Keep Your Feet Happy and Healthy

Dr. Kevin Varner
Vice Chair of
Orthopedic Surgery
The Methodist Hospital

The average person takes between 8,000 and 10,000 steps a day, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. That means that, in a lifetime, you may walk enough steps to cover the globe four times! With all this pavement pounding, it's no wonder why many of us suffer from pain in our feet.

One of the main causes of foot pain is the size of the shoe you're wearing, says Kevin Varner, M.D., vice chairman of orthopedic surgery at The Methodist Hospital. "The wrong-size shoe can cause cramping and crowding in the toes, creating bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses," says Dr. Varner. One reason for this is many women assume their shoe size remains the same as they get older. "As people age, their feet tend to get broader," says Dr. Varner. "Many people think that if they had a size 7 shoe when they were 15 years old, they should still wear a size 7 when they are 45. That's not always correct." Dr. Varner recommends getting both feet measured each time you buy shoes to make sure you have the proper fit.

For a physician referral or to
make an appointment, call 866-843-0208 or visit www.methodisthealth.com

If the Shoe Fits
If you suffer from foot pain, you may think throwing out your high-heeled pumps will be an easy fix. "It's not necessarily the shoe's heel height that causes foot pain — it's the size and shape of the toe box, or the front of the shoe," Dr. Varner says. Avoid buying shoes that are too snug or too narrow at the top. Dr. Varner says to make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe and your toes have enough room at the tip.

When Your Dogs Are Barking
There are many over-the-counter foot treatments to choose from. "Put padding over a corn or callus," Dr. Varner suggests. "Or wear shoes that are a little bigger to release some of the pressure." But if the pain doesn't subside and it's affecting your normal activities, see your physician.

At the Methodist Bone and Joint Center, our experienced physicians can help you find relief. "We have two specially trained foot and ankle surgeons at Methodist who are available to treat all kinds of foot and ankle problems," Dr. Varner says. Our foot/ankle specialists have received an extra year of medical training to sub-specialize in foot care and provide counseling and treatment to patients. Patients can also visit www.methodisthealth.com for more information about common foot problems and to see foot ailments Dr. Varner and his colleagues have treated.