I operate a small podiatry clinic downtown, so I get a lot of patients from offices in the area--including professional women who have foot problems resulting from wearing high heels. Occasionally, my years of medical training are rewarded.
The other day, a new patient checked in to have her foot checked. Sherry, a 20-something Chinese beauty, walked in wearing a beige linen two-piece knee-length suit, dark hose, and an expensive looking pair of 2-inch heels. She looked sharp. I already had to remind myself about the Hippocratic Oath!
Sherry was just gorgeous with porcelain smooth skin, glossy black hair down to the middle of her back, and pouty lips. But it was her legs that really got my attention. The sheer hose was very high quality, probably 15 denier or better.
I had her sit down on the edge of the examination table. I asked her what the problem was.
Sherry replied, "I'm not sure what it is, but I have a little growth on the sole of my left foot and it's not going away. It's been there for a long time, like a few months. What do you think it is?"
As I was about to ask her a question, I noticed that she had garter bumps on her thin skirt, and a hint of light-colored garter straps. I turned on a high-intensity examination lamp above her legs--which revealed the tell-tale glint of metal garter clips! She was wearing stockings and garters!! I also noticed a thin light line across her lap, hinting that she was wearing classic Hanes stockings. Focus, focus!!
"So, do you feel anything? Does it hurt or feel irritated?" I asked.
Sherry answered, "No, it doesn't really bother me, but when I pick at it, it is a little irritating. That's why I thought I better check."
"OK," I said, "can you please remove your left shoe so I can see what you are talking about?"
Sherry leaned over and slipped off her left shoe. Oh, no! She was wearing Hanes RHTs, and judging by the dark color, they were "Gentlebrown," a very dark shade of brown--almost black! It was a good thing I was wearing a white coat, covering the front of my trousers!
I grasped her foot and lifted it up so I could see the sole. There it was, a little growth like a wart. But I couldn't really see it through the dark nylon material. I then tried to feel the growth through the nylon, rubbing with my finger. The sensation of nylon was overpowering. Of course, I took my time as I felt the bump from every conceivable angle.
"Sherry," I asked, "can you please remove your stocking so that I can see your foot better?"