The Doctor's Sore Foot Book

According to podiatrist McGann and New York-based writer Robinson, we will walk more than 250,000 miles--the distance from the earth to the moon--during our lives. Unfortunately, many of those steps will be painful. Yet they don't have to be. And though the prose here is dull, McGann and Robinson's helpful suggestions--from appropriate dress and footwear to remedies for athlete's foot--will make for happier feet and people. To the authors' credit is sensible, practical advice about running (no cheers given for marathon martyrs) and dancing, especially on the dangers of ballet to young feet. Discussed in detail are diabetes and the special foot care it requires, arthritis, injury prevention, when to seek out a podiatrist, and common problems involving the skin, nails, nerves and bones in the feet. While laser and arthroscopic surgeries have replaced traditional surgery for certain ills, McGann and Robinson point out there is much these high-tech procedures cannot do. A glossary and resource list are provided. Illustrations not seen by PW. (July)