When a Sprain Becomes a Real Pain

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

Related articles

• Take care of your dancing feet (eastpennfoot.wordpress.com)
• Week 14 - acute ankle sprain, no running (marathonmolly.wordpress.com)
• Sprained Ankle While Camping/Hiking (yytraveladventures.com)

Got Bunions?

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

Related articles

• Health Tip: Is That Bump a Bunion? (nlm.nih.gov)
• Alicia Ciccone: How High Heels Ruined My Feet (And I'm Only 24) (huffingtonpost.com)
• Save our soles: The six most common foot problems - and how to fix them (mirror.co.uk)

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

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

Related articles

• Hiking Boots - How to Choose the Right Ones (yytraveladventures.com)
• These Boots Were Made For Walking... (walking4air.wordpress.com)
• Vasque Talus UltraDry Boots (sfgate.com)

Healing Solution for the Dry Skin Problem

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

Related articles

• Moisturizing cream for dry skin (temmylinny.wordpress.com)
• Foot care tips for diabetics can save a limb (yourfeet.co.nz)
• Perfect Skincare (for normal to dry skin types) (superdoodadsblog.wordpress.com)