Show #400 Airing Sunday 8/26/07
Foot pain can be a pain in the neck. But it can also signal more serious trouble. That's why it's important to under "stand" foot care. Here to keep us on our toes is Dr. Michael Shlonsky, a podiatrist at Fairview Hospital.
Question: Do most of us ignore out feet until we "run" into trouble?
Answer:Yes, and we shouldn't. We only have two, and one cannot overcompensate for the other like other parts of the body can. Plus, prevention is always better than trying to treat an acute problem.
Question: What are some signs that something wrong is going on?
Answer: Red, swollen, and/or tender feet, or drainage on the sock, are possible signs of infection that should be treated, along with aches, pains, and swelling.
If they are not functioning as they used to, it really is time to see a podiatrist. We tend to think that if we ignore something, it will go away in time. Instead, it can get worse. We know how our body feels normally-if something feels different, go to the podiatrist. We can usually offer conservative treatment that can help.
Question: Who is most at risk?
Answer:People with diabetes or vascular/circulatory problems, should see a podiatrist regularly-as often as every 2-3 months.
People who have had previous problems should have regular check-ups.
And people who are active-exercising, jogging, golfing, etc.-should really see the podiatrist once a year, or when any acute problem comes up.
This is especially important as we age-the skin can lose its integrity, and the feet don't respond as well to day-to-day wear and tear.
Question: What if you're a diabetic?
Answer:Diabetics, and anyone with peripheral neuropathy, need to look at more superficial things than I mentioned before. They need to pay attention to the quality of the skin, if they have any corns or calluses, or if their nails have become thick and crumbly.
Over 34 million people per year have nail fungus, which is a treatable infection, by topical or oral medication.
Also, diabetics can receive diabetic shoes and 3 pairs of inserts each year, covered by Medicare.
Question: Should you go to the podiatrist if you have heel pain?
Answer:Definitely. Heel pain is usually caused by an inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the heel spur, and can most often (80-85% of the time) be successfully treated in the office through taping, inserts, oral anti-inflammatory medication or a cortisone injection.
Question: What about bunions of hammertoes?
Answer:Bunions are an inherited, structural problem that can worsen over time. It's a bump on the big toe, and the big toe going toward the second toe. It can be extremely painful and affect one's quality of life.
Hammertoes are not inherited but can form when toes contract.
These can be treated through special shoes, padding, or perhaps outpatient surgery.
Take a "step" in the right direction by caring for your feet. Especially if you're diabetic, live an active lifestyle, or are experiencing foot pain. Call the number that's next. My thanks to Dr. Michael Shlonsky.
