When a Sprain Becomes a Real Pain

Ow :*( (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An ankle sprain is a very common injury and can occur to anyone. Sprains are not reserved for athletes and show no age discrimination. Twenty-five thousand sprains happen on a daily basis. A sprain occurs when the ligaments - fibrous elastic-like tissue - that hold the ankle joint in position get stretched beyond their normal range of motion and lose their ability to return to their normal position. The ankle joint has a limited capacity to roll, twist and turn. When a force is exerted that exceeds the normal capacity, some of the fibers may tear or the ligament may tear completely.

There are three grades of sprains determined by the amount of force. A grade 1 sprain is characterized by minimal damage to ligaments, usually just a slight stretching, accompanied by a small amount of swelling and mild discomfort. A grade 2 sprain shows tearing of some, but not all, ligament fibers and some instability may result. Also, you’ll notice increasing tenderness and swelling with a limited range of movement.  A sprain is classified as a grade 3 when there is complete tearing of a ligament and gross instability. While grades 1 and 2 can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation and immobilization. A grade 3 sprain will require immobilization, a lengthy period of rest and no weight on it, followed by physical therapy to recoup strength, function and flexibility. It often may need surgical reconstruction.

The need for surgical repair becomes apparent when the ankle doesn’t properly heal after a lengthy period of non-surgical treatment and attempts at rehabilitation. There are two types of surgery: arthroscopic and reconstructive. In arthroscopic surgery, a doctor uses special equipment to view inside the joint to see if there are bone fragments or if the ligament may perhaps be caught in the joint. In reconstructive surgery, the doctor repairs the torn ligament by suturing it or using other tissue from the foot or ankle to replace or repair the damaged tissue.

The amount of time it takes to recuperate after surgery varies. It depends on the injury itself and the amount of surgical repair required. Don’t expect immediate results. Recovery may take many weeks.

We certainly don’t wish a painful grade 3 sprain on anyone, but don’t neglect or ignore any sprain. Sometimes what may feel like a sprain could be disguised as a fracture.  Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and get treatment as soon as possible.

References:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html

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Got Bunions?

English: Grown male right foot (angle 1) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A bunion is a deformity that occurs at the joint on the base of the big toe. The bone connected to the big toe begins to grow outwards, which in turn causes the big toe to misaligned and begin to angle inward. This causes an enlargement of the joint, which can become very painful due to friction and rubbing inside of shoes. Bunions can also lead to other deformities, such as hammertoes. Symptoms of a bunion include:

• Redness, swelling and tenderness around the base of the big toe

• Pain

• Thickening of the skin

• Inability to freely move the big toe

• Big toe angling toward other toes

You are at greater risk of developing bunions if you wear high heels, stilettos, or other narrow and/or poorly shaped shoes.  Also, if someone else in your family had bunions, you are at a high risk of developing them because of inherited bone structure.

Bunions don’t resolve themselves. Over time, bunions can get bigger and cause more pain, which is why it is important to seek early treatment. If treatment begins in the early stages, the use of orthotics or a wider shoe may alleviate the problem, and the bunion will not interfere with normal pursuits. The orthotic helps hold the bones in proper alignment and takes pressure off the bunion, and the wider shoe accommodates the altered shape of your foot. However, Bunions will not go away on their own.

If you are bothered by persistent pain, an enlargement on the side of your big toe or have difficulty finding shoes that fit well, call and make an appointment with Dr. Bowman. If your bunion situation requires surgery, it is usually done on an outpatient basis. After a thorough foot examination, Dr. Bowman can develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. The primary goal at Houston Foot Specialists is to get you back on your feet quickly and back to the business of enjoying life.

Also, if you have diabetes and neuropathy, seek immediate treatment for bunions because your feet are at greater risk due to loss of sensation. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 to set up an appointment. 

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bunions/DS00309/DSECTION=symptoms

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Come On, Take A Hike! But Make Sure The Boots Are Right!

Blue diamond-shaped sign used to designate hiking trails in provincial parks in Ontario, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Karrimor shoes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With spring in full bloom, what better way to enjoy the season than to hit the trails.  Walking is great exercise, and hiking the trails kicks it up a notch and strengthens the feet and ankles. You’ll need a good pair of trail hiking shoes or boots. Most people prefer boots because of the added protection they offer, but this depends on the environment that you are hiking in and your personal preference.

Before you make your purchase, let’s review a few practical suggestions:

· Know what kind of terrain you are hiking and for how long.

· Shop for footwear at the end of the day, as your feet will swell throughout the day.

· Measure both feet while standing, and fit the larger foot.

· Always try boots on at the store. Universal sizing standardization can play tricks on you.

· Walk around a bit to make sure there are no pressure points.

· If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, take them with you.

· When shopping for boots, wear the type of sock you will wear hiking.

Movement and perspiration cause friction, which is a recipe for blisters. Cotton socks do not wick moisture. When damp, they lose their cushioning and bunch up. Look for socks made of alpaca, acrylic, or silk. You will find a good selection at a retailer that specializes in camping, hiking, and trail gear.

Hiking boots should fit close to your foot without pressure points or chafing. The heel should fit snug with very little movement. Look for boots with the following features:

· Scree collar, a covered foam collar that fits snug to the lower leg that prevents debris from entering your boot;

· Full grain leather or nubuck uppers for the high country; fabric uppers are adequate for flat terrain;

· Thick and impact-absorbing soles with a slight rocker shape for comfort and efficiency;

· Heel lock feature that allows the boot to be laced snugly at ankle height;

· Waterproof boots with a full gusseted tongue;

· Fiberglass or steel shank for the best support;

· Interior lining that absorbs or aids in evaporation of moisture.

Keeping these pre-purchase suggestions and recommended features in mind will allow you to make a wise decision regarding hiking boots. Purchase your boots from a retailer specializing in hiking and trail gear. They are knowledgeable and experienced in product selection.

Should the good outing go bad and you have a mishap or sustain an injury, contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can help get you trail fit for the next hike.

Do you have a hiking story to tell?  Please take a moment and share your hiking story with us.   

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.novatrails.com/features/hikingboots.php
http://www.streetarticles.com/outdoors/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-new-pair-of-quality-hiking-boots

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Healing Solution for the Dry Skin Problem

picture of foot (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dry, cracked skin isn’t just a winter condition, especially of the feet. Pay close attention to the condition of your skin. It may foretell other problems. If you have areas of dry, thick, cracked skin, you need to pay attention right away. You have many options available, but let’s discuss home remedies first.

Here are some home remedies you can try to help your dry, cracked skin:

· Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Internal hydration is important for all organ function, and your skin is the largest organ of your body.

· Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture left between the toes becomes a haven for bacteria that can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

· Gently remove buildup of dry skin with a pumice stone. If you have some serious work to do, don’t try to correct it all at once. This could cause open sores, which are painful and might lead to infection. 

· Apply lotion to your feet. Read the ingredients on the bottle. If it consists mainly of water, look for a lotion richer in emollients. Do not apply lotion between the toes. Application of lotion can be done several times a day and should be done just before bedtime, then cover your feet with clean, white cotton socks.

If your feet don’t begin to respond to this treatment within several days, you need to consider making an appointment with Dr. Bowman. There may be another cause that Dr. Bowman will need to diagnose. You could have a fungal infection or dermatitis. Dr. Bowman will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you suffer diabetes, you must examine your feet daily for cracks or sores and see your podiatrist on a regular basis. What begins as a small problem can quickly get out of hand and result in infection. Your feet are more at risk and require extra special care. 

If you have a painful dry, cracked skin condition you are unable to control, contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 and let Dr. Bowman lend a hand to your feet.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/dry-skin-solutions.aspx
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/#hurtfeet

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Invest A Little In Your Summer Shoes, It Can Pay Off Big!

Now that the sun is shining, you may be eager to spend more time outdoors and shed the excess clothing and heavy footwear. Just spend a little bit of time people watching and see how many have given up shoes and socks and are now baring all (well, at least all of their toes). The winter boots and shoes have been relegated to the basement or back of the closet, and you’ve pulled out the sneakers and sandals. However, before you go shopping for the new summer shoes, get a grip on some shoe standards.

Flat, rubber, plastic and foam flip-flops might be tempting. They are bright, colorful, cheery, and inexpensive, but they do not allow your foot to function as it’s meant to. The foot strikes the ground with the heel and transfers weight through the arch and mid-foot into the big toe where the push off begins. If you examine the bottom of a flip flop, you see it is flat and non-supportive. It forces the foot to do all of the work, and the effort is transferred then to the ankle, lower leg, knee, hip, and lower back, which can lead to fatigue and pain.  All flat-soled sandals are going to have the same effect on the body.  High heeled or platform sandals are just as impractical, maybe more so. The unnatural stance forces all of the weight forward onto the ball of the foot and can lead to neuromas, hammertoes, and bunions.

Well-formed sandals can alleviate pain and help prevent the arthritis that develops in the mid-foot as you age. You should look for sandals that have well-formed arches and a heel cup. This allows for shock absorption in the mid-foot and support in the heel area that prevents the foot from over-pronating. The sandal that provides arch support and appropriately cradles the foot can also help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Sandals similar to flip-flops are available which provide a better made, arch-supportive and heel-formed shoe. For more information concerning the proper selection of sandals, go to:  http://www.kintec.net/kintec_approved.php.

If you need assistance selecting a sandal style appropriate for your foot health, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can provide you with tips for sandal selection that will help keep your feet in the pink.

References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lr2aF5Ngo8&feature=related

Safety Boots - The Caped Crusaders of an Injury Free Workplace

Steel-toe boots, aka safety boots. These boots also has ESD protection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Various government regulatory agencies mandate the type of foot wear worn in some workplaces. Assessments are performed on the work site and potential hazards are identified and considered in order to arrive at a requirement. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal regulatory agency. Each state may then have its own version of OSHA that handles additional state requirements that must be met.

Some work places may only require safety shoes, where the primary function of the shoe is to provide a specialized tread to prevent slip accidents that could translate to injuries. These shoes are most likely to be required in restaurants, or other locations, where the floor surface is apt to be slippery. Usually, when you think of safety you probably think of industrial sites where steel toed boots or shoes are required in order to meet OSHA regulations. This footwear must meet very specific compression and impact standards. OSHA requires boots and shoes to meet American Society of Testing and Measurement standards. It is important to know what the standards are to make sure your boots meet the requirements of your work site. Boots and shoes are given an impact and compression rating that specifies the weight limits that they will protect your feet at. It is important to know the ratings, if these limits were to be exceeded, your boots may not protect your feet. Boots carry these markings on a tab sewn inside of the boot. Boots offer better protection than shoes because of the additional plating designed to protect the instep of your foot.

Steel toed boots should always be worn where required. A crushing injury caused by a falling object is extremely painful and can result in serious damage to the foot structure and possibly loss of the foot. Always think safety first.

Have you suffered a foot or ankle injury? Dr. Bowman, from Houston Foot Specialists, is an expert at treating injuries and ailments of the foot and ankle. His diagnostic procedures include X-Rays, computed tomography, ultrasound and MRI. If you have a foot or ankle injury, need surgery to correct an injury or deformity, or suffer a condition causing you pain, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and let him meet your feet. Also check out the wide array of products and services that are available.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/services.html
http://www.constructiongear.com/about-steel-toe-work-boots.html

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Are Baseball Injuries in a League of their Own?

Little League baseball on a Saturday afternoon, 30 May 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Well, not quite. Many sports share injuries in common, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, shin splints, sprains, Achilles tendonitis, ruptures, blisters, etc. From Little League to the Big League, the injuries remain the same, but since the MLB players have trainers and team doctors, let’s keep an eye on the younger ones and the backyard sports enthusiasts.

Foot and ankle injuries are the most common injuries in baseball, not to mention conditions that can develop due to over-training or under-conditioning. Common ailments are:

    •    Plantar fasciitis

    •    Achilles tendonitis

    •    Ruptures tendons

    •    Stress fractures

    •    Trauma fractures

    •    Sprains

    •    Trip and fall injuries

    •    Blisters

But in addition to this, one of the more unique requirements in baseball is going from a standstill to a sprint, then from a sprint to a standstill when running the bases. This forces a lot of stress on the feet and ankles yet it is not an exercise that is focused on much in training and conditioning. Generally emphasis is placed on hitting the ball and fielding practice. Base running, however, is not usually taught and safety can be overlooked. Maintain the field in the best playing condition possible. This might sound like a lot of work, but check for holes or ruts and fill them immediately. If you are a visiting team, check out the field. Have your team take a light run on it so they familiarize themselves with the playing conditions. When doing exercises, conduct practice drills that use quick stops and starts so the body slowly begins to understand what is expected of it. Coordination drills are also good at drawing focus to using their feet. Practicing coordination exercises can prevent young player’s feet from getting confused and causing injuries.

Another problem that can lead to injury is cleats. Although cleats and spikes offer traction, they also can get caught and cause sprains, trips and twists. Buy cleats to fit. You can’t count on multiple seasons because of the growth rate in youngsters, so don’t handicap young players with shoes that are too big. This can lead to blisters, friction problems, fractures, sprains and falls.

Although base sliding it is fun it poses another opportunity for injuries such as sprains, fractures and broken toes. Proper sliding technique needs to be taught and it should not include using cleats as assault weapons. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. Focus on staying safe and avoiding injury. Check your youngster over for blisters, redness and swelling. What they don’t tell you can hurt them.

If you or your youngster sustains injury to your foot or ankle, contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886.

References:

http://www.healingfeet.com/blog/foot-care/safe-preventing-foot-and-ankle-injuries-in-baseball-players
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://communityfootcare.net/stay-in-the-game-avoiding-baseball-related-foot-and-ankle-injury/

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And This Little Piggy Lived Happily Ever After…

A fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot, commonly known as a en:Jones fracture (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Have you ever stumbled around in the dark, stubbed your toe, and wound up inventing words? Well, join the club. A stubbing injury is one of the most common sources of a broken toe. There are a couple of misconceptions regarding broken toes. It is not true that “nothing” can be done for a broken toe. Also, it is not true that if you can walk on it, it is not broken. There are twenty six bones in the foot, and nineteen of them are either in the toes or long bones in the mid foot area. This makes the foot a complex area of concern. When you fracture any bone, you need to be evaluated to assess the overall damage and receive proper treatment.

Fractures can be divided into two cause factors: traumatic or stress. A traumatic fracture is due to an injury, such as stubbing your toe. A stress fracture is a tiny break that results from hard and repetitive action, such as a basketball player who jumps and lands repeatedly.

Symptoms of a traumatic fracture include:

    ·    Pain in the immediate area

    ·    Perhaps you hear a sound at the time of the break

    ·    Misshapen

    ·    Bruising and discoloration

Symptoms of a stress fracture include:

    ·    Pain during normal activity that disappears when resting

    ·    Swelling

    ·    Painful in the area of fracture when touched.

Because symptoms of fractures and sprains are similar, it is critical that you see Dr. Bowman.  He can examine your foot injury to make sure you receive proper treatment. Failure to get proper treatment can result in complexities ranging from deformity to long term loss of function.

Treatment for broken toes may include “buddy taping.” This means the injured toe is taped to the toe next to it for support. You should wear a supportive shoe to further protect the injury.  A cast is seldom necessary unless the fracture involves the big toe or multiple toes. If the fracture is displaced or a gap is noted, then you may need surgery. Make sure you schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bowman so he can track your progress. Call (713 ) 467-8886 to schedule.

Broken bones usually take about 6 weeks to heal completely. Follow the doctor’s instructions so you can avoid complications like chronic pain or deformity. This will ensure your little piggies lead a long and happy life. Do you have a broken toe or metatarsal story to relate?  Feel free to share by leaving a comment!

References:

http://www.weil4feet.com/common_toe_metatarsal_fractures.html
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/broken-toe

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Spring into spring, but not too fast!

A look over the ocean from the boardwalk in Kemah, Texas. (Photo credit: WikipediThe warm and humid days of spring are here and it’s time to get outside. Take a short daytrip to Galveston for a barefoot walk on the beach, or head on over to Kemah and see what’s cooking on the boardwalk. Just get outside and enjoy the season. As you enjoy a little down time, contemplate how you are going to increase your activity level coming off from an idle winter.

Although we are not so bound by the seasons here in Houston, people generally tend to slack off of physical activity a little anyway during the winter.  You runners out there who are getting back into shape and stepping it up by increasing mileage and speed, whoa there a minute. When you try to do too much too soon, you increase the risk of injury to your feet or ankles. If you are a beginning runner, there is even a special program to get you up and running three miles in a two month period (walk/jog). This is exactly what the doctor ordered.

To keep motivated as your train, remember:

- Don’t get impatient. The goal is to get you moving and keep you moving. Start slow and gradually increase in baby-step increments.

- Seek a pleasant environment. Enjoy a park setting or a country road.

- Get loose.  Be sure to do 5 minute warm up and cool down exercises.

- Recruit a friend. There is motivation and dedication built in.

- Your shoes are important and kept in good condition. If your feet feel good, it’s easier for you to face your run.

- Treat your feet kindly by bathing or soaking daily and keeping nails groomed. Hey, how about a massage?

- Don’t give up the plan. Conditioning is a gradual thing. You will see results. In the beginning you don’t need to focus on speed or distance.

Allow yourself to progress through your training and conditioning at a reasonable pace. The goal is to make incremental progress. If you get a little over zealous, or sustain a running injury, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8896. He wants to see you make forward strides.  If you have a story or comment to share about your running or training, please comment below.

References:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--14242-2-1-2,00.html
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

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Flat feet - okay for a Platypus, but not for you!

children flat feet (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Of all the complaints, woes and discussions that involve feet, how many times do you hear flat feet mentioned? What exactly does it mean and at what point are a person’s feet considered to be flat? Allowing for a bit of individualism, that could be difficult to define.

Pes Planus is a condition where the arch area of the foot has either not properly developed or collapsed to the point where the sole of the foot is nearly in complete contact with the surface the foot is on. Up to thirty-percent of people who have flat feet simply never developed arches in one or both feet.

First, let’s look at congenital flat feet. Flat feet are common in babies and young children. Bones and other tissues take time to develop and strengthen, so the arch of the foot may not be discernible until the child is between 4 and 6 years of age. To make sure the child is developing normally, parents should watch for limping, oddity of gait or symptoms of pain, which may indicate flat feet and seek appropriate treatment for their child.

Flat feet can be acquired as an adult. This can be attributed to aging, illness, injury and continuous stress. Women over 40 are more inclined to develop flat feet. If developed during adulthood, feet will probably remain flat. Known contributing factors include:

    •    Weight

    •    Diabetes

    •    High blood pressure

    •    Pregnancy (may cause temporary flattening of the feet)

As long as the feet remain flexible and do not cause pain in the foot, knee or lower back, they can go untreated. If pain becomes an issue, the first thing you must do is see Dr. Bowman for a correct diagnosis. He can determine if orthotics is necessary or he may assign foot exercises that can help strengthen your arches. In the worst cases surgery may provide relief, but would only be considered after all other methods had been tried.

If you have pain in your arches, lower leg, knees or lower back, you may have flat feet. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for a correct diagnosis, so you can get back on the right path.

References:
 
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flatfeet/DS00449
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet

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