Get Well Wednesday: How To Keep Your Feet Healthy

We use our feet the most and probably think about them least, unless it’s pedicure time or when they start hurting. And nobody likes it when their feet hurt. Texas-based podiatrist Dr. Roderick Hunter wants to help you reclaim your feet and give them the love and support they deserve so they can support you in all you want to do. Here’s some tips and information on keeping your feet happy.

WHY ARE HIGH HEELS ARE ACTUALLY BAD FOR YOUR FEET?
Some of the main reasons that high heels are actually bad for your feet are that they do not allow for equal distribution of weight depending on the heel height.  This can lead to shortening of the Achilles tendon which is technically causing equinus deformity which causes your heel to be forced up and puts extra weight on the forefoot.  Over time, this can lead to hammertoe formation and bunion formation which may necessitate surgical treatment to correct.

ARE THERE CERTAIN TYPES OF HEELS THAT ARE BETTER FOR YOUR FEET THAN OTHERS?
If an individual really felt the need to wear high heels, I would recommend a lower heel or a wedge instead of a higher heel. Again, the higher the heel, the more pressure that you put on the forefoot and the shorter you potentially make your Achilles tendon.

 WHAT CAUSES BUNIONS AND IS THERE A WAY TO TREAT THEM OTHER THAN SURGERY?
Bunions can be caused by a multitude of things.  Commonly, they can be caused by trauma, or they can be hereditary, or they can be caused by improper shoe wear.

Bunions can be managed nonsurgically with bunion splints, a wider shoe, toe spacers, or injection therapy.  We have to remember, that bunions are a bony deformity and thus given the length and severity of the bunion, surgery may be a foregone conclusion.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUNION AND A HAMMERTOE?
The difference between a bunion and hammertoe is quite simple.  The bunion is the bony prominence at the medial side of the first metatarsal which is the bone behind the big toe. The hammertoe has to do with the lesser digits 2 through 5 and typically is a contracture at the middle knuckle of the toe that causes the toe to arch up.

ARE FOOT PROBLEMS HEREDITARY?
Yes. Some hereditary foot conditions can be a high arched foot, a flatfoot, or a bunion deformity.

WHY DO DIABETICS HAVE FOOT PROBLEMS?

Diabetics typically have foot problems due to loss of sensation secondary to nerve dysfunction or to breakdown of the bones in the midfoot causing what’s known is a rocker-bottom foot. We try to stress to the diabetics that the excess glucose (blood sugar) in their system can affect multiple body systems including the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, the abdominal organs, as well as the skin.  We urge diabetics to come in at a minimum of twice per year based on the condition of their feet for diabetic foot screenings.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS DIABETICS SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO FOOT CARE?

Diabetics should be concerned about all facets of their feet from the nails, the skin, to the toes, and the structure of their foot. These things can all be compromised due to improper care of diabetic feet. We urge diabetics to check their feet daily and should they see something that looks abnormal, to report to the local podiatrist for evaluation.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE CORRECTED WITHOUT SURGERY?

Some common foot problems that can be corrected without surgery are plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the ligament underneath the foot.  This can commonly be alleviated with rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, or injection therapy.  Various skin conditions can be corrected such as dermatitis or eczema with topical or oral medications.  Depending on the severity of the bunion and hammertoes, these can also be corrected with devices or modifications in the shoes.

WILL WEARING 4-5 INCH HEELS ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSE ISSUES WITH YOUR ARCH?
Wearing 4-5 inch heels on a regular basis can cause issues with your arch such as dysfunction of the plantar fascia which is one of the key elements of the arch as well as the supporting tendons around the arch that can be shortened or fatigue due to heel wear.

CAN FOOT ISSUES CAUSE OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Yes. Foot issues can cause other problems to include arthritis in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back is not properly treated.  They can also cause pain when walking which will affect the rest of the musculoskeletal system.  There is also a psychological component that some people endure based on the appearance of their foot to include the skin and nails.

ARE THERE ANY HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT BUNIONS OR HAMMERTOE?

I’m sure there are home remedies to treat bunions and hammertoes however, those remedies do not alleviate or provide long-term comfort, so I do not advocate them.  At best, there are over-the-counter things that can be purchased to treat bunions and hammertoes such as toe spacers, toe sleeves, and bunion splints.

WHAT CAUSES INGROWN TOENAILS AND IS THERE A WAY TO PREVENT IT?

Ingrown toenails can be caused by a variety of things, to include nail fungus, trauma to the nail, or improper shoegear such as a shoe that is too small. There are ways to prevent ingrown toenail such as checking your toenails every day.  If you do have a nail fungus it is advised to see her podiatrist for treatments of the nail does not thicken and curve.  It is also advised to wear good-fitting shoes so that the toes are not constricted in the shoe and thus compromising the nail.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO PROTECT OUR FEET FROM BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOE?

To protect your feet from bunions and hammertoes, the best thing to do is checking her feet every day and make sure that you are wearing properly fitting shoes and try to stay away from elevated shoes such as heels.

CAN BUNIONS COME BACK AFTER SURGERY?

Yes. Bunions can come back after surgery.  This is commonly due to either the continuation of wearing ill-fitting shoes, or the wrong procedure was performed on that particular bunion. There are 100s of different procedures that can be used to correct a bunion deformity.  This is why it is imperative that the podiatrist take x-rays, look at the foot type in total, and have accurate measurements of the bunion to take the best surgical procedure to provide long-term correction and reduction in the deformity and pain.

IF BUNION SURGERY IS NECESSARY, CAN BOTH FEET BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME?
Yes. If bunion surgery is necessary, both feet can be done at the same time.  However, I do not advocate this simply because I like my patients to have at least one stable foot to be able to transition to the restroom and provide a stable structure so that they can navigate around their home safely.

 Dr Roderick answers ALL for foot care questions (and y’all had a lot) on the next pages.

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.

Q:  I had a toe fungus for a year. How to get rid of it?

A:  Toenail fungus can be a very difficult thing to alleviate.  Typically, we want to put the patient on an oral or topical medication. A popular medication is Lamisil, however there are side effects associated with this medication and a liver screening is recommended every 4-6 weeks while on the medication.  There is also manually removing the nail.  However, there is a chance of recurrence of the nail growing back deformed and thickened because the fungus can still reside in the skin itself.

Q:  I have an issue with my pinky toe on my right foot with a constant regrowing corn. What can I do. Is a surgery avail to correct this?

A:  The constantly regrowing corn may be due to what’s causing a hammertoe deformity.  The area of the scan that rubs against the shoe is receiving constant pressure from the middle knuckle bone of the toe.  If corn pads and toe sleeves do not work, then surgery would be recommended to correct the hammertoe deformity and straighten out the toe.

Q:  How much is bunion surgery? How long before going back to work?

A:  The cause for bunion surgery can vary depending on insurance or if the patient is a cash pay patient.  For the patient’s that choose to pay cash, the hospital and the surgeon may offer a discount. The severity of the bunion dictates the type of surgery that may be necessary.  Some surgeons may weight-bear the patient within 1-2 weeks after surgery depending on the procedure, and some may choose to keep the patient off their foot for 4-6 weeks.  The best way to get a definitive answer would be to see your podiatrist and have x-rays done.

There is also the occupation.  If you have a job where you sit at a cubicle all day, you can return to work sooner as longer shoe can keep that foot elevated.  If you have a more manual job, then you will probably need to take off more time.

Q:  Dark and thick toenails – what’s with that?

A:  Dark and thick toenails may be caused from a fungal infestation.  This can be treated with topical or oral prescription medications.  The nails may be dark and thick and from previous damage to the nail matrix which sits under the skin/nail border.  The best way to assess to see if it is a fungus is to see your podiatrist and have them take a sample of the nail to be tested.

Q:  What do you do for ingrown toenails?

A:  Ingrown toenails can be treated in a multitude of ways. Depending on the severity of the ingrown toenail, it may be necessary to do an in-office procedure to either partially remove some of the nail or remove the nail in total.  If it is a recurrent ingrown toenail and the in office procedures have been done before, then it may be necessary to do a surgical procedure called a matricectomy in which the nail is removed and the nail matrix from which the nail grows is removed as well.

Q:  How bad are flat or sandals or the ballet shoes that have no arch support?

A:  If these type of shoes are worn recreationally and not on a consistent basis, then the damage to the feet is minimal.  However, if flats, sandals, or ballet shoes are worn consistently over time, this can significantly affect the integrity of the arch of the foot and cause pain and expedite arthritic changes in the midfoot area.

Q:  Is there anything you can do about corns?

A:  Corns are caused by pressure – typically from the bone rubbing on one side of the skin and an outside force such as a shoe or sandal rubbing on the other side of the skin, causing the skin to change in order for the body to protect itself. Conservatively, you can always try corn pads to help alleviate the corn as well as silicone toe sleeves to help protect the area with the corn exist.  If those do not work, then the last alternative is surgery to remove the bony prominence causing the irritation under the skin.

Q:  Is there a podiatrist in Houston that you would recommend me seeing? I was told I had bone spurs but I want to go for a second opinion.

A:  There are many fine podiatrist in the Houston area.  Coincidentally, I actually did my residency in Houston.  I would recommend Dr. Jorge Matuk, Dr. Sam Mendocino, or Dr. David Blumfield.

Q:  Is there a natural non-medicinal cure for foot neuropathy?

A:  Yes.  You can always try vitamin B12 which is shown to have results in helping with foot neuropathy.  However, before getting on this regimen I would recommend screening by podiatrist or neurologist.

Q:  Could corns be surgically removed without damaging nerves?

A: No. You are going to have some form of minimal nerve damage that occurs with surgery because you are cutting through the skin and the small nerves in the skin that allow you to feel something touching you are going to be affected.  However, in most cases the sensation should come back over time as long as there are no other external factors that would affect the nerves. 

Q:  I had plantars fasciitis and I took some pills for several days. Can I ask the doctor about that?

A:  The only pills I can think of that you may have taken for plantar fasciitis are anti-inflammatory pills since it is an inflammatory condition. There are other treatments for plantar fasciitis especially if it is severe to include physical therapy, corticosteroid injection therapy, and an oral regimen of anti-inflammatory medication.  However, it is recommended that the oral anti-inflammatory medication not be taken for an extended period of time due to the fact that it may affect the stomach lining.

Q:  Injections were mentioned as an option to relieve plantar fasciitis. Are there other noninvasive options to address this issue?

A:  Yes. There are noninvasive options to address plantar fasciitis.  There is physical therapy.  There is insert therapy, shoe modifications, or a regimen of at home icing and stretching.

Q:  Are feet detox methods safe?

A:  There are only 2 foot detox methods that I am aware of.  The first is soaking the feet and Epsoml salts and the second is soaking the feet in apple cider vinegar.  Both of these are safe and do not present any long lasting negative affects to the feet.

Q:  Does wearing heels worsen back issues?

A:  Yes.  Heels can affect back issues. Heels, depending on the height, do not provide good stability for a person to weight-bear.  Because of this, you’re calling on more effort from your back muscles, and your thigh muscles, and your calf muscles to stabilize the body, which over time can cause those muscles to become sore and painful.

Q:  Foot inserts hurt my feet and I took them out, but I’m thinking about putting them back in cause my foot problem has not gone away!

A: When it comes to wearing inserts in shoes, the thing we have to remember is that it is going to take time for your feet to get used to the inserts.  Depending on the type of insert and the goal that you’re trying to achieve, it may take weeks or months to correct the deformity. You have to be patient.

Q:  How effective is a surgery called Strayer in correcting how you walk? My wife just had this done. This was also done to eliminate growths on both her big toes.

A:  The Strayer procedure or gastrocnemius recession is used to correct the equinus deformity that can come with shortening of the Achilles tendon complex.  This will allow, over time, less pain in the midfoot and forefoot areas with a reduction in pressures in those areas.  I would imagine that your wife may have had a painful bunion deformity that may have been caused in part by any equinus and the surgeon thought that releasing the equinus deformity would help with the bunions.

Q:  Nike Air Max is that a good shoe for workout and casual wear.

A:  They are a good shoe to work out in and for casual wear, however I do recommend New Balance, Brooks, or Asics as an athletic shoe.

Q:  Are hammer toe and bunions caused by fallen arches?

A:  Hammertoes and bunions can be caused by fallen arches i.e. flatfoot deformity.

Q:  What type of shoe is good to wear for a woman with flat feet? And what type of insoles are good for her to wear?

A:  A type of good shoe for woman to wear with flat feet is a shoe that has a good anterior support.  I definitely do not recommend a shoe that has an elevated heel to it.  As far as inserts, I recommended an insert that supports the arch area and allows the foot to rest comfortably without creating an imbalance. I recommend Spenco inserts.

Q:  My big toe hurts at times and when I dig out, or cut out the nail part in the corner were the pain is, is that called a hang nail?

A:  This sounds more like an ingrown nail.  I would recommend seeing a podiatrist for further evaluation.

Q:  Are orthotics bad for your feet and do they have any effect on your knees?

A:  Orthotics are not meant to be bad for your feet, they’re actually meant to help your feet and your whole body function better.  If you are wearing a pair of orthotics, initially in the “break-in” phase then they are going that cause your feet to hurt and may have affect on your knees due to changing the way that you walk.  This will go away over time as you get used to wearing the orthotics.  If you have had these orthotics for a while and this is a continuing issue, I do recommend reevaluation and potentially a new set of orthotics.

Q:  I read an article about a podiatrist doing “medi-pedicures”. Can you talk about the difference between that versus a regular pedicure? Also the foot infections that can occur from nail salons?

A:  So “medi-pedicures” are done in the podiatrist office and the major difference is that the podiatrist knows more about the anatomy of the nail and the surrounding structures versus a regular pedicurist that may not have this same knowledge.  We’re taught in podiatry school how to skillfully cut the nails in order to avoid injury and things to look for besides just making sure the nail is trimmed.  Foot infections can occur with repeated visitation to nail salons.  This may be due to multiple issues, that include not properly sterilizing the equipment to poor technique.

Q:  How do I cure numbness in my right big toe? I experience the when running and/driving. I am not diabetic.

A:  The numbness that you feel and your right big toe may be due to what’s call pressure neuropathy especially if you are running for an extended period of time or driving for an extended period of time.  If the numbness goes away when he stops running or when he stopped driving then this is more than likely a pressure neuropathy for which your podiatrist can evaluate and treat shoe.

Q:  Is there an alternative way to treat plantar fasciitis other than injections?

A:  Yes. There are noninvasive options to address plantar fasciitis.  There is physical therapy.  There is insert therapy, shoe modifications, or a regimen of at home icing and stretching.

Q:  I’m a 58-year-old male. My toenails have gotten really hard and some are discolored. My general doctor says it is not fungus, but I need regular nail color because I like wearing sandals. What can I do?

A:  This more than likely does sound like a fungus that may be affecting your toenails. I would recommend going to see her podiatrist in having them take a sample of the nails to be tested to see if it is a fungus.  If that test does come back positive there are prescription oral and topical medications that can be used to treat this.  However I would caution that the nails are not going to change back to normal overnight and that it may take months before you see any type of change.

Q:  How do you get rid of a big corn on the toe before the pinky toe?

A:  Conservatively, I would recommend a corn pad on the pinky toe that may help to soften the corn and gently remove it however, the cause of the corn is the underlining bone that rubs on the skin causing the change in color and texture.  If the corn pad does not work, then it may be advisable to get a surgical consultation to correct the pinky toe by removing the piece of bone that is irritating the underside of the skin.

Q:  What treatment is suggested for Achilles tendinitis? I am a nurse.

A:  Achilles tendinitis can be treated in a multitude of ways.  Conservatively, I would recommend a regimen of oral anti-inflammatories versus topical anti-inflammatories depending on if you have a history of ulceration of the stomach.  here is also physical therapy to teach stretching exercises, but also they have different modalities like iontophoresis or ultrasound therapy which may help alleviate the inflammation in the tendon itself.  Shoe modifications are always a good thing. Wear a more supportive shoe along with possible insert therapy.

Q:  where can I find silicone spacers for the feet?

A:  Silicone spacers for the feet can be typically bought online.  However, before I would spend the money, I would recommend that he get a professional evaluation to see which kind are going to be the best for you.

(Editors Note: These are a well reviewed brand…www.yogatoes.com)

Q:  What causes athlete foot and other foot fungus? What’s the best prevention and treatment?

A:  Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi organism species called Trichophyton.  This is typically an opportunistic organism that invades the skin through cracks and small openings. The best prevention for avoiding athlete’s foot is to make sure that your feet are clean and dry especially after you take a shower or bath.  For treatment there are a multitude of over-the-counter aerosol sprays, powders, or creams that are proven effective.

Q:  Doc, what causes black toe nails?

A:  Black toenails can caused by a fungal attestation, injury to the nail itself, and then a worse case scenario can be a sign of melanoma.  If you do have Black toenails, I would recommend evaluation by a podiatrist.

Q:  How effective are compression socks?

A:  This depends on the pressure gradient that is trying to be achieved.  Compression socks are typically effective in reducing the fluid volume in the lower extremities secondary to venous insufficiency and other disease states. Before trying compression socks, I would recommend an evaluation by podiatrist or vascular specialist to make sure that there is no further harm being done by the use of the compression socks.

Q:  For 9 years, I’ve been going to doctors trying to figure out why my feet keep swelling up. They check for gout said it wasn’t it I had lupus test, that wasn’t it.I take ibuprofen 800 to keep the inflammation down. It comes and goes probably every other month. Is there anything you tell me to fix it?

A:  9 years is a very long time to have your feet swelling. So I do have a few questions. Have you gone to see a vascular doctor to see if it was something called venous insufficiency? Have you seen a cardiologist to see if there is something going on with your heart?  I would recommend consultations to these 2 specialties just to be sure that there is not something else going on that is been potentially missed over the years.

Is there a natural non medicinal cure for foot neuropathy?

A:  Vitamin B12, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body has been shown to help with foot neuropathy.  However, before using it I would recommend a podiatrist evaluation.

Q:  My arches fell. How do I raise my arches?

A:  If you arches swell it may be due to fatigue of the plantar fasciitis or the supporting tendons bed hold the arch up.  Conservatively, I would recommend inserts that have a built-in arch to allow your foot to rest on it and thus create an artificial arch.  If you are looking for a more permanent solution, there is always surgery to do what’s called a flatfoot reconstruction however recovery for this may take months and is very painful.

Q:  Good morning! I have pain where my heel and ankle are attached….the pain goes from there to the bottom of my foot. What causes this pain?

A:  Without a good evaluation it sounds like you have something called subtalar joint pain.  This may be caused by arthritic changes in that joint.  I would recommend a for evaluation with x-rays to see if there is something going on there.

Q:  How do you cure sweaty feet?

A:  Sweaty feet is called hyperhidrosis.  There are prescription medications that can be used to help reduce the fluid output from the sweat glands.  If you are not interested in a prescription medication, then you can always use aerosol sprays and powders to help dry out the feet.

Q:  Any tips for high arch pains?

A:  So a high arch is technically called pes cavus.  Depending on where the pain is in the arch, inserts may be warranted to help bring the shoe up to the arch and thus prevent the progression of arthritis in the midfoot joints.  I would recommend a podiatrist evaluation with x-rays to get a better understanding of your foot type.

Q:  What can I do for blisters that I keep getting on my feet?

A:  Blisters are caused from frictional rubbing in the bodies response is to perform this fluid-filled sac in order to help it heal.  Depending on the spot of the blister, this could be from direct pressure. I would recommend a silicone pad to safely put over the blister to allow cushion between your foot in the shoe.  If this does not work, I do recommend going in and getting evaluated.

Q:  Is Vicks VaporRub good for toenail fungus?

A:  SI heard anecdotal evidence that Vicks VapoRub can be used to help alleviate toenail fungus but I’ve never seen it myself nor do I have any evidence that would support that.  However, if it works, it works.

Q:  I had bunion surgery now my second toe is becoming a hammer toe. Should just keep stretching the ligament or am I going to have to have surgery again?

A:  I would recommend getting x-rays again to see the what the corrected bunion deformity looks like now.  There may be a case of the intermetatarsal ligament being stretched or possibly damage to one of the soft tissue elements between the first and second toes that may have caused the second toe to hammer.  It may also be a case of now the big toe is considerably shorter and putting more pressure on the second toe, causing the toe to stress and hammer.

Q:  What are metatarsals?

A:  The metatarsals are the long bones that are located behind all 5 toes.

Q:  What do you do about corns and calluses on the bottom of your feet?

A:  Corns and calluses are caused by pressure. For the calluses that are on the bottom of your feet, conservatively, I would recommend having them shaved down or possibly using over-the-counter callus pads to help soften up the callus.  The underlining issue is that there is pressure from the bone underneath that skin that is causing the callus to reform.  As a last resort, it may be wise to consider surgical intervention to shave down the bone.

Q:  I’d like to know what a triple anthrodesis with hardware involves?

A:  So a triple arthrodesis is a surgical procedure used to correct a flatfoot deformity.  This is fusion of the talonavicular joint, the subtalar joint, and the calcaneocuboid joint.  There are also soft tissue procedures that may be performed with this such as tendon balancing procedures. The hardware that is used is really up to the surgeon. Typically a surgeon my use screws to fuse the joints.  There may also be a variation to use plates or compression staples. Once the joints are fused in a fixed position this will create an arch in the foot and long-term allow for better foot function.

Q:  What is a good fungus cream?

A:  Lamisil Cream

Q:  A wart has reappeared near an old one that was removed from my foot. Should I have it removed by a doctor again or use homeopathic methods like Vick’s or a salt water soak? It’s on the bottom of my foot, directly below the big toe.

A:  I would recommend evaluation by the doctor to potentially have it removed again.  Only this time, I would treat the surrounding area with a topical medication once the excision site has shown signs of healing to try to prevent recurrence.

Q:  I have a callus growth under the bottom of my right foot that grow from within the foot. I’ve been to the podiatrist on a few occasions, but it keeps growing back. It’s very uncomfortable to walk on. Any suggestions?

A:  Absolutely. So we understand that the hard growth or callous tissue may be caused by friction from a bony prominence or may be caused by a skin deformity such as a porokeratosis (clogged sweat gland). I would recommend an evaluation to have it removed and then after it is been removed, follow up with medication to prevent recurrence if it is the clogged sweat gland.  If it is a bony prominence then surgical intervention may be necessary to shave down the bony prominence.  X-rays would be advised before any type of surgery along with consultation.

Dr. Roderick Hunter is a podiatrist based in Kileen, Texas specializing in foot care and corrective procedures. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, earning a B.A. in biology with a minor in psychology — and then went on to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He has been in practice for six years.

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