DEAR DR. GOTT: My 63-year-old mother has complained every day for three months about a sore heel. It feels better when I massage it for her, and it also helps if she stays off her feet. She believes it’s only the sole that hurts but refuses to see her doctor, so we would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons for a person to complain of foot pain, whether it presents in the heel or in the sole. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a full history from you, such as whether your mother is still employed and stands on her feet all day, whether she is dedicated to fitness and jogs to stay in shape, whether she is somewhat sedentary and has recently gained or carries excessive weight, or whether she simply prefers to wear shoes that don’t support her feet properly. (more…)
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Archive for February, 2010
Give foot pain the boot
Sunday, February 21st, 2010Parent takes Gott to task
Saturday, February 20th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: My father called and told me about your views on picky eaters. You said not to let them rule you. How arrogant could you possibly be? Have you ever treated a child with autism? They would rather starve than eat offending foods. And, if you were to force them to eat it, most likely they would vomit like my daughter. You need to have a reality check, doctor. Your post has just given hundreds of family members ammo to belittle us moms with special-needs children who have food aversions. Shame, shame, shame on you.
DEAR READER: I must confess I have never personally treated a child with autism, and I respect the additional care and attention parents and caregivers must provide. I am sure that you do everything within your power to keep consistency in each day if things are to remain on an even keel, and part of that consistency is likely mealtime. (more…)
Alternative treatment for Tourette syndrome
Friday, February 19th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: My adult son suffers from Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder. Because it is a mild case, it doesn’t warrant some of the medications and side effects that are used to treat TS, but daily life can be miserable. Do you know of any supplements or alternative treatments that are now being used to lessen his symptoms?
DEAR READER: I must admit your question took me to my reference material before I could proceed with an answer.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics that are classified as simple or complex. Simple tics are brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscles. (more…)
Differentiating between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia
Thursday, February 18th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read in one of your newsletters about fibromyalgia. I have polymyalgia. Could you please explain the difference between the two and what medication I should be using? I would appreciate hearing from you.
DEAR READER: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain of muscles and ligaments, coupled with a painful response to even gentle touch. The symptoms may wax and wane and can be vague. Women are more prone to the disorder and typically experience pain throughout the entire body. Men, on the other hand, often report facial pain or discomfort in a specific part of the body. This is often a diagnosis of exclusion, because so many symptoms mimic other disorders, making it difficult for a physician to diagnose. (more…)
Stroke and heat stroke not the same
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like to know the difference between heat stroke and a massive stroke leading to death.
My friend was out most of the day in 85 F to 90 F heat. He wasn’t sick at all. He went to bed that night and fell on the floor. He couldn’t get up. About a half-hour later, he went into a coma and never came out of it.
I am blaming myself for keeping him outside. He was having a good time, even doing the chicken dance. I am wondering if the heat had anything to do with it. He was 93. (more…)
Alzheimer’s gene testing not necessary
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: My father has Alzheimer’s disease. Should I be tested for the APOE 4 allele? I would like to know what I’m facing.
DEAR READER: Your short note has a complex answer. I must start by asking some questions. How old is your father? At what age was he diagnosed? What are his symptoms? Is there any doubt of the diagnosis? Is he under the care of a neurologist or other physician familiar with Alzheimer’s disease? Does anyone else in your family have Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions? How old are you? Are you displaying any symptoms or early-warning signs? The more information readers and patients provide, the more accurate the answers they will receive. Given that I don’t know these things, I can only provide a general overview. (more…)
Physical therapy
Monday, February 15th, 2010The Physical Therapy profession in the United States has evolved tremendously over the last century. Physical Therapy began in 1914 with Reed College and Walter Reed Hospital graduating the first physical therapists, then called “reconstructive aides”. By 1921, The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) was organized and educational standards were instituted for PT programs.
Over the next few decades, both Polio and injuries to war veterans were the primary problems treated with Physical Therapy. Eventually, physical therapists began practicing in a variety of settings including outpatient orthopedic facilities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, public schools, rehabilitation centers, and colleges/universities.
Today, a majority of physical therapists graduate from an accredited physical therapist program with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). They take a national licensure exam that allows them to practice. Moreover, specialization/ board certification, fellowship/residency programs, and graduate programs allow for advanced training and education. Physical therapists perform research and contribute to the body of knowledge to improve the quality of health care.
Physical therapists examine, diagnose, and then prevent/treat conditions that limit the body’s ability to move. In most states you can receive physical therapy services directly without a referral. Some patients receive care in coordination with a physician.
Using the latest information from research studies and 20 years experience,
I look forward to providing information on improving your musculoskeletal health.
Michael Mangini P.T. O.C.S. C.M.P
Geer Physical Therapy
99 South Canaan Rd
Canaan CT 06018
860-824-3820
mmangini@geercares.org
Daughter needs attentive physician
Sunday, February 14th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: I hope you can help my daughter, as I am worried about her. She is not getting the help she needs. In February 2009, she started suffering from a skin condition on her scalp, which flakes. She also started losing large amounts of hair. She then developed a rash on her face and body.
She has been seen by three doctors and four dermatologists all connected to a local medical center, which is part of a college. One of them said she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and another said she didn’t. She has had nine lab tests, including a CA-125, a testosterone test and a DHEA test. She is still waiting for some of the results because the doctors and medical center are being lax about sending the information to her new off-campus physician. (more…)
Talk to doctor about meds
Saturday, February 13th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: Because of acid reflux that I couldn’t control through diet and over-the-counter medicines, my doctor had me on 40 milligrams of Nexium daily. I took this for many years, but now my insurance no longer covers it, and I cannot afford to pay out of pocket. Now my doctor has suggested using over-the-counter Prilosec. The daily dose is 20 milligrams, and the package states that it should be taken for only 14 days at a time.
When I called my doctor about this, he said it was OK to take it daily just as I had taken the Nexium. My question to you: Is it really OK? Should I also be increasing the dosage to 40 milligrams or leave it at 20? (more…)
Medical device not proven effective
Saturday, February 13th, 2010DEAR DR. GOTT: My father, age 93, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I have read about a device called a “lung flute.” Can this device be used to help break up mucus and clear the lungs? I’ve enclosed a Web-site link to the company that makes it.
DEAR READER: The Web-site link directed me to the Lung Flute’s manufacturer. Based on the information there, it appears the product is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for collecting diagnostic sputum samples. This means that, after a cursory review, the device was found to do what the maker said it did without causing unnecessary harm. FDA clearance does not establish whether a product or device is effective. (more…)
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