Doc toes best

May 18 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Foot Problem Needs A Surgery Visit Not New Shoes

Q MY six-year-old granddaughter is really hen-toed and I worry she will trip over herself. I told my son to take her to the doctor but instead he bought her Clarks shoes. Will this be enough?

A HEN or pigeon toes are when the feet turn inward. The most common cause in girls over the age of two is a hip that turns inward causing the toes to turn. Children with this condition tend to sit with their legs crossed.

The treatment is physiotherapy and can take up to three years to correct itself. Only in very severe cases is surgery required. Your son should have her examined by a paediatrician.

Q I'VE been very depressed since a major operation a couple of years ago. The tablets the doctor has me on make it hard to stay awake. What can I do?

A DEPRESSION itself often leads to low energy levels and a feeling of lethargy so it could be that your depression is not completely under control. If the tiredness feels physical rather than mental, then it may be a side effect of the tablets.

Talk over your worries at your next doctor's appointment and either increase your medication or change to another.

Q I HAVE terribly itchy skin all over my body. I take antihistamines and it goes away for a few days but then comes back. I am worried about the long-term effects of taking the tablets.

A YOU need to find the cause of your itching. Antihistamines just treat the symptoms and are not a cure for anything.

Loads of conditions can cause itching ranging from an allergy to washing powder to thyroid or liver problems. Ask your GP for blood tests to pinpoint the cause.

Q I WAS diagnosed with Crohn's disease last year and am in and out of hospital. I am married with two kids and am frightened about the future. Can I live a normal life with this illness?

A CROHN'S disease is an inflammatory condition that causes ulceration of the digestive tract. It can be very distressing when you are newly diagnosed or have a bad episode but you can live a normal life.

With medication and close monitoring, it can be brought under control. It can never be completely cured but many people have a very stable condition that causes them few problems. It is difficult at the start but it will get better.

Q MY husband wakes up most nights in a panic that he is choking to death. He gets very upset and it takes him ages to get back to sleep. What can I do as we are both exhausted?

A IT sounds like he is either anxious about something and is having nightmares, or he has a sleep problem such as sleep apnoea and he is actually choking.

Sleep apnoea is a condition where the sufferer's airway gets blocked due to a problem with the soft palate. They are starved of oxygen and stop breathing for a few seconds. This can result in them waking up suddenly. He may need to be referred to a sleep laboratory to monitor this. Get him to talk to his doctor.

Q I AM 40 and have had acne since I was 16. I'm tempted to buy Roaccutane online. Is it safe?

A ABSOLUTELY not. Roaccutane contains vitamin A derivative isotretinoin and works by reducing production of the skin's natural oil.

Prescription-only drugs such as this can have serious side effects and need specialist monitoring. Ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist.