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IF YOU REGULARLY EXPERIENCE FOOT PAIN, DON'T IGNORE IT. FOOT DISCOMFORT CAN range from sharp pain that comes and goes to a dull, persistent ache, and there are a variety of causes. A common one, particularly among weekend warriors and individuals who are on their feet a lot for work, is overuse. This can cause several inflammatory conditions of the tissue, including tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. "Overuse can lead to sprains and strains by causing the connective tissue in the feet to loosen, stretch, tear, or rupture," says David Hesse, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatric Medicine Physician at HSHS St. Joseph's Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. "When one of those things happens, it's typically not just uncomfortable—it can also rob you of function." GOING UP Dr. Hesse compares finding an effective treatment for foot pain with climbing a ladder. Patients should begin on the lowest rung, with the most conservative therapy, and keep going higher until they find a solution. "The first step is identifying the problem and determining if treatment is needed or if the issue will resolve itself," Dr. Hesse says. "We may start patients with medications, a brace, a change in shoes, arch supports, or physical therapy. If pain persists, we can try an injectable steroid. Surgery is the top rung of the ladder—it can bring relief when conservative measures aren't effective." A few simple actions can help you avoid the foot pain ladder. Always wear activity-appropriate footwear, especially for exercise. Be diligent about clipping your toenails and taking care of the skin of your feet. Last but not least, give your feet breaks from repetitive exercise and work-related use when possible. Foot Surgery at a Glance Most foot surgeries fall into one of three categories: • Reconstruction of a deformity, such as a bunion or hammertoe • Repair of a ligament or tendon • Removal of a (usually benign) mass, such as a fibroma or ganglion cyst These are often outpatient, hospital-based procedures that require light sedation or general anesthesia and are completed in about 45 minutes or less. "When patients need surgery on both feet, particularly if physical therapy will be necessary afterward, we usually advise them to have the procedures one at a time instead of simultaneously," says David Hesse, DPM, FACFAS, Podiatric Medicine Physician at HSHS St. Joseph's Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. "This will set patients up for success during the physical rehabilitation that follows." Length of recovery and the need for outpatient rehabilitation vary, depending on the type of surgery. Patients usually return to normal function after removal of a mass or skin lesion in two weeks, often with the help of crutches and a medical walking boot to keep weight off of and protect the foot. Recovery from reconstructive surgery often takes approximately 10 weeks, which usually includes time spent in physical therapy. ARE YOUR FEET TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING? For more information about foot health, contact HSHS St. Joseph's Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at 715.717.7657. 1 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H