Back to School Preparations for Student Athletes

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It barely started and is almost over - summer vacation! It just isn’t long enough and as parents look at making back to school preparations, some may tend to agree. Special consideration for the student athlete is the necessary equipment for the first day of practice. If your child participates in an indoor sport like volleyball, they will need a pair of shoes that meet the demands of the sport and provide the best protection for their feet. Their street sneakers probably lack the desired gum-rubber sole that allows for the unique demands placed on them.

There are an estimated thirty million participants in volleyball so shoe manufacturers have researched and spent lots of time in developing footwear that:

• Grips

• Supports

• Absorbs shock

These are key features to look for when making your decision. Normal running shoes just won’t get the job done. Volleyball players do quick and frequent directional changes, which require a sole sure to grip the smooth floor. Manufacturers use a gum-rubber material for the outer sole allowing the participant to start, stop and pivot quickly and a herringbone pattern is added to help avoid slip and fall accidents.

Since the volleyball player spends most of the time on the balls of their feet or toes, support at the midsole is a must. Gel, liquid, air and foam are options that provide support and offer good energy return and rapid recovery.  The best support comes from custom orthotics.

High top shoes are available and aid the player with weak ankles and at the same time help to prevent sprain injuries. For the student athlete who prefers low top shoes, an ankle brace may be an option to consider or Immobilization tapping.

As a volleyball player, the student athlete relies on a shoe that will keep him or her safe and maximize their performance. If the current shoes just aren’t cutting it, perhaps it’s time to retire them and select a shoe with the desired capabilities. A sports store that specializes in indoor court sports has sales staff available to guide you and make recommendations. They are also the best go to person for advice on fit. Purchase the athletic socks you will wear with the shoes and buy the shoes to accommodate both feet and socks. Shoes should not feel tight, if they do, move a half-size up.  Consult with Dr. Bowman about correct shoes for any sport.

If after all this your student athlete sustains a sports injury, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His expertise as a former athlete can minimize lost time and get you back on the court. Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/395899-what-type-of-shoes-do-you-need-for-volleyball
http://www.livestrong.com/article/392402-qualities-to-look-for-in-a-volleyball-shoe/

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Problems with the Achilles tendon? Take time out and fix it now!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles at the back of the leg to the heel bone. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body and also the most frequently injured. It can withstand tremendous force, but it can also be easily pushed beyond its limits. Sports activities frequently cause Achilles tendon injuries, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional athlete or a weekend sports enthusiast, an injury can happen to anyone. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and is frequently a result of overuse from running or other activity that can strain the tendon.

Achilles tendonitis may be treated at home with a high rate of success, but there are instances when the tendon tears (ruptures) that need you will quick medical attention. Symptoms that you should watch out for include:

• Pain at the back of the leg and above the heel
• Creaking noise when you touch or move your Achilles tendon
• More severe pain in the morning that diminishes with light activity
• Swelling or bump on the tendon

Mild cases of tendonitis may be treated at home. To relieve painful symptoms try:

• Ice application to affected area
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Change of routine to reduce stress to tendon

In order to avoid the onset of tendonitis do the following:

• Increase activity, intensity, and frequency gradually
• Always allow for appropriate warm up time
• Avoid hard and uneven surfaces when running
• Footwear should be changed out every 300 to 500 miles if you run
• Check footwear insoles for proper cushioning and support for all sport activities and make sure you are in the right shoe for that sport.
• Stretch before and after any type of activity

Sudden and intense pain may indicate a tear or rupture of the tendon. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Other symptoms that indicate a rupture include the inability to walk normally or bear weight and inability to flex and walk on toes of the affected extremity.

A rupture of the Achilles tendon may be partial or complete. It may be accompanied by a pop or a snap followed by intense pain and the inability to walk normally. Treatment may depend on your age, your level of activity, and the level of tear. Dr. Bowman has extensive training is this area and can evaluate your condition and discuss your best treatment options. There will be a period of rehabilitation for a ruptured tendon. A typical time frame is four to six months for return to prior activity level. 

If you suspect Achilles tendonitis, or possibly a rupture, do not delay treatment and call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. With his state of the art technology and expertise, Dr. Bowman will diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan developed specifically for you, and you will be speeding along on the road to recovery.  Online appointments available at www.houstonfootspecialist.com.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/achilles-tendinitis/DS00737
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/achilles-tendon-rupture/DS00160

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Hidden Dangers in the Pool

The swimming pool called Olympic (Georgia, Isani, Tbilisi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the temperatures in Houston consistently hitting the 90’s, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But if you’re in a pool at a resort, gym, or in a community pool, you need to be wary. There are some dangers lurking around and beneath the water of which you should be aware and mindful.

When you head off to a public pool, the list of belongings in your gym bag needs to include pool shoes and shower thongs. These items are recommended for safety as well as health reasons. However, safety is a priority. The clear blue of the pool looks really inviting, but it’s nearly impossible to see glass on the bottom of the pool, and somehow it manages to find its way there. If a glass gets dropped on the deck and shatters, it’s easy for a shard to end up in the pool.  Wear pool shoes to keep your feet safe from stray glass and uneven tiles. The small tiles used to construct the pool’s bottom have very sharp edges and sometimes are not flush. The raised edge of a mislaid tile can cut your foot as quickly as glass. Pool shoes not only keep your feet safe while in the water, but can reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries while on deck.

The health of your feet is equally as important as keeping them safe from injury. If you don’t wear pool shoes or thongs while on the deck, in the shower, or in the locker room, you expose your feet to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Both athlete’s foot and toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and moist areas. If you are diabetic you must safeguard your feet from health conditions that could result in harm to your feet. Wear your shower thongs or pool shoes, and leave them on your feet until you are ready to pat your feet dry and put on your clean socks and shoes. You may also want to use an anti-fungal spray. Why give fungus a chance. Spray your feet and your shoes and Dr. Bowman will be happy to recommend the proper spray. When you get home, allow your pool shoes time to dry in the sun and fresh air. These are two natural enemies of fungus, and the drying time will ensure they are fresh and ready for your next trip to the pool.

To recap, quickly:

• Watch for hazards
• Wear pool shoes or shower thongs when using public pools, locker rooms, or showers and while on deck
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Use anti-fungal spray on feet and in shoes
• Allow shoes to air-dry completely. The best policy is to not wear the same shoes two days in a row

If you have a foot or ankle injury or a health concern with your feet, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com. His experience and state of the art technology work together to keep your feet healthy and you happy.

References:

http://www.footcaredirect.com/athletes_foot_fungus.html

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Hammering Those Toes Back Into Shape

Podiatrist in the operating room performing hammertoe correction surgery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you want to have glamorous, well-functioning feet? If you said yes, then you have to get rid of those hammertoes. Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the second, third and fourth toe and bends them so they appear like a hammer. If caught and treated early, when the toes are still flexible, treatment is simple. However, if left untreated the toes become fixed and surgery is required.

Hammertoes may be the result of shoes that do not fit properly or perhaps a muscle problem that keeps the toes in a position of constant contraction. If the toes are left in the contracted position for prolonged periods of time, it is difficult for the muscles to straighten them. As the toes remain in the contracted position, calluses or corns may develop on the tops of the toes at the middle joint. The area then becomes red, raised, and sore making it difficult to find shoes that do not further irritate the condition.

You may wish to consult with Dr. Bowman if you notice your second, third and fourth toes are showing the following signs:

• Red and raised at the middle joint
• Developing corns or calluses on top or the tips of the toes
• Swollen
• Rubbing on the inside top of your shoes

In order to treat this deformity, you should opt for a softer shoe with a roomier toe box. Shoes must be one-half inch longer than your longest toe. For many people this is not the great toe that is often used in the pinch test, but rather the second toe. Preferably do not wear high heels or shoes that cramp or constrict your toes, as this aggravates the condition. A shoe repair shop may be able to stretch your shoe to more comfortably accommodate this deformity. There are also exercises that can be done at home that may help stretch and strengthen your muscles, or Dr. Bowman may suggest a simple strapping device that can be utilized as well as cushioning.  

If non-surgical methods fail to correct your hammertoes they can be surgically treated as an outpatient. Recovery time is normally short although the end result may have toes slightly longer or shorter than before. The exact surgical procedure will depend on the severity of your case. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for an appointment. He can evaluate you and discuss your options.

References:
 
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1870/Hammertoes.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00160

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The Ankle Bone is Connected to the Knee Bone…

English: Three Kistler force platforms imbedded in a laboratory walkway (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your feet represent the foundation of your body, as they are the weight bearing mechanism. Your feet contain nearly twenty-five percent of the bones in your body. When they do not operate in an optimal manner, you may have pain in your legs, knees, hips, and lower back. 

One of the most common dysfunction in the foot is over-pronation, which occurs when the foot flattens too much and the ankle rolls inward. Over-pronation forces other muscles and bones to work extra hard to compensate and eventually causes pain. Over-pronation means the foot has difficulty stabilizing the body’s weight. When the foot pushes off for the next step, it is doing so with the big toe and second toe putting forth all the effort.

If you experience ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain and have not gotten relief by changing your foot wear to a motion control type shoe, contact Dr. Bowman. He has the ability to analyze your gait and determine where the weakness may be in the way you move your body from point to point. Gait analysis may be done on a treadmill or by making a visual assessment as you walk or run, revealing any biomechanical abnormality. After Dr. Bowman completes a thorough evaluation, he can make recommendations to improve your situation. This may require a change of foot wear or, perhaps, custom orthotics worn in the shoes.  Custom orthotics can bring your body into proper alignment so muscle and bone function is improved, helping to alleviate pain.

If you suffer ankle, knee, or hip pain, or are bothered by muscle cramping in the legs or lower back, the actual source of the pain may be traced back to your feet. It may seem like a long stretch from the feet to lower back pain, but an abnormality in foot function can cause pain elsewhere in the body. 

Contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and advise him if you are experiencing pain in your feet. He can use his knowledge and experience, as well as his scientific arsenal, to properly diagnose the source of your discomfort and help you lead a more pain free life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sports-specific/running-injuries/gait-analysis

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