You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what hand foot syndrome chemo treatment means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Quick Answer — Chemo Hand-Foot Syndrome
Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia) is a chemo side effect from capecitabine (Xeloda), 5-FU, sorafenib, sunitinib, and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. Symptoms progress: tingling, burning, redness, swelling, peeling, blisters, ulcers. Grade 3 may require dose reduction. Management: vitamin B6 (200mg daily), urea or salicylic acid creams, cooling (avoid heat), aluminum chloride for sweating, no friction (avoid tight shoes, no walking), elevation, sometimes celecoxib. Avoid: hot baths, gardening, prolonged walking. See a podiatrist for foot ulceration risk and protective footwear.
Hand-Foot Syndrome From Chemo: Treatment
Quick answer: Hand-Foot Syndrome requires extra care. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM works with your specialty team.
Special Considerations
Increased infection risk, slower healing, drug interactions all warrant proactive care.
Schedule
Call (810) 206-1402.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment take to work?
It depends on the cause and how severe it is. Some problems settle within weeks; others, such as wounds, infections and circulation problems, need prompt treatment and closer follow-up. Your podiatrist will give you a realistic timeline once the cause is confirmed.
When is surgery needed?
It depends on the diagnosis. Some problems, such as a deep infection, dead tissue, or an unstable fracture or tendon rupture, may need surgery promptly, while many others are treated without an operation. Your podiatrist will explain which applies to you and why.
Is this covered by insurance?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Custom orthotics often require diabetic or post-surgical justification.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Book online for Howell or Bloomfield Township. Call (810) 206-1402.
NCBI: Hand-Foot Syndrome — Pathophysiology & Management
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
VitaMedica Arnica Gel
Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.
Shop VitaMedica Arnica Gel →Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. 1,200+ five-star reviews. Most insurance accepted.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.