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

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

Related articles

• Are your feet making you fat? (yourfeet.co.nz)
• How can I prevent shin splints? (mnn.com)
• Feet types and how to choose running shoes (christostriathlon1.wordpress.com)

Deep Vein Thrombosis - Forewarned, or Maybe Not!

Do you experience pain in the lower leg that is maybe only apparent when standing or walking? Is there reddening or swelling along the vein line or increased warmth in the general area of the swelling? If you do, you may have a condition known as DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT). Some people exhibit no symptoms at all, and may not rank high with regard to noted risk factors. 

DVT occurs when blood thickens and forms a clot, which then can break off and travel through the body. It can eventually reach a lung and block a major artery, which impedes the flow of blood. When this blockage occurs, it is called Pulmonary Embolism (PE). This is very serious, and can lead to death.

Risk factors include:
    •    Smoking                       
    •    Overweight
    •    Over 60 (although it can occur at any age)
    •    Recent Surgery
    •    Cancer treatments
    •    Bedridden
    •    Trauma

There are several means to assist in diagnosing DVT. When you visit Dr. Bowman he will ask you about your medical history, your overall health and your prescription medications. A physical exam of the legs will be done may reveal DVT, or he may require further medical testing. 

If you are diagnosed with DVT, it is important to prevent the blood clot from enlarging, moving or recurring. Medication can be prescribed to prevent and treat DVT. Other forms of treatment are Vena Cava filters and compression stockings.  Taking measures to prevent DVT is important. You should see your doctor for regular check-ups, and report swelling, pain or warmth in the lower legs.

You should take medications exactly as directed. Exercise regularly, and if you travel, get up and move about to increase circulation. If you have had recent surgery, get up and get moving as soon as your doctor recommends it. This will reduce the chance of blood clots forming. But, the best means of prevention of DVT is assessing your lifestyle, and making the necessary changes. Get your blood pressure under control. If you are overweight, lose the excess, stop smoking and start a healthy and reasonable exercise program.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886. 

Resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deep-vein-thrombosis/DS01005

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dvt/

Related articles

• Fliers beware: Are you at risk for deep vein thrombosis? (gadling.com)
• What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? What Is DVT? (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Aspirin may prevent DVT and PE in joint replacement patients (medicalxpress.com)

Alcoholic Neuropathy - 12 Steps to a Better Life

Many people enjoy the social aspects of drinking, but patterned consumption can quickly get out of hand. If allowed to continue unchecked, it can lead to long term excessive consumption. This, in turn, can result in a wide array of other health concerns, one being alcoholic neuropathy.

Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by the prolonged and excessive use of alcohol. It can be characterized by an awareness of a feeling of tingling, prickling, or needles and pins, usually beginning in the hands and feet. “Excessive” and “prolonged” may be somewhat subjective terms, but research indicates that if you have consumed excess alcohol for 10 years, you are at risk for nerve damage. In addition to the needles and pins, other symptoms may include a general achiness or cramping, nausea, incontinence or difficulty urinating. Men may experience loss of sexual function. 

When the sensation of numbing in the feet occurs, it can lead to loss of motor control, falling, and injury. Symptoms are more prevalent in the legs than in the arms, and it comes on gradually and is progressive.

Treatment begins by removing or treating the cause, which in this case is alcohol or alcoholism. It is suggested the patient enroll in a program that can assist in removing the exacerbating factor and help with behavior modification.  A 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is recommended. Since poor nutrition usually goes hand in hand with excessive intake of alcohol, the patient must also focus on better, more healthful nutrition, especially with regard to the B vitamins.

Once drinking as a factor is eliminated, the symptoms may lessen, but long term prognosis does not suggest the reversal of nerve damage. Loss of motor function, severe pain, and possible disability can occur.  Alcoholic neuropathy itself is probably not a mortality issue, but it definitely impacts life quality.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing alcoholic neuropathy and would like to speak to Dr. Bowman about the long term effects and treatment options, please call our office to set up an appointment.  

Sources:
www.alcoholism-solutions.com/alcoholic-neuropathy
www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/315159-overview
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001733

Related articles

• Do You Have Peripheral Neuropathy? (eastpennfoot.wordpress.com)
• What Causes - The Several Causes of Neuropathy! (swampgas.wordpress.com)
• Is There Hope for Neuropathy and Retinopathy Sufferers? (lewrockwell.com)

Plantar Warts - Small and Annoyingly Painful

Are you experiencing small and fleshy growths on your feet?  Perhaps these growths are a little painful or tender when you walk?  If you said yes, then you may be experiencing plantar warts.  Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically non-cancerous and appear on the bottom of the foot or toes, usually at a point that bears pressure.

Plantar warts are caused by small breaks in the skin, which can allow the virus to gain entry to the body, and if the body’s natural immunities are not too sufficient to ward off the virus, it can grow and sometimes spread.  They are characterized by a thickened callous like area, and often have small dark dots, which are tiny blood vessels. If they do grow, they may require treatment.

Treatment varies, and takes time. However, there are some over the counter products available, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that may allow the wart to diminish and eventually disappear. Other possible treatments may include freezing the wart or warts, and surgical removal may be necessary. Houston Foot Specialists also has a laser treatment for removing plantar warts. Also, if the wart grows inward, it can be painful. The wart may appear small on the outside, but become larger as it grows up into the foot. Plantar Warts should be treated early to prevent growth and spreading. During treatment, you may need to pad the area to help relieve pressure, so comfortable shoes are a must.  Keep the inside of shoes clean and dry. Also, protect your feet from re-infection by using shower shoes and not going barefoot in gym and shower areas. Avoid the desire to pick or scratch at the area.

If you suspect you have plantar warts, and live in the Houston area, call 713-467-8886 for an appointment or visit our website. We would be happy to assist you in a treatment program.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Plantar-warts/DS00509

Related articles

• Wart Removal (jmtcw.wordpress.com)
• Welcome to the Wacky World of Warts (bellasugar.com)
• Plantar Fasciitis (advantagesportstherapy.wordpress.com)

Correct Fit in Cowboy Boots - A Lesson in Leather and Fashion

So it’s time for a new pair of cowboy boots, huh?  Here are a few pointers that will keep a swagger in your step. Remember to keep these tips in mind as you shop for the perfect pair.
  
·    Inside the boot, there is a thin fiberglass sheet in the toe box area. This part of the boot does not stretch, so the toe box needs to be roomy enough for you to wriggle your toes. You should not feel any pressure in this area.

·    A boot should fit your foot like a firm handshake, snug, but not tight.

·    As you walk, your heel needs to rise off the sole of the boot slightly. If it does not, try a wider boot.

·    The boot should provide even support. The break in the boot must line up with the arch in your foot.

·    The boot should require a bit of effort to pull on. You should feel and hear a little bit of a “plop” as your foot settles into the boot. 

·    Also, remember most people have two different sized feet. Measure both feet and buy boots to fit the larger foot. Stores that sell boots should have a Brannok device available to assist, which will help with length and width measurements.  Fit the boots at the end of the day to ensure a proper fit, as your feet may swell during the day.

·    Use the pinch test. To make sure your boot fits correctly over the instep, try to pinch the leather between your thumb and forefinger. You should not be able to pinch any excess leather, but there should be a little play.  If it feels too snug, try a wider boot.

·    When fitting a boot, feeling for the big toe is meaningless. The ball of your foot needs to sit on the widest part of the sole, and the shank of the boot should fit the arch.

If you keep these tips in mind when purchasing boots, you’ll be comfortable all day long. So polish up your boots and buckles, dust off your best hat, and head for the rodeo.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists, and we can help you fit into the right pair of boots!

Related articles

• Storing and Caring for Cowboy Boots (bootblog.allensboots.com)
• Cowboy Boots for Your Valentine (bootblog.allensboots.com)
• Rodeo pics (longamericanholiday.wordpress.com)