Doctor Scholls

However, if you or I were asked when the last time was that we visited a podiatrist, we would probably say: "Never. Why would I want to see one of them? Foot doctors are for wimps.

While this may be true in some cases, the fact remains that most of us take for granted our feet. Since they do not give us much trouble, they must be hardy soles effect. This could be the reason why, when our feet start to give us trouble, we ignore the pain, or try to solve the problem ourselves.

Many times when a person with a large corn has tried to carve out the offender with a sharp knife that cut his foot badly, or watch the site later become infected.

Maybe you're one of those who think that the solution to sore feet is a pair of Dr. Scholl inserts, when the problem is actually that pair of shoes at low prices you hang the bargain bin Thrift Store.

But when you're dealing with a structure composed of 26 bones, 33 joints and dozens of muscles, tendons and ligaments, something is bound to go wrong from time to time and something will probably be the only thing you do know.

And if this condition persists and mysteriously begins to deteriorate, it will start the most likely cause more serious problems in other parts of your body.

While many foot problems can be treated with factors such as ointments, braces, medication and therapy, there are other disorders that require surgery. These conditions include: feet flat, hindfoot osteotomies, stabilization strut, transfers and tendon lengthening, bone fusion, limitation of joint movement, hammer toes, sprains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ingrown toenails, gout, calluses, corns and warts.

If you or someone you know putting off a visit to the podiatrist because of fear or a misunderstanding about what is involved, know this:

• Reviews for alleged problems may also reveal early stages of diabetes, arthritis and heart disease
• 99% of all foot surgery is not done in a hospital, but rather the outpatient clinic setting or the podiatric surgeon's office.
• Most procedures are completed in a few hours.
• The patient then left for home under its own power, in most cases, using nothing more than a surgical sandal for walking assistance.

So when should you consult a doctor foot?

1. When you experience pain more days than non-painful.
2. When non-surgical treatments have not yielded satisfactory results.
3. When foot pain that prevents you from enjoying the things you enjoy doing.

Given a pair of feet of body weight to food all day, and as such are subject to more abuse, pressure and stress than any other part of your body, it is fair to say that they are doubtless taken for granted.

It is also fair to say that if you want to continue their tireless service for years to come, you should pay more attention to them. Buy a decent pair of shoes once in a while ...