HEALTH & MEDICINE :: APRIL/MAY 2007
Dealing with Common Concerns of the Abused Foot
Throughout the year women between the ages of 25 and 50 seem to be the backbone of the busy podiatric practice. The hectic lifestyle of a parent, the step aerobics and dance classes, the treadmill, the demands of a job requiring standing all day, and the weight gain from pregnancy all take their toll on the foot. When factors like these are combined with time spent in stylish, yet foot unfriendly shoes, the results seem clear.
The abused foot undergoes structural changes leading to the formation of bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, and stress fractures. Unfortunately, some of these common conditions are misunderstood. A bunion, for example, is often thought of as a growth or lump that only occurs in the geriatric population. A bunion is a bone shifted out of position. It is very prevalent in the young female population for the reasons mentioned above.
The hammertoe, another poorly chosen word, is simply a toe that has become hyperflexed. A hammertoe is also perceived by many patients as an ugly and embarrassing deformity.
Heel spurs result from chronic tension on the heel bone from the plantar fascia. If enough ongoing stress occurs the heel bone responds by building more bone.
Similarly, stress fractures are very common at the level of the ball of the foot. Constant standing, weight displaced forward by high heels, and flats without good cushion can cause micro fractures in the metatarsal bone.
The toenail is often abused by women in this age range. The narrow shoes and boots can contribute to the ingrowing nail which often becomes infected. This painful condition has patients pleading for a prompt appointment.
Another common complaint is nail fungus. There are many causes; however, pedicures seem to be a major culprit.
The good news is that these problems can be corrected. Some rather easily others more involved. If it comes to surgical correction the experience and recovery is not too involved. Most patients are only inconvenienced for a few weeks, return to work rather quickly, and are at full capacity within 6 to 8 weeks. The procedures are done on an outpatient basis with mild sedation.
Dr. Jason Bell is a Foot and Ankle Specialist, he is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Bell is specialized in the treatment of Sports Medicine Pediatrics, Diabetes, and Foot and Ankle Surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Bell's office at 302-994-5275.
