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Your poor feet. They take a beating every day. Unless you own and operate a jetpack, your feet are the first (and hopefully the only) body parts to hit the earth each morning. And due to their low physiological and gravitational status, they are the last things to hit the sheets at night.
But your feet aren't the only body parts that undergo everyday wear and tear, as the ankles, knees and hips bear your burden as well. Dr. Jay Kleeman, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in surgery of the lower extremities at Norwalk Hospital, is particularly familiar with problems of the pedi variety. "Among the issues I see are patients with ankle sprains, fractures, bunions and flat-foot deformity, as well as patients with plantar fasciitis, an irritation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot," he says. He adds that younger people often come to him with sports related injuries, while older patients present with chronic problems they've been bothered by for years.
Dr. Kleeman grew up in Bethany, Conn. and lives in Wilton with his wife Courtney and their two sons. He sees patients in his offices in Norwalk and Darien and when he's not at the office or in the operating room, he is also the doctor of note for the Wilton High School football team.
In his other free time, whatever he has of it, he gives lectures. He'll be presiding at the lecture,"Ten of the Most Common Foot and Ankle Problems," in the Richard S. Perkin Auditorium of Norwalk Hospital, Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. He will discuss prevention and treatment of ankle sprains, fractures, Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture, among other topics. "Patients are always eager for information," he says, adding, "A young athlete might inquire after an injury when he or she will be able to resume playing, or an older person might want to know if they'll ever walk again after surgery." Dr. Kleeman will open up the floor for a Q&A to discuss topics such as these after his lecture.
What quick piece of advice would he give to someone hoping to avoid foot pain or injury, for example? "Wear appropriately fitting, comfortable footwear that matches the activity in which you are engaged," he says. If that means wearing slippers to work, then he's made at least one inquirer happy.
For information about Dr. Kleeman's lecture, please call the Norwalk Hospital Community Relations Department, at (203) 852-2250.
Do you treat your feet well? Are you a high heel-wearer, or do you hew in the Birkenstock direction? Let me know here, or email me, at jcurtis@mainstreetconnect.us.
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