Consider benefits of foot surgery

Dear Dr. Gott: I’m an active 70-year-old female. My activities include bicycling, walking, aerobics and some weightlifting, but I have problems with my feet and toes.

My big toe on each foot turns inward and I have slight bunions on both feet. I also have a hammertoe next to my large toe on one foot and am getting another one on the other foot. With these problems, would you recommend bunion surgery? Would this straighten my large toe? As it stands now my hammertoe on both feet is laying on part of my big toe. What are the negatives for having my hammertoes corrected?

Dear Reader: In my experience, bunions and hammertoes almost always require surgical correction, and the operation is usually a huge success. I can think of no common “negatives” to the operation, the benefits of which exceed the risks. I advise you to be examined by a podiatrist or an orthopedic foot specialist for specific recommendations and advice.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Please explain what macrophages in the lungs are. Are they normal or does this indicate a particular illness or disease?

Dear Reader: Macrophages are cells that act like SWAT teams in the body. In their resting state, these burly cells hang around in tissues, passing time, not knowing really what to do, not bothering anyone.

However, if macrophages sense foreign protein, such as microorganisms beginning an infection, they immediately turn into killers, push their way between other cells and congregate ready to do battle: This is, in a word, inflammation.

Once activated, macrophages expel caustic enzymes to kill the invading protein and they engulf the paralyzed bacteria – and digest them. The wonder of this remarkable phenomenon is that it occurs minute by minute in various parts of the body, and we are rarely aware of these millions of life-and-death struggles that are a normal part of a healthy immune system.

Therefore, when macrophages are identified in tissues, such as lung, examined under the microscope, doctors have incontestable evidence that this tissue is under siege: Inflammation is present and the macrophages are doing their duty.

Macrophages will attack any “foreign” substance – viruses, bacteria, yeasts, cancer cells, minuscule particles of matter – even normal tissue sometimes in the presence of “autoimmune” diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Be grateful for your macrophages. These tiny soldiers usually enable us to lead healthier lives.