BEST FOOT FORWARD
By Miriam Silverberg
It’s hard to believe there was once a time when women wrapped their feet in leather and went about their day. Much has changed since pre-historic times. Today, designers are daring women to climb to breathtaking new heights with styles that are just as high. Even if you’d never wear a pair of expensive Manalo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, the styles seen in fashion shows have a trickle-down effect. What designers show on the runway certainly influence what’s seen on the streets of New York.
And as the heel heights rise so do visits to the podiatrist for foot complaints. We all know wearing high heels are hell. Constant walking around in high heels can cause sprains and fractures; bunions, hammertoes, as well as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and ligament damage. Did you know that heels can also throw your body alignment out of whack? It’s true. It can also cause an increased curvature of your back.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way according to Dr. Andrew Glass, a Manhattan podiatrist and foot surgeon who has developed a revolutionary new way of performing foot surgery with virtually no down time.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
We spoke with Dr. Glass and learned about this exciting new way of treating bunions and other foot problems. The most important thing he emphasized is to wear proper shoes. High heeled shoes should be worn only on special occasions or at most once a week. He also recommends wear shoes with built-in arch support or orthotics. If you develop a foot problem, see a podiatrist sooner rather than later. Waiting will only create more of a problem, make it painful, and may require surgery.
Amazingly, Dr. Glass has improvised a new way to correct bunions. A bunion forms along the joint where the big toe connects to the foot. With traditional surgery, the recovery time is as long as six weeks. But with Dr. Glass’ one-stitch procedure, you’re back up on your feet in no time. He shaves off that extra bone through one stitch. With this innovative method, there is less chance of infection due to the smaller incision and healing is much faster. It is cutting edge and minimally invasive.
TLC GOES A LONG WAY
A good percentage of Dr. Glass’ patients suffer injuries including sprains and stress fractures. He recommends women wear supportive shoes and to be aware of your surroundings. City streets are often uneven, have pot holes not to mention can be slippery at times. If you do suffer a foot injury, sometimes you just have to give it time to heel. That’s why Dr. Glass often recommends wearing sneakers or athletic shoes. They’re cushioned, and for extended walking, the best.
With cooler weather, the skin tends to become dry—that includes feet. Dr. Glass suggests keeping feet moisturized. It doesn’t have to be expensive or even prescription. An ordinary body lotion or Vaseline will do just nicely. Another condition to watch out for is athlete’s foot. The good doctor says to see a podiatrist who no doubt will prescribe an anti-fungal medication. Heels are prone to crack in colder weather; it’s important to keep the heels moisturized. Often if left unattended, it may lead to infection.
Feet take us from here, there to everywhere. It’s important to keep them in good health and remember this: Feet are not supposed to hurt.
Dr. Andrew Glass
Dr. Andrew Glass, one of the foremost podiatrists and foot surgeons in the U.S., is a graduate of George Washington University and New York College of Podiatric Medicine specializing in minimally invasive surgery. He works as a consultant to PediFix Medical Foot Care Company and Gravity Defyer Comfort Footwear Technology.
For more information on Dr. Glass, visit nymidtownpodiatry.com.
Miriam Silverberg is the founder and president of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a publicity firm based in Manhattan. She has publicized many restaurants, doctors, fashion and beauty designers, spas and retailers and worked on the campaigns of Mayors Guiliani and Bloomberg. She has also worked with New York City Ballet.