Cracked nipple (nipple trauma or nipple fissure) is a condition that can occur in breastfeeding women as a result of a number of possible causes. Developing a cracked nipple can result in soreness, dryness or irritation to, or bleeding of, one or both nipples during breastfeeding. The mother with a cracked nipple can have severe nipple pain when the baby is nursing. This severe pain is a disincentive for continued breastfeeding. The crack can appear as a cut across the tip of the nipple and may extend to its base. Cracked nipple develop after the birth of the infant and is managed with pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. Signs and symptoms
Cracked nipples are classified as a breast disorder. The nipple is not only the structure to deliver milk to the infant, it also contains small, sebaceous glands or Montgomery glands to lubricate the skin of the areola. Cracked nipples are most often associated with breastfeeding and appear as cracks or small lacerations or breaks in the skin of the nipple. In some instances an ulcer will form. The nipple in a nursing mother is in regular contact with a nursing infant. Cracked nipples are trauma to the nipple and can be quite painful. Cracked nipples typically appear three to seven days after the birth.If the nipples appears to be wedge-shaped, white and flattened, this may indicate that the latch is not good and there is a potential of developing cracked nipples. Complications
Bacteria can enter the breast through cracked nipples, which increase the risk of mastitis.
Lace bite is an irritation of the tibialis anterior and toe extensor tendons. The medical term for the condition is "tibialis anterior tendinopathy." This irritation, felt on the front of the foot or ankle, is often experienced by ice hockey players and figure skaters. It is caused by friction between the tendon and tongue of the ice skate.Common symptoms of lace bite include:
Pain, tenderness, and swelling where the front of the ankle meets the foot
Discomfort with ankle motion, especially when pulling the foot up or turning it inward
A cracking sound when the front of the foot or ankle is moved or touchedTreatment options include adjusting tongue positioning, additional padding, alternative lacing, and placing an orthoplast between the leather of the boot and its padding. == References ==