Do You Have Foot Pain?

Ouch! There's nothing worse than foot pain.

You can't run. Heck, you can barely walk. A simple toddle to the bathroom becomes a hike across broken glass. Forget about that stroll along the river. Say goodbye to chasing the grandkids.

But it goes deeper than that.

Many experts say that the foot is a mirror of health. Keeping someone active and on their feet, no matter if they are six or sixty, is extremely important and becomes more important when illness strikes. Take that ingrown toenail, that irritating callous, that exasperating bunion, that irksome heel-whatever you have--to a doctor of podiatry, and let a foot physician help you out.

Dr. Daniel Bell, the only podiatrist in Prince George, sees people with foot pain all the time, but he also realizes that many people don't know how a podiatrist might help them.

"I'm trained in foot surgery. Podiatrists understand the complex issues surrounding foot pain. I've seen a simple surgical procedure take away a lifetime of pain."

Dr. Bell also understands that with an aging and active population, foot-related complications often prevent people from pursuing healthy lifestyles.

"Mobility is such a huge issue as people get older." As we age, Dr. Bell points out, our feet tend to change. "Sure, our faces wrinkle and we might get a little heavier, but it's our feet that often take the brunt of aging."

"As we age, our feet tend to spread and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect bone and ligament structure," states Dr. Bell. "If you can't move around, life becomes really difficult."

Since Prince George is such an athletic community Dr. Bell often sees symptoms such as heel pain and calf strains that can be linked to the foot. "Whether you're a soccer mom or a weekend warrior, many people can benefit from a properly fitted orthotic.

In many cases, heel pain, back pain and issues relating to posture can be addressed." Dr. Bell's patients love to talk about the importance of regular foot examinations. Patients like 76 year old Carol Storoschuk received surgery on four toes. "I used to be in great pain, and I bought 3,000 pairs of shoes to try to fix it, and, to top it all off, I walked like a duck."

"Dr.Bell fixed both of my hammer toes, and now I have 35 year old toes! You have to see them. They're my youngest feature."

But Carol wishes she hadn't waited so long to receive help from a doctor of podiatric medicine.

"Yes, I waited too long, but now my feet are excellent. He did a fabulous job. He also fixed a bunion. What a relief. There is no doubt."

The foot is a complex structure made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, and 19 muscles and tendons. "I specialize in feet," says Dr. Bell.

"Doctors from throughout the north refer their patients to me, or people schedule appointments on their own. It's great to so many of my patients on a regular basis."

Thousands of people take their feet for granted, hoping that the pain will go away. Businesses are impacted by employees who miss days at work because of foot-related issues.

"Foot heath is terribly important," says Dr. Bell. "There are a lot of people who suffer needlessly with pain and discomfort. Many, many foot issues are treatable and preventable."

Dr. Daniel Bell is serious about his profession. He's attends seminars regularly to stay abreast of recent medical advances. Unlike other northern physicians, Dr. Bell has no surgical waiting list, so those with foot issues can be attended to immediately.

"The best part of my job is that I can help people," says Dr. Bell. "Warts, calluses, bunions, numbness, heel pain, corns, hammer toe, ingrown toe nails, bone spurs-these things can be take care of."

Dr. Bell is a long time Prince George resident. He's very proud to have helped thousands of people.

"I love seeing the faces of my patents after a successful treatment. We all need to appreciate the fact that our feet need proper care and attention."

"I tell you, there's nothing better than watching a pair of happy feet leave the office," says Dr. Bell with a smile.

Take that stroll along the river. Chase those grandkids. But first say hello to your local podiatrist.

Do your feet need relief?

Contact Rita at Dr. Bell's office: 564-2992.