Keeping Feet Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season is not over yet! Have you been enjoying the office parties, family get-togethers and holiday events? With the vast amounts of food and drink, it may be your waistline you are most worried about but have you thought about your feet?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX often treats patients during the holidays that have put foot health at the bottom of the priority list. Often, feet are not thought of until there is a problem and then it is too late. You can still party it up and have a great holiday season while keeping feet safe and healthy.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Dancing the night away can take a toll if you are not in the right shoes. Respect your feet and avoid shoes that are high and narrow. Blisters, calluses, swelling and ankle injuries can be avoided by wearing low-heeled, roomy shoes.

Just say no

Overindulging in foods rich in purines such as red meat, red wine, beer and shellfish can bring on a gout attack. If you have never experienced one, it is usually with the big toe joint and can be very painful. Alcohol will make your feet swell more than normal.

Diabetes alert

If you have diabetes, it is very important to watch your diet and maintain sugar levels. High blood sugars increases the risk for peripheral neuropathy, which compromises the ability to feel pain, heat and cold. This can result in serious injury.

Be proactive

If you are hobbling around during this holiday season, see Dr. Bowman for treatment. Ignoring foot pain for the sake of fun will only compromise your foot health and lead to further injury. Call our podiatric office today at (713) 467-8886 to schedule and appointment or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Keeping Feet Protected on an Arctic Expedition

An arctic expedition is on the bucket list for many climbers and the preparation for an endeavor such as that takes months and even years. Part of the preparation is physical and another large part is collecting the exact gear and supplies to make the expedition a success.

What About Feet?

The right footwear will make or break your mountain top experience. The weather can be extreme so you need to make sure feet are protected from cold temperatures and wetness. The wrong boots will leave feet and toes at risk for frostbite and serious injury.

Doug Stoup is a world-renowned expedition leader who also has a line of boots bearing his name for people who want to follow in his footsteps. Boots such as these are an investment but the features that you get are needed to keep feet safe. These boots and others such as these will keep feet warm in temperatures as low as -148°F. The liners inside wick away moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable. The outsoles are made of specific material that will stay flexible in the cold and have sole patterns that give enough traction in snow and ice.

Sorel is another great brand of boots that will do a great job of protecting feet on an expedition. Their drawstring tops keep snow and water out and feet dry. Waterproof soles and thick removable liners also keep feet comfortable and able to withstand the elements.

Whatever you decide on, the key is to keep feet warm and dry. Frostbite is dangerous and can lead to amputation in some cases. If you are gearing up for an expedition adventure, make sure your feet are ready. Have them evaluated by Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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The Low Down on Heel Spurs

It is common for Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX to have patients hobbling in seeking treatment for their foot pain. Are you one who is tired of putting up with heel pain? You may have heel spurs and they need to be treated!

Not Talking About Cowboy Boots

In mentioning heel spurs, we are in no way referencing the spurs on those cowboy boots you save for line dancing. A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the bottom of your heel bone. It is a common foot condition and is typically associated with plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is attached to your heel bone and connects to the ball of your foot. When there is too much strain on your foot and muscles, the plantar fascia stretches and where it is attached to the heel bone, a spur can develop. It is a slow process and often doesn’t pose a problem. Depending on the severity though, it can become extremely painful to wear certain shoes and other issues can develop.  If you have pain to the bottom of your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, this is a sign of plantar fasciitis.

Can I Prevent Heel Spurs and What is the Treatment?

Observing a few key things can help avoid the development of a heel spur. If active, make sure you warm up well, stretch your foot toward your body, wear the right footwear for the activity you are involved in and pace yourself accordingly.

There are several treatment options Dr. Bowman can offer at his Houston Foot Specialists podiatric office. They include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corrective shoes & Custom orthotics
• Cortisone injections
• Prescribed exercises

Laser treatments or Ultrasound treatments are also available to help reduce pain and surgery if the condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments.

If you are feeling a sharp pain or dull ache in your heel, don’t live with the pain. Call Dr. Bowman today at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment. Find more information by visiting our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Hypothermia – Who is at Risk and What to Look For

Having fun and spending time as a family outside in the cold season could turn serious if you aren’t aware of the dangers. Hypothermia is serious and can creep up on you if you don’t pay attention to your symptoms or the situation around you.

The Basics about Hypothermia

Your body has a normal core temperature of 98.6° F. If that temperature falls below 95° F, you would be considered to be in a state of hypothermia. When your temperature dips down too low, your organs and other body systems aren’t able to function properly. If you remain in this state, the result can be total failure of your heart and respiratory abilities, leading to death. It is serious. There are about 600 people that die in the U.S. every year from hypothermia related causes.

Who is at Risk?

Each person is going to react differently to cold than others. Children, elderly, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and fishing need to be on high alert and are more vulnerable.

Symptoms to Look For

• Shivering
• Clumsiness
• Confusion and slurred speech
• Low energy
• Weak pulse
• Shallow breathing

It is crucial to call 911 or seek help immediately after seeing or experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. Hands and feet that are exposed to cold extremes are also at risk for cold-related injuries such as frostbite, gangrene and chilblains.

Talk to Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX for prevention and treatment information on hypothermia. Visit our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 if you have foot pain or residual effects from being in the cold and need to schedule an appointment.

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Your Ingrown Toenail May be Subungual Exotosis

Toenail problems can be more than just a nuisance – they can be downright painful! A stubbed toe on the coffee table in the middle of the night can lead to clenched teeth and gasps of pain.

Toe problems are a common complaint seen at Houston Foot Specialists. Painful, ingrown toenails are one issue that brings many people into Dr. Jeff Bowman’s Houston, TX podiatric office. What seems to be a simple case of an ingrown toenail could actually be something much more serious.

Subungual Exotosis is a toe problem that is often mistaken as an ingrown toenail at first glance. An x-ray will expose the true source of pain. This is a condition where a bone spur develops under the toenail. It is often explained as a benign  growth from bone and cartilage, called an osteochondroma. In most cases, it occurs due to trauma to the toe although a hereditary abnormality or chronic infection could cause it as well.

Typically, a small hard bump that comes to a point will form under the nail and start growing upward. The pressure from the expanding exotosis on the nail can make walking very painful due to shoe pressure. Eventually the nail can become thin and brittle and the bone spur can push the nail completely off. This leaves tissues exposed and puts the toe at risk for infection. Subungual exotosis usually develops during adolescence due to growing bone and is more common in women who consistently wear ill-fitting shoes. It can develop gradually over weeks or months but can also appear quickly after an injury.

If you have any of the described symptoms, contact Dr. Bowman as soon as possible. Unfortunately, surgery is the most common way to fully treat this painful condition but it is effective and Dr. Bowman is a trusted podiatrist with years of experience treating feet. Call our office today (713) 467-8886 or visit our website for more information at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Should you be Holding Out on Your Hosiery?

For some women, wearing hosiery is a generational thing, to never go out with bare legs. Others take their cues from celebrities, fashion icons or even members of the royal family who step out in hosiery, making their legs look fabulous. Whether it is a fashion statement or a comfort item, it is important to note that this little closet accessory could cause some big problems when it comes to the health of your feet.

First off, feet stuffed in shoes tend to sweat. Nylon is not a breathable material and can make feet very hot and sweaty over the course of a day. This dark, moist environment is an excellent breeding ground just waiting for bacteria to come and settle in. The trapped bacteria can lead to infections such as Athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. If you are diabetic they can lead to other problems as well which could be serious. Would you have guess these unwelcome foot issues could come from your hosiery?!

Some hosiery is also made up of a “mixed-blend” type of material that can aggravate skin rashes. If you have a latex allergy or are susceptible to rashes, make sure to check the label that you are buying hosiery that is 100% cotton. Another thing to note is that your hosiery could also be the culprit of your ingrown toenails or aggravation of your hammertoes. Hosiery constricts feet and often doesn’t allow your feet to move like they need too, which can put pressure on toes leading to these problems. When hosiery is loose and bunches up around ankles or heels, the friction against shoes can bring on calluses and blisters as well.

If years of wearing hosiery have brought on some painful or unsightly foot problems, contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886. Dr. Bowman can provide a treatment plan specific to your foot needs. You schedule an appointment or find more information on our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Explaining Erythromelalgia Of The Foot and Ankle

Erythromelalgia is a long word that you may have never heard of before. So, why read this blog? Because it may have something to do with your foot problem and until now you have never had a name to put to your symptoms. If you have experienced painful, red, and swollen feet at some point, read on.

What does it look like?

Erythromelalgia is a rare disorder that happens due to enlarged blood vessels. It occurs often on the skin of feet but also appears on hands, face, ears and nose. It is more common in women and the average age of diagnosis is 61 years old. People with this condition experience a myriad of symptoms that when put together can be debilitating. With a flare-up, you will have warmth, redness, swelling and pain often in the form of a burning sensation. The pain and burning can be so severe even in a mild case that can impair simple tasks like standing, walking, working, exercising and sleeping.

This condition also varies greatly from case to case. For some, it comes on gradually and can stay mild for years. Others experience acute flare-ups that grow severe in a few weeks time. Unfortunately, there is no known cause or cure for erythromelalgia. Studies have shown that a small percentage of cases are inherited and it can be associated with other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.

This describes what I have, what can I do?

It is important that you persist in finding help. Different medicines seem to work for different people and your podiatrist can help find a treatment plan that helps alleviate your pain, reduces flare-ups and improves the condition. The two most effective treatments found are elevating and cooling the affected area. Icing or soaking in cold water needs to be monitored or avoided altogether as prolonged and consistent periods of doing those could permanently damage tissues. Diabetics should avoid icing of the feet.

Living with this condition can be very painful and frustrating. Seek help from a podiatrist such as Dr. Jeffrey Bowman from Houston Foot Specialists, in Houston, TX. He has all the resources necessary to diagnose and treat any foot or ankle problem. Contact him today at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.

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Slip Your Feet into Something More Comfortable

Are you someone who has slippers waiting at your bedside for your feet first thing in the morning? Maybe you are the type to kick off the shoes you have worn all day and grab something more comfortable for your feet when you get home. Whether you call them slippers, house shoes or cozies, they can provide some much needed TLC for your feet and also keep them safe.

Believe it or not, there is more to slippers than you might realize. They keep feet warm and comfortable and help prevent injury. Many people love the freedom of going barefoot but this can pose a big risk for feet, especially those belonging to a diabetic. Diabetics should never go barefoot. Stepping on something and getting a cut or scratch could become very serious. Less blood flow to the feet makes it harder to heal an injury or resist an infection. Slippers can be a great option to provide a barrier around the house.

When looking for a good pair of slippers, diabetic or not, only choose ones that have non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls. This is especially important for the elderly. Look for washable fabrics and slippers with memory foam insoles as they provide a bit of extra comfort.

Spend a little more for special slippers.

There are some great online stores that offer special slippers with orthopedic and therapeutic features. Some provide slippers for the whole family with arch supports, memory foam insoles and removable foot beds that can accommodate custom orthotics. There are also slippers available in extra wide options to give room for those with foot and toe problems. If you have a foot problem or an injury, it helps to treat your feet well and that might mean spending a little extra on a great pair of slippers.

At Houston Foot Specialists, Dr. Jeff Bowman always encourages his patients to go the extra mile when it comes to foot care. For you, that might mean investing in a good pair of slippers. If you live in the Houston, TX area and are in need of foot care, please contact us today at (713) 467-8886. You can also visit our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com. Your feet deserve it.

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Socks: The First Line of Defense!

If you’re wondering why there is a blog devoted to socks, we want to tell you right away. Your foot health is important and sock choice matters! After you’ve dug around for a matching pair of good ol’ tube socks, you may find they don’t stand the test of time or do your feet any justice.

Socks matter!

You want your feet to function well. Actually, you need them to! Feet are under constant stress throughout the day. If you are an athlete, the amount of stress put on feet multiplies even more. The least you can do is provide your feet with a little TLC and that can often begin with the right pair of socks. Socks are often the first line of defense between your feet and the outside world. They provide padding, cushioning, warmth, help absorb moisture and reduce friction. Socks can be vital to not only foot health, but also your overall health. Problems that can arise from being without socks or the right kind include blisters, fungal and bacterial infections and frostbite.

I don’t know what you’ve been told,
These old socks are getting old!

The U.S Military has even done extensive research on socks. Soldiers needed regular medical help for blisters, abrasions, athlete’s foot and other foot problems. Socks affect the comfort and fit of shoes as well as foot health. Soldiers spending their day running, marching and on duty 24/7 needed the right kind of protection in their boots.

A cotton sock is going to retain three times more moisture than an acrylic one and retain that moisture ten times longer. Merino wool, synthetic or a combination is what you want to see in a good sock. Socks often have extra padding in the heels or ball of foot. It is a good idea to take your socks with you to try on shoes. You may need to go up a half size for feet to be really comfortable. If you are an athlete, pick the right sock for the right sport as they can help prevent injury and enhance performance.

If your lack of concern for your feet has led to some foot problems, it is time to “sock up” and make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Your feet deserve the right care and Dr. Bowman can get you started on the right foot…or sock! Call us today (713) 467-8886 or see our website for online appointments at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Feet and Frostbite

Frostbite can happen to anyone. During all kinds of activities, in all kinds of places, this medical condition can take even an experienced outdoorsman by surprise. Knowing the facts, how it happens and how to handle it is the best place to start and the best way to keep your feet, literally.

Brrrrrr!

When you are exposed to cold for a prolonged amount of time, your body tries to preserve heat. Blood vessels near the surface of your skin narrow to push more blood to your core to keep your heart and lungs warm. This of course helps with hypothermia but the flipside is that it puts your extremities at risk for frostbite.

Frostbite can occur within minutes or even in warmer temperatures if there is a strong wind chill. Having wet feet makes things worse. If your feet have been exposed to cold for a long time, you will start to feel pain, prickling or burning sensations. Numbness typically follows. Your skin will change color from pale or red to bluish-grey to black. There are different categories of frostbite as well.

Superficial frostbite, while still serious, doesn’t damage tissue underneath. Blistering can still occur making getting proper care very important. Deep frostbite involves muscles, nerves, tendons and bones. The impact on long-term foot health is serious. The healing process can be lengthy and injury to tissues can result in gangrene, which is when the tissues can’t survive.

Be on watch!

There are some who may be at a higher risk for frostbite. Children, elderly, diabetics, people who work outside, winter sports athletes, smokers, those who consume excessive alcohol and those who have previously had frostbite need to be on watch.

If frostbite occurs, follow the following steps:

    -    Start treatment as soon as possible
    -    Keep feet dry and gradually warm feet back up
    -    Don’t rub or massage feet
    -    Avoid direct heat such as a stove, fire or heating pad. *Especially important with diabetics when numbness in feet increases risk of burns.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, podiatrist at Houston Foot Specialists can provide further tips to prevent injuries such as frostbite and expert care if you are currently dealing with injury. Call today (713) 467-8886 or check out our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com, and keep your feet healthy this winter.

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A Runners Guide to Winter Weather Footwear

As the weather starts turning colder, you may be dreading the first snowfall of the year.  While a winter wonderland can make for the perfect holiday season, it can also disrupt your routine.  It’s very important to your health that you stay active all year long.  If the ground is covered in snow, you don’t have to give up your favorite outdoor activities.

To help keep you active this winter follow Dr. Jeffrey Bowman’s helpful tips.

• Maintain ventilation.  Even though it’s cold outside, keep active.  You don’t want your feet to freeze, but you also don’t want them to overheat.  Look for shoes with material to keep your feet warm, but still allow them to breathe.

• Wear socks!  Socks reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes.  They also keep your feet warm through all of your physical activities.  Look for socks made from synthetic materials that can wick away moisture whether it’s from sweat or snow.

• Keep your feet dry.  Take paths with the least amount of snow, ice, slush or water.  Just in case this attempt becomes impossible, you should invest in footwear made from waterproof materials.  This will allow you more traction as you run through the snowy trails.

If you want more information about footwear for the winter, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowman.

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Is your child complaining of foot pain? It may Sever’s disease!

Is your child complaining of pain in his or her feet?  After examining, do you notice inflammation?  Don’t simply write these symptoms off as Achilles tendonitis and begin treatment.  But your child may be suffering from Sever’s disease.  Sever’s disease symptoms are often the same type as Achilles tendonitis.

Sever’s disease is heel pain that is common in children between the ages of 10 - 15.  What happens is the growth plate in your child’s heel becomes inflamed.  The disorder can happen from serious injury or trauma to the foot.  Also, if your child plays physically demanding sports such as soccer, football and basketball, these may contribute to the inflammation.  Inappropriate footwear can contribute to Sever’s disease.

In order to reduce the pain caused by Sever’s disease, children need to decrease their amount of physical activities, and especially in competitive sports.  Children should also conduct a daily routine that will safely stretch their lower extremities, particularly the calf muscles.  Investing in custom molded orthotics will also help to reduce pain and inflammation. No need to worry about long term effects, your child will eventually grow out of this disease.

If your child is suffering from foot pain, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman or Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com where you can see more information about Sever’s Disease.

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Venous Stasis: An Attack on Blood Circulation

No matter your age, medical history, or preferred exercise routine, taking proper care of your body should always be at the top of your priority list. In order to prevent painful and serious health conditions related to your lower extremities, you need to eat healthy, exercise, and create a proper health care routine.

Lack of proper care for your body can result in serious conditions such as venous stasis. Venous stasis is a condition where your body loses the ability to properly control the veins in your legs. Under normal circumstances, these veins control blood circulation, bringing blood back to your heart. However, this condition causes a decrease in blood circulation within the veins of your legs, ankles, and feet.

Venous stasis can develop in response to an injury to your veins. This can cause dangerous blood clots within your legs. You may also obtain venous stasis from a blood clot. Therefore this condition should not be taken lightly and treatment should be sought immediately.

The symptoms associated with Venous Stasis often worsen with exercise or even simply putting weight on your leg. This condition can cause your veins to become enlarged which often promote irritation such as tired, heavy, and painful legs. You can relieve pain and swelling by resting and elevating your affected leg and applying ice as needed.

If you allow venous stasis to progress, it can result in additional symptoms that may affect the appearance of your leg. Blood will continue to gather within your legs, ankles, and feet eventually resulting in discoloration. Your red blood cells can actually begin to stain your outer skin taking on a reddish-brown color. This progression is referred to as venous stasis dermatitis. This can also cause ulcerations to the ankles and legs.

Venous stasis is associated with severe swelling in your lower legs and ankles. If you are currently suffering from venous stasis contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman who has in office equipment to test for these problems.  Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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