THE DOC REPLIES

I’ve been told the best cure for sciatica is high heels. The only problem is I’m a 60-yearold man. Have you any other tips? I’m almost willing to give the heels a go.

Sciatica is when the long nerves leaving the back and running down into the legs are nipped, which is sometimes due to a slipped disc. I wouldn’t recommend high heels to fix sciatica, whatever sex you are. Instead you should see a GP, chiropractor or physiotherapist.

What’s the best food to eat to combat diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is more common with age and can affect anyone. It is more likely to happen in people with a diet low in fibre and fresh fruit and veg. Paradoxically, introducing fruit, veg and fibre can often make the symptoms worse and this gives rise to conflicting advice about suitable diet. Many nutrionists now adopt an approach of take whatever works for you. If it gets worse speak to your family doctor.

Is there anything that can be done to unblock tear ducts?

Salt water eye drops can often unblock simple tear duct blockages. These drops are available over the counter from your local pharmacist. In rare cases, blockages that persist require examination by an eye surgeon.

The nail on my thumb keeps splitting, a problem I’ve had for a couple of years now. Should I get the doc to have a look? I’m worried the damage may be permanent.

Damage to the nail bed or growth plate can cause a split in the nail which can take years to heal. Sometimes people find it may never heal. A word of advice, though. If there are any black areas suggestive of a mole under the nail, you must have this checked.

I’ve got a tingling feeling on the left side of my face. It comes on a couple of times a day. Any ideas?

Persistent tingling in the side of the face can be a sign of neuralgia – pain due to a damaged nerve – and needs checked by a doctor or dentist.

It’s six months since I had a triple-bypass operation. I’m still short of breath and have pain in my chest. Is this normal?

Coronary artery bypass operations involve splitting the breast bone and can cause long term pain around the chest wall and scar line. This is perfectly normal for such a big procedure. Internal or angioplastic bypass operations avoid this complication. You should not feel short of breath, however. This requires investigating – speak to your doctor about this matter.

I’ve been on citalopram for the past two years for depression. How long can I safely take them? I’m very scared about coping if I have to come off them.

Citalopram in conventional dosages – which is 20 millgrams daily – is very safe and can be used long-term for depression or prevention of a depression relapse. Withdrawal symptoms with citalopram are generally very unusual but it is important to check with your GP before you stop taking them just to make sure you definitely no longer need them.

When I’m warm my hands swell up and I have to take rings off my fingers. Why does this happen?

It is normal for the hands to swell slightly when it is warm, and, the older one gets, the more problems this can cause with items of jewellery such as rings. However, If you also have swelling in other parts of your body you should get this checked out by your family doctor.

My left eye has started to water up a lot. Will this eventually clear up?

We see watery eyes often in medicine. Oddly enough it happens with dry eyes. A small amount of tear fluid means the little fluid that there is tends not to adhere to the surface of the eye. In older people we normally start by trying lubricants, but if it looks like there are eyelid or drainage problems we could refer you to an eye specialist.