Question: I am a 65 year old male of average height (167 cms) and weight (70kg) and go for a daily morning walk of 8 10 kms. I have mild hypertension for which I take Amlodac 5 mg daily. My queries: I have osteoarthritis of the big toes for the last two years which had now been diagnosed as Bilateral Hallux Rigidus (right greater than left.) The doctor has advised me to treat the feet with warm water and to use Metararsal base insoles inside the shoes fore support. Other than these he has prescribed no medicines and has even asked me to discontinue Cartigyl capsules as, according to him, the problem, appears to be genetic. Please advice. In addition I shall be highly obliged if you can recommend a podiatrist. I have been diagnosed with mild Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia for which I have been prescribed Urimax -0.4 mg daily for two to three weeks. The symptoms have already been alleviated. However I would like to know if there is any surgical procedure like TURP or something better, which does not have the drawback of causing retrograde ejaculation, as a suitable long term option. Is there such a surgical procedure available?
Answer Osteoarthritis is a common outcome of ageing and ther is no cure for the condition. At best you can relieve the symptoms and what you area doing is good enough. A podiatrist will be of little help. If it really worries, you can have a small surgery done to remove part of the degenerated bone and loosen the joint. If you have good relief with Urimax you can safely continue this on a long term basis. If you wish a permanent surgical cure, then TURP is the best procedure but will cause retrograde ejaculation. A new technique that can relieve symptoms without causing retrograde ejaculation is TUNA. This uses microwaves to shrink the prostate. It is not as effective as TURP but may prove adequate in your case. You can speak to your urologist about this procedure.
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