Osteochondroma: A Kind Growth until It Becomes Painful

An osteochondroma is a non-cancerous growth that develops during childhood or teen years. The abnormality appears on the bone’s surface near the developing cartilage tissue of the bone ends. The growth is comprised of both bone and cartilage tissue. The tumor may continue to enlarge as the individual grows, but once the skeletal system is matured and the bones solidify, the tumor stops growing. Osteochondroma may grow as a solitary tumor or many tumors, which is called osteochondromatosis. However, solitary growths are more prevalent than multiples.

In many instances, no treatment is needed. But when osteochondroma occurs in the foot, they are apt to be painful due to the concentration of bones and supporting tissues. It can be painful especially when bumped or when in a location where shoes apply pressure to the growth.

Little is understood about the causes of osteochondroma. They are not injury related and seem to affect males and females in near equal numbers. Doctors have no way of preventing them at this time. Osteochondroma may grow out from the bone with a stem-like base, called pedunculated. If the tumor grows closer to the bone with a wider base it is referred to as sessile.

Symptoms of solitary osteochondroma include:

• A bump that protrudes near a joint
• Pain with activity or pressure on the growth
• Numbness or tingling if the growth puts pressure on a nerve

If your tumor causes you pain or disability due to nerve pressure and you seek treatment, you will have to undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan, or MRI.  These tests will allow your doctor a complete view of the growth and a better understanding of how to treat your foot. Many times, no treatment is necessary unless the pain prevents normal activity, but the growth should be monitored for change. If you do require surgery, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of recurrence. Osteochondromas are common and tend to recur with great frequency.

If you have a growth that appears on the top or side of your foot near a joint, contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can conduct a thorough examination of your foot and order the necessary imaging to complete your diagnosis. He will discuss your options and get you started on a treatment plan to lessen your discomfort and speed you on your way to better foot health.

References:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00079
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Orthopedics/Lump-on-foot--Osteochondroma-surgery/show/384378
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1904/Osteochondromas.html

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Football and Soccer Cleats - What’s there to Question?

The summer is waning and kids will soon be back in school and participating in autumn sports if they aren't already. That means new shoes for individual sports that are designed to protect feet from injury and maximize playing potential. Most schools don’t provide the shoes, which leaves young athletes and parents wandering the aisle of the sporting goods store, trying to buy what’s right and getting the best deal for their money. So we're here to help with a couple of tips for buying cleats.

Shopping for Football Cleats

There are so many choices and things to consider it’s difficult to know where to begin. Let the position dictate the profile height of the shoe, and you will probably cut your choices by fifty percent.  Football shoes come in high-top, low-top and mid cut shoes. If you play on the line, you will probably want a high-top shoe that offers added protection to ankles in the instances of fast lateral movements. Mid-cut shoes are preferred by players who have to run, but may need a little extra support. You’ll most likely see mid-cut shoes on quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. Some will also wear low-top because of the weight of the shoe.

Considerations before purchasing football cleats:

• What fits your budget
• Leather or synthetic material
• Molded or detachable cleats
• Profile
• Breathability
• Cushioning and arch support

Shopping for Soccer Cleats

When it comes to buying soccer cleats, know what kind of surface you will be playing on. The field condition and material is important to shoe decision because the softer the ground, the longer the cleat should be in order to provide good traction. Also, ask your coach or someone in the league who can tell you if there are any restrictions. These two pieces of information are important and may help you from making a costly mistake. There is a likelihood that surfaces may vary so you may want to select shoes that have removable cleats and simply replacing them can accommodate a variety of playing surfaces or field conditions. Most natural surfaces are considered firm surfaces so it’s possible you would want to choose molded cleats. Cleats that are molded to the bottom of the shoe work fine for a variety of natural surfaces. Your game performance will only be maximized by a comfortable shoe, so make sure your shoes fit properly.

Before you plunk down your hard earned cash, consider the following options so you can purchase the shoe that best meets your needs:

• Full grain leather
• Kangaroo leather
• Removable cleats
• Molded cleats
• Internal cushioning and arch support
• Number and shape of cleats
• Color and style options

Your first consideration has to be foot safety no matter what your athletic endeavor. Occasionally, in the arena of competitive sports, accidents happen. In that case, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His goal is to get you back in play. He’s just the guy to have on your team.

References:

http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-football-cleats.php
http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/equipment/Equipment.htm

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Back to School and Right into Fall Sports

It’s time to think about packing the youngsters off to school. Many students also play team sports, so don’t forget to make special preparations for that also. Chances are last year’s cleats can’t be worn this year. The growth factor needs to be considered as well as the condition of the shoes from last season. While they might look great on the outside, the cushioning and support may be negligible. Now that you are resigned to purchasing new shoes, what sport are you outfitting for?

Soccer and football cleats may look a lot alike and their purpose is the same. These shoes provide the athlete with both stability and traction while on the playing field.  Although they may look alike, there are some differences, which mean one pair of cleats cannot be worn for the same sport.
Below are some key differences you should take into consideration:

• Design.  Football cleats come in three profiles, low-cut, mid-cut and high tops. High tops are preferred by the players who do a lot of lateral movement.  Low-cut or mid-cut shoes are worn by players who require increased maneuverability such as running backs and wide receivers. Soccer cleats are only made in low-cut style because not only are they lighter weight, but they also allow for greater speed and agility on the playing surface. 

• Product. Both soccer and football cleats are constructed from hard plastic and can be detachable. Soccer cleats have the option of an aluminum cap that allows for greater traction. Aluminum caps are not allowed on football cleats. Soccer also allows a metal spike in some instances, which is never allowed in football. One feature present in football cleats that is lacking in soccer cleats is the presence of a horizontal toe spike. The function is to help dig in and provide front driven support. Another horizontal mid-sole spike provides traction against fast starts.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Manufacturer.  Most major manufacturers of sports shoes make both football and soccer shoes. You should know the rules governing the shoes for your particular league. For instance, although one inch cleats are manufactured, not all levels of football allow them. Check with the team coach for added specific information governing shoes and take a features list with you when you go shopping.

Safety and foot protection should be your primary concern. Dr. Bowman can provide you with additional tips for foot and ankle safety considerations. You can call him to schedule an appointment at (713) 467-8886. Make sure that all foot and ankle concerns are addressed before your student athlete boards the bus and heads back into the competitive world of school sports.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/111722-difference-between-soccer-football/

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Correcting Overlapping and Underlapping Toes

English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Overlapping and underlapping toes are deformities seen when one or more of the toes lies on top of or underneath other toes. Other deformities such as bunions or hammertoes may be present at the same time, and bunions may actually cause toes to overlap. Pressure from the toe box often causes hard corns to develop. Also, soft corns and blisters are apt to develop where the toes rub on each other. The toes themselves generally do not hurt, but the corns and blisters can be very painful.

Overlapping toes usually affects the fifth toe and it can occur prior to birth. A process of stretching and taping can be done during infancy, but the deformity usually returns. There is a surgical procedure where the tendon at the base of the small toe is released allowing the toe to assume a more normal position. On occasion a pin may have to be placed to keep the toe in alignment.

Underlapping toes affect the fourth and fifth toe and are probably caused by unequal strength in muscles. If underlapping toes are present at birth it is called congenital curly toes. This deformity can be corrected surgically with a couple of different procedures depending on whether the toes remain flexible or are rigid. Your foot and ankle specialist can best determine the procedure necessary in your situation.

In order to provide comfort to the patient, the first step in treatment is to change to footwear that will allow room for the deformity. Dr. Bowman may recommend orthotics designed to straighten and space the toes correctly. If this conservative treatment is not successful, a surgical procedure to release the tendon will allow the toe to reposition.

A recap of some of the treatment options include:

• Wide deep shoes to avoid pressure on the deformity

• Corn and callus treatment

• Orthotics to space and align toes

• Surgical treatment

Children with flat feet and high arches distribute weight differently. The faulty biomechanics can cause the toes to assume an abnormal position. Adults can develop overlapping toes as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toe area.

If you have a bunion watch for symptoms of overlapping toes and call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His expert ability to rearrange toe positioning can make your feet pretty again.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1907/OverlappingorUnderlappingToes.html
http://www.prlog.org/10352809-overlapping-and-underlapping-toes.html

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