Get Well Wednesday: How To Keep Your Feet Healthy

TEXT TOM CLUB QUESTIONS:

Q: My granddaughter has hammertoes for both feet they twist to the side. The pediatrician says it’s okay. Does she need to see a podiatrist? Would this affect the way her feet grow? She’s 9 years old. 

A:  I would recommend that your patient does see a podiatrist at this point. The said she is just 9 years old, there what is known as flexible hammertoe deformities however, as she gets older & the bone started to harden they can become what’s known as rigid hammertoe deformities which can cause her pain later in life and may affect the way that she walks.

Q:  What is the treatment for flat feet?

A:  There are multiple treatments for flatfoot deformity depending on the severity and if there is a pain component.  Initially, it would be wise to try inserts for shoes as well as special tissues themselves.  There is also physical therapy that may be helpful depending on if the flatfoot is stiff or not.  Finally, the last solution would be surgery to physically correct the foot deformity however I only recommend this as a last resort because recovery from the surgery can be lengthy.

Q:  My husband is a truck driver, his big toe on one foot is always numb. What could that be from?

A:  This is called pressure neuropathy. If your husband sits for an extended period of time, which one would expect as a truck driver, then he’s putting consistent pressure on that big toe which is causing the tiny nerves in the toe to react by becoming numb.  I would ask your husband this question: Does the toe start to wake up once he gets out of the truck and starts to walk around?  If the answer is yes, then we know it is strictly from the pressure exerted while driving and he may need to adjust his shoes to a bigger size or take frequent breaks.  If the answer is no, then I suggest he see his podiatrist.

Q:  What damage will steel toe boots cause?

A:  Steel toed boots over time can cause considerable damage to feet.  This is because the boot does not allow the foot to adequately move within the shoe.  Also, typically workers that wear steel-toed boots have very physically demanding jobs walking on unforgiving surfaces such as concrete or the ground.  Again, over time this can cause any increase in arthritic changes in the foot as well as other deformities such as hammertoes or bunions.

Q:  Is there a cure for gout?

A:  There are multiple prescription medications on the market that can address gout.  In using those medications we also have to look at the stage of gout as well as the root cause.  There are medicines that block uric acid production and help increase uric acid removal.  I would suggest getting evaluated by your podiatrist for further care.