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Ask Dr. Gott 12/22
Prevent corns with sensible shoes
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: I'm a 66-year-old cashier and stand eight hours a day. My previous job for many years was that of a waitress. The work I've done has created corns on several of my toes, and they really bother me. I have never seen anything in your column about this uncomfortable issue. My mother and one of my sisters were really bothered with them, also.
    DEAR READER: Let's keep it simple. Corns are localized and discrete areas of dead skin, usually resulting from tight shoes that put pressure on the skin of the toes, leading to uncomfortable lesions.
    The easiest way to remove them is to file them down with fine sandpaper or an emery board. The real challenge is, of course, to discover a way to prevent them from forming again.
    In my experience, appropriate shoes are vital. Consider wearing soft shoes, such as sneakers or sandals. Also, you might choose to apply a corn pad or an appropriate padded patch when you wear shoes. Finally, if the above suggestions fail to make you more comfortable or if you have foot concerns that worry you, see a podiatrist for further advice.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

    DEAR DR. GOTT: I'm writing to you because you are my last chance to find out what's wrong with my head. I'm a 77-year-old female and have had this problem for more than 10 years. When I lie down and turn my head to the right, I get so dizzy I almost vomit. I've been to doctors since my first episode, without success. They don't do anything except send me to physical therapy. Well, I went for about two months with no positive results. The dizziness persists and has caused increasing concern. Please let me know what is going on.
    DEAR READER: I doubt that there is something wrong with your head. I believe the problem is in your neck. There is a carotid artery on both sides of your neck. Each supplies oxygen to your brain. As we age, calcium deposits form on the inner arterial lining, leading to a reduction in blood flow, especially when the head is turned away from the blockages. I suspect that your problem is not just in your arteries; it is, rather, in the left carotid.
    I obviously do not know your complete history. For example, you might have other conditions or be on a medication that can cause dizziness. However, your only complaint appears to be straightforward, and I do not believe it can be resolved through physical therapy. The diagnosis is easy: A carotid ultrasound should be performed. This is a simple test with no risks or dangers. If blockages are present, their location and size will be identified easily by the ultrasound. Treatment is surgical removal.  
    I am concerned that your doctors have apparently failed to diagnose your ailment. Therefore, I suggest that you change physicians. If you wish to continue as is, show my answer to him or her.

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