Center cares for feet of the homeless

By MIKE AVERILL World Staff Writer

Lots of walking, sweaty socks and ill-fitting shoes can lead to a number of foot problems for the homeless population.

Mark Booth, who walks daily from the shelter where he stays to the store and the library to use the Internet, has been battling a severe case of athlete's foot for a couple of months.

"In June in Oklahoma only two things grow good: athlete's foot and Bermuda grass," said Tim Malavolti, a podiatrist.

Malavolti is one of 13 podiatrists who volunteer at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless once a month on a rotating basis.

"The homeless often have more foot problems. They're very mobile and are on their feet most of the time and that often leads to foot pain and other problems with their feet," Malavolti said. "We try to give them palliative care that gets them through and keeps them comfortable until their next visit."

Common issues are ingrown toenails, painful corns, plantar warts and athlete's foot.

Thick fungal nails and painful heel conditions aggravated by poor shoe gear are also common, Malavolti said.

The podiatrists offer free basic foot care, cortisone injections for painful heels and supportive padding for arches. Everyone who uses the clinic gets a free pair of socks.

If problems are more serious, the patients are referred to the Morton Health Clinic.

"I always come here and get a real appreciation from what I've got. It could be me," said Malavolti, who has been volunteering at the Day Center for
about seven years.

Sandra Lewis, the executive director of the Day Center, said she never imagined how many foot issues the homeless dealt with before she started at the center.

"We have folks that walk so much and walk in someone else's shoes. They're walking in used shoes, not shoes that were broken in and formed to their foot," she said. "I've literally seen people limp into the clinic and walk out pain free."

Katherine Malland, who recently went to get treatment for her athlete's foot, said she's grateful for the clinic.

She was recommended to the podiatrist when she went to the Day Center for some cream.

"Without insurance it would be hard to find a doctor that would look at it or help me find medicine," she said. "Here I'm able to get some stronger medicine that will actually help get rid of it."