Feet Are Not Meant To Hurt!

Pain is not a new phenomenon, but it is unpleasant and inconvenient when it affects your day to day activities. You will experience foot pain at some point because it is brought on by a wide array of injuries, conditions and diseases. Pain is common, but when you experience pain that you cannot account for, you need to seek medical advice from a podiatric physician.

A podiatrist, like Dr. Bowman, can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which helps get you back on your feet. Studies show that over seventy five percent of Americans experiences foot discomfort during a twelve month period. Also, an equally high number attribute it to being on their feet for an extended period of time each day.

There are numerous conditions that contribute to foot pain. Several of the most common ones include:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains
• Stress fractures

Many of the causes of foot pain can go away with better choices in footwear. Shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and provide cushioning and support will protect your feet from many of the ordinary, non-injurious woes that affect your feet. Dr. Bowman is a good source of information about shoes that can keep your feet pain free.

Specific conditions sometimes require specific solutions. This allows your pain to be manageable to the extent you are able to continue a normal and active life. Consult with Dr. Bowman and avoid self-medicating.

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints your foot and ankle specialist encounters. It generally results from overuse and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs the length of the foot and provides support to the arch. This ligament may develop tiny tears and can become very painful. Rest is crucial to healing this condition. Pain may also ebb with the application of ice and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.  Custom orthotics which are special inserts for the shoe also add a considerable amount of comfort.

Ankle pain is another complaint that people report. If you have sprained ankles in the past, you may be susceptible to recurring pain in the joint because of a weakening of the soft tissue and its inability to properly support the ankle. After recovery from a sprain injury, you may want to consider using an ankle brace for additional support. Take all necessary precautions and follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not rush the healing process because the likelihood of re-injury increases.

Dr. Bowman’s website (www.houstonfootspecialists.com) offers a lot of information on specific diseases and conditions that he can help with a treatment plan that includes good pain management. Call him at (713) 467-8886 and take the first step toward a more pain free life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1827/Generalinformationtips.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1910/painmanagementforspecificconditions.html

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Aligned and Connected: The Cure for Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

Staying connected…
Muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together in their own special ways. They work to allow your body to achieve stability, durability and flexibility. However, to stay in good working order you need to safeguard these functions, and appreciate the mobility that they provide. Adequate exercise is important in order to keep joints strong and limber. If you overwork or injure your body, things may not function as normal, and you may experience pain.

The injury…
Peroneal tendon dislocation/dysfunction is a condition that affects two tendons that originate at the muscles on the outside of your calves and allow your foot to roll to the outside when you stand, as well as, support the arch of the foot. When certain injuries occur, tissue may stretch or tear. This can cause the peroneal tendon to dislocate from its normal groove toward the back of the bone. The tendon then rolls over to the outside of the bone sustaining damage in the process.

Why me…
Peroneal tendon dislocation is most commonly the result of high intensity sports activities such as skiing, football, basketball and soccer. On occasion, sprains have also been known to cause this injury. Don’t eliminate the sport altogether, but you can make sure your footwear is appropriate for the activity.

What happens now?
Treatment for peroneal tendon dislocation may include use of crutches to prevent weight bearing, compression bandage to reduce swelling and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. It is important to remain off the injured foot in order for injury to heal properly. Follow your doctor’s instructions without deviation. Surgical correction is necessary when the tissue damage is bad enough to indicate it may tear completely or easily dislocate.

Saw bones
If you must undergo surgery and during your surgeon discovers you are one of the few who does not have a groove for your peroneal tendon to rest in, he may need to cut grooves in the bone and then install metal screws or pins to hold the bones in place while healing occurs. A six week healing time is normal followed by a few weeks of protected weight bearing, then an additional month or more of physical therapy allowing you to regain strength and mobility.

Caution is the word
Re-injury is always a possibility, but you minimize that risk by following your doctor’s orders. Do not attempt to hurry the healing process. Dr. Bowman has experience treating this condition and knows what’s best for you. His goal is to see you completely recovered. To set up an appointment with Dr. Bowman’s call his office at (713) 467-8886.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1912/peronealtendondislocationdysfunction.html
http://www.ahni.com/specialties/foot-and-ankle/common-disorders/peroneal-tendon-dislocation/

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Psoriasis - the agony and embarrassment!

This common recurring disease of the skin is truly an eyesore. It is inflammatory and is notable by round, reddish dry patches covered by whitish scales. Normally it appears on the scalp, elbows and shins, but on occasion it shows up on the feet. If it occurs on the feet, it may appear a lot like Athlete's Foot or if on the nails it may look like toenail fungus. A sample may be taken to determine if fungus or psoriasis. Sometimes small blisters appear filled with a clear or cloudy fluid.

Psoriasis can affect the joints of the lower legs and feet by causing painful arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications are often chosen to treat Psoriasis. A flare-up of Psoriasis on the hands and feet should not go untreated because not only can it cause pain, but also embarrassment because of the appearance of the lesions. If you are unable to work because of the pain, you may suffer a financial loss as well. In some instances, Psoriasis can break out on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Because these areas of your body are in constant use, this can become very difficult to deal with.

7.5 million Americans affected
Genetically predisposition affects about 10 per cent of the population, but fewer actually get the disease. People who suffer from hands and feet Psoriasis can trigger their own symptoms.

Known triggers: stress and injury
Since injury is a known trigger to the unpleasant outbreak of Psoriasis, people whose hands and feet are affected need to be especially kind to their feet and hands since dry cracking skin is a symptom. These openings can easily become infected. This type of Psoriasis affects more women than men and is generally only found in the adult population.

There are a number of home treatment tips that can help the Psoriasis sufferer:

• Cease smoking as it’s a trigger.

• Avoid stressful situations when possible.

• Protect yourself from foot and hand injury.

• Soak hands and feet twice daily in warm water, then moisturize with a lotion recommended by your dermatologist or podiatrist.

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks made from natural fibers, also wear gloves if needed.

Medical treatment usually involves topical ointments that contain steroids. An ultraviolet light therapy may work to stunt skin cell growth. This is more effective when combined with topical medication. Injectable medications that block the immune system may be used if other medications are not effective.

If you have a skin condition on your feet that you think may be Psoriasis or something else, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His evaluation and treatment plan represents the next step in healthy foot care.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis-treatment-11/hands-feet
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1921/Psoriasis.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/when-psoriasis-affects-your-feet.aspx

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Plantar Fibromatosis: I’ve got you under my skin!

It’s almost painful just to learn about all of the conditions that afflict your feet as you move into middle age and beyond. When does it all end?

Fibromatosis is a condition where excess collagen (fibroma), or fibrotic tissue, causes the development of small, hard nodules beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot. They may grow and increase in density over a period of time, but eventually this ceases. The good news is that it’s generally non-cancerous. The bad news is it can make walking or standing a nightmare. However, there is a big disparity among men and women. Fibromatosis happens to men approximately ten times more than women.

The most recognizable plantar fibromatosis symptoms are hard nodules under the skin and pain. Although there are circumstances that can “open the door” to the development of plantar fibromatosis, there is no known definitive cause. Trauma, genetics and certain medications or supplements all may play a role in the development of this condition.

Possible causes include:

• Injury
• Genetics
• Medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements

Other contributing factors are chronic liver disease, diabetes, and seizure disorders. These conditions may not contribute, but rather the medications used to heal or treat them are the primary culprits. As the surges in numbers of people suffering these conditions increases, so will the number of cases of fibromatosis continue to rise.

There are many treatment options for plantar fibromatosis, which include invasive or non-invasive.

Invasive treatment options include:

• Injections, which are put directly into the fibroma.
• Surgery, which can include the removal of the fibroma, or the removal of the complete plantar fascia. Surgery includes a long recovery time and may lead to other foot problems.

Non-invasive treatment options include:

• Topical application
• Stretching
• Orthotics
• Padding
• Physical therapy

There are several stretching exercises of the calf and arch that may be beneficial and help with the discomfort. These stretching exercises should first be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. This will ensure that the exercises are done correctly.

If you have symptoms that you think may indicate plantar fibromatosis, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and set up an appointment today. Dr. Bowman will conduct a comprehensive foot evaluation in order to determine your exact symptoms and then develop a treatment plan. He can diagnose and treat any foot condition. Step into his office for unparalleled foot care because you’ll step out feeling better!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/319755-plantar-fibromatosis-exercises/
http://www.pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatisplantarfibromatosis.html

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The Drama of Enchondromas

Enchondromas are tiny non-cancerous tumors that grow inside the bones and are made up of cartilage. They begin to develop during childhood in people ranging from age 10 to 20. As a rule, they are not painful and do not require treatment. They often go undetected until a person has an imaging test, such as an X-ray, for a totally unrelated reason such as an injury or arthritis. These tumors are common and most often appear in the hands and feet, but they can occasionally be found in major long bones of the arm and leg.

The cause of enchondromas is not readily apparent; there does not seem to be any correlation between having the tumor(s) and exposure to chemicals, radiation, or certain activities. When the tumors appear in the hands and feet, they can cause bone deformities due to the small size of the bones.

The symptoms of enchondromas mimic other conditions, so check with Dr. Bowman; however, common symptoms of enchondromas include:

• Pain if the growth is large
• Enlarged fingers or toes
• Pathologic fractures
• Deformities

Once you discover the tumors, it is crucial to monitor them to make sure they are not aggressive or cancerous.

If specific treatment is necessary, it will be on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Bowman will take into consideration your age, overall health, and medical history, as well as the following:

• How far the tumors are progressing
• How well you tolerate medications and procedures
• Whether the tumors can become worse
• What you prefer

In some cases where the growth of the enchondromas has caused the bones to fracture, treatment may include surgery to graft healthy bone taken from elsewhere in the body to replace the fractured and diseased bone. If no indication of bone weakening exists, Dr. Bowman will set up a schedule that allows your condition to be closely monitored. Please contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for all your foot and ankle concerns. His vested interest is in the overall health of your feet in order to safeguard your quality of life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1806/Enchondroma.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchondroma
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00085

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