Excessive Foot Sweating

A large number of people suffer from excessive foot sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis.  Hyperhidrosis is a common disorder affecting around 2.8% of Americans as noted in a recent survey of 150,000 US households. Primary hyperhidrosis occurs as a result of overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls sweating in the human body.  The cause is unknown, but there seems to be a genetic tendency.  In one study, 49 of 58 patients receiving surgery for hyperhidrosis had a family member who also suffered from the disorder. 

People with foot hyperhidrosis seek treatment because the condition causes great distress. Although the symptoms are not life threatening, everyday tasks such as holding pens, buttons, and are difficult excessively sweaty hands. People with excessively sweaty feet often wear gloves and avoid handshaking, and may even select a profession that limits social interaction.

The treatment of excessive foot sweating from hyperhidrosis depends primarily on whether a patient has primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.  Secondary hyperhidrosis is due to a separate illness, including hyperthyoidism and other diseases, and treatment is guided at medications for these diseases.  Primary hyperhidrosis has no known cause (also known as an "idiopathic" disease).  There are specific medical and surgical treatments for excessive foot sweating from primary hyperhidrosis, including botox injections.  Most physicians would advise using different medical treatments before considering endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis.  Surgical treatment is known to have excellent results.  There are potiential risks and side effects, however, and medical treatment should be attempted before surgical treatment. 

You should speak with your physician to determine which treatment is the best for you.  If you are considering surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.