Help for Hurting Feet

New spectrum of treatment poses a much lesser risk.

Green Country Podiatry Center has provided the highest quality foot and ankle care to northeastern Oklahoma for 24 years. Staff doctors Maureen Crotty, David Francis and Jeff Finkenstaedt each come with a long list of credentials, including multiple-year residency training programs and practice in foot and ankle surgery. And they use only the latest techniques and equipment.

Dr. Crotty, a native of Okmulgee, graduated from the University of Oklahoma before moving to Chicago to study podiatric medicine. A past president of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association, Dr. Crotty began Green Country Podiatry Center in 1983.

Dr. Francis attended the University of Michigan and Wayne State University for his undergraduate degree. After graduating as valedictorian from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, he moved to Oklahoma and completed a two-year residency in podiatric surgery. He also served a term as president of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Frankenstaedt, a native of Edmond, attended Oklahoma State University for his undergraduate education. He graduated magna cum laude from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Frankenstaedt is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

“Non-surgical treatment to relieve pain and symptoms is always a first priority,” Dr. Francis says. “We recommend surgery only when and if we feel it is absolutely necessary to remedy a patient’s problem.”

Although aches and pains are more prevalent in senior citizens, many think that foot pain is just part of the aging process. As time goes by, many of us experience wear and tear from injuries suffered years ago. Many of these old injuries can manifest themselves as arthritis or other chronic problems. Colder weather, dropping barometers and increased precipitation definitely induce arthritic pain. And these pains are not limited to just hips and shoulders. They can affect our feet, as well.

So what can be done to treat the foot- and ankle-related problems faced by most seniors? “There are a number of things that may be prescribed, including standard anti-inflammatory medications,” says Dr. Francis. “Plus, supportive devices can be placed in shoes to limit motion and provide relief from arthritic pain.”

Prescription nutritional supplements are now available that have been approved by the FDA for treatment of osteoarthritis. This opens up a new spectrum for treatment; the supplements pose a much lesser risk for the elderly than do many prescription drugs. Nutritional supplements may be used with minimal adverse consequences. According to Dr. Francis, they do not work for everyone; however, they are virtually a no-risk remedy for those on which they do work.

Arthritic conditions may be diagnosed through family history or X-rays. They may be treated conservatively with shoe alterations or shoes with built-in rocker bottoms, which allow a person’s weight to transfer from heel to toe with minimal stress through the mid-foot or ball of the foot. These areas of the foot are often associated with pain from arthritic conditions.

You owe it to yourself to start the New Year off on the right foot with a check up from Green Country Podiatry. Your feet will be happy you did. Call (918) 747-4855 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

For more information, contact

Green Country Podiatry

3627 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135

(918) 747-4855

www.gcpod.com