Sweaty Feet

It is well known that excessive foot sweating is a common condition. People with excessive foot sweating can often conceal their condition better than those with excessive sweating in other areas. However, excessive foot sweating is frequently accompanied by excessive sweating in the hands, underarms, or face.

In some cases, foot sweating can be so severe that moisture seeps into footwear, making socks constantly wet. Individuals suffering from this condition often carry extra socks with them at all times. Many avoid removing their shoes in public due to discomfort and embarrassment.

Additionally, excessive foot sweating can lead to health issues. The persistent moisture between the toes can cause irritation, swelling, and eventually lead to fungal infections, which result in unpleasant odors. In severe cases, excessive sweating can lead to foot ulcers, impairing mobility.

There are various treatment methods for excessive foot sweating. The primary options include iontophoresis and Botox injections. However, Botox treatment for foot sweating is known to be quite painful and needs to be repeated every six months. Iontophoresis (a water-based electrical therapy) is a continuous treatment method but has limited effectiveness in cases of severe sweating.

For persistent excessive foot sweating, a surgical procedure called sympathectomy may be required. This involves accessing the sympathetic nerves in the lower back through the abdominal region and applying clips to regulate nerve function. Currently, this procedure cannot be performed using minimally invasive (closed) surgical techniques and requires open surgery.

In cases where excessive foot sweating coexists with excessive hand, underarm, or facial sweating, a procedure called clipped endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) can be performed. This method has been observed to reduce foot sweating in some patients significantly, with near-complete resolution in certain cases. However, this outcome is not guaranteed for all patients. Some individuals undergoing clipped ETS for excessive hand, underarm, or facial sweating experience little to no improvement in foot sweating. On average, ETS is known to reduce excessive foot sweating by approximately 50%.