boultin A. The diabetic foot. Med Clin North Am. 1988;72:1513-30. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar9. Helfand A, Anania W, Chinkes S, Rosen R, and Turner P. Screening for the pedal manifestations related to chemical abuse. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1988;78:15-21. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar10. Lindsey A. Health care for the homeless. Nurs Outlook. 1989;37: 78-81. MedlineGoogle Scholar11. Patzakis M, Wilkins J, Brien W, and Carter V. Wound site as a predictor of complications following deep nail punctures to the foot. West J Med. 1989;150:545-7. MedlineGoogle Scholar12. Klein L and Cole G. Crusted scabies in a diabetic alcoholic. Int J Dermatol. 1987;26:467-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar13. Master G and Kattler S. Differentiation between tinea pedis and tinea-like dermatoses. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1986;76:81-3. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar14. Hodson S, Henslee T, Tachibara D, and Harvey C. Interdigital erythrasma—Part I: a review of the literature. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1988;78:551-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar15. Gold R. A review of immersion foot. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1966;56:414-5. CrossrefGoogle Scholar16. Willis I. The effects of prolonged water exposure on human skin. J Invest Dermatol. 1973;60:166-71. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar17. Bangs C. Hypothermia and frostbite. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1984;2:475-87. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar18. Heggers J, Robson M, and Manavalen K. Experimental and clinical observations on frostbite. Ann Emerg Med. 1987;16:1056-62. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar19. Brickner P, Greenbaum D, and Kaufman A. A clinic for male derelicts—a welfare hotel project. Ann Intern Med. 1972;77:565-9. LinkGoogle Scholar20. Bailey T, Yu H, and Rayfield E. Patterns of foot examination in a diabetes clinic. Am J Med. 1985;78:371-4. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: Keith Wrenn, MDAffiliations: University of Rochester School of Medicine Rochester, NY 14642 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byFrostbiteCare Coordination Can Reduce Unmet Needs of Persons With Severe and Persistent Mental IllnessA Study on the Foot and Ankle Disease of Shelter-based Homeless People"Step Up for Foot Care"Utilization of foot care services among homeless adults: Implications for advanced practice nursesThe Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program: A Public Health FrameworkWhy Do Homeless People Use a Mobile Health Unit in a Country With Universal Health Care?Les maladies infectieuses chez les sans abrisPrevalence of skin disease in a cohort of shelter-based homeless men 15 October 1990Volume 113, Issue 8Page: 567-569KeywordsFearHealth careMalnutritionMorbidityMortalitySubstance abuseUlcers ePublished: 1 December 2008 Issue Published: 15 October 1990 PDF downloadLoading ...