What should I expect when undergoing foot surgery?

Surgery can be scary, but when it comes to your feet it may be necessary to prevent the loss of your mobility. Problems with your feet should always be taken seriously. You should remember that pain is never normal and may be a sign of a more serious issue. For these reasons daily foot care is important to prevent serious damage.

If you are experiencing severe foot problems and contemplating surgical treatment, there are a few things you should consider first:

• Hospital Time Commitment: Most foot and ankle surgeries take about an hour. However, in reconstructive surgeries to correct severe deformities it may take three to four hours. Some surgeries also require a hospital stay for up to four days. There are surgeries that allow discharge on the same day, but it depends on your specific circumstances. Hospital stays need to be discussed prior to scheduling your surgery.

• Recovery: Your recovery time can vary depending on your surgical procedure and severity of your injury. Most cases require patients to take off one to two weeks from work. However, if you are undergoing surgery on your right foot you will not be able to drive right away. Once you can wear regular shoes, and do not find discomfort when pressing on the pedals, is when you can drive.

• Pain: During surgery you will be sedated with anesthesia to eliminate pain. But you still need to expect some amount of pain following your procedure. Discomfort levels may vary, but you can reduce pain by icing and elevating the area. You may also be prescribed pain medication.

Surgery is considered in severe cases of chronic pain and limited mobility. If you are interested in foot surgery, you need to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.  He will determine if a surgical operation is right for you or if another treatment is suitable to your circumstances. You can call our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowman. Also check out his blogs on what to do before surgery and after surgery.

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-expect-from-foot-surgery.htm
http://www.faant.com/library/9-common-questions-about-foot-surgery.cfm
http://www.anklefootmd.com/surgery-faqs.php

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Stretching Your Way to Healthy Feet

Your feet have daily wear and tear whenever you walk, stand or participate in physical activities. Unfortunately, they have the difficult job of bearing the weight of your entire body. With that in mind, you want to make sure they remain strong and healthy.

How do you do that?  Stretch your feet!  Stretching on a daily basis can help improve the overall health of your feet, ankles and toes. To keep your feet fit you will want to stretch throughout the day. It is best to stretch in the morning because it can get your blood flowing and eliminate any tightening that happened during your slumber. You should also conduct a midday stretch.  Find time during your lunch break, or even stretch right at your desk, to get that stretch. Whether you sit, or stand at work, your muscles can become tight in a fixed position and will cherish a stretch. You should end the night with a final stretch directly before your bedtime. This sends your body off to sleep with increased blood flow and loose muscles.

Make sure that you are conducting a series of stretches that are specific to your lower limbs. It can be easy to remember to stretch your arms and legs, but your feet, ankles and toes need the workout just as much. Perform stretches targeting each of your feet, ankles and toes. Stretching helps to prevent tightening in your muscles, which can easily result in painful injuries. Stretching strengthens your limbs, can increase blood circulation and lower your risk for developing an injury.

Some Easy Stretches:

• Going up on toes slowly and down slowly, the key is slow

• Using a Kick Space under a cabinet try with your toes to lift the cabinet

•  Using a towel pull the feet towards your body, this is great for heel pain

• Achilles Stretch. Stand facing a wall with hands on wall and feet 2 feet back, move one foot in towards the wall and keeping heel on ground lean into the wall. Repeat for other foot.

• See our Website (www.houstonfootspecialists.com) for educational blogs and videos with details for stretching.

If you require additional information on maintaining the health of your feet, or are interested in a routine check-up and foot examination, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/5-Foot-Stretches-to-Prevent-Injuries.htm
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/hygiene-tips/how-to-care-for-your-feet2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O28QOoXihOU

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• stretch it out

Get Foot Surgery Out of Your Way!

If you love to put things off until the last possible minute, don’t worry, you are not alone! However, when it comes to your health putting off treatment can have serious consequences and can result in permanent damage. In regards to your feet, those consequences can be drastic even leading to the loss of mobility. That’s why you should pledge right here and right now to schedule your foot surgery if recommended before the end of the year!

The end of the year can be the best time to have surgery and here’s why…

• You’ll have time off. The end of the year is filled with paid holidays and extra vacation time you haven’t used. Plenty of companies shut down during the holiday or do not allow rollover on your vacation days. With all of this extra time off from work you will have plenty of time to have surgery and heal properly before returning to work.

• Insurance deductibles are low. At the end of the year you most likely have reached your deductible amount for the year. After the New Year the deductible will reset and you will have to pay more money out of pocket. Surgery is often put off due to cost, but if your deductibles are low the end of the year can be the best time to get your health on the right track.

• Sports season will break. If you are a member of an organized sports team, most activities have a break during the holiday season. This will give your feet more time to heal and even participate in physical therapy. You won’t have to let down your team by missing out on any games and you will be perfectly healthy for the new season.

Surgical operations can always be scary, but putting off surgery can be extremely damaging to the health of your feet. If you are suffering from a foot or ankle related injury that may require surgery contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman or visit his website at www.houstofootspecialists.com for explanations and videos of surgery.

References:

http://upstatefootcaresc.blogspot.com/2011/12/surgery-when-is-best-time-to-have-it.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/testimonials.html

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Do You Know How to Find the Right Pair of Boots this Fall?

The kids are back in school and chilly weather has landed at your doorstep! It can only mean one thing – fall is here! As the weather turns colder it’s time to turn in your summer sandals for a warmer form of footwear.

Boots make the perfect specimen for fall footwear. But with so many styles it can be difficult to find the healthiest pair for your feet. However, we can help you maintain the health of your feet and find the best boots this fall. Follow our tips below.

• Find your best fit. No matter what type of footwear you are purchasing, the fit is always most important. You should try on boots before every purchase and at end of the day when you tend to be more swollen. Take a walk around the store to ensure comfort. Ill-fitting boots can lead to a variety of injuries and painful foot conditions.

• Look for arch support. Your arches bear excessive stress and absorb serious pressure every time you walk, run or participate in any form of physical activity. Your arches require an adequate amount of support in order to cushion every stride and reduce stress. Custom orthotics really helps make your arches much more comfortable and help in a leather or any soft boot.

• Be specific to your activities. Boots come in a variety of styles designed to keep your feet warm and dry. If you are spending the day outside, or going for a long walk, insulated boots can be the perfect solution to keeping your feet warm. Water proof them before outdoor activities. However, if you are going to be spending the day in your heated office or school, you may need a boot with better ventilation or you could spend the day sweating your feet off. You should also think about all of your activities before you pick out the perfect pair.

Healthy and properly fit footwear can help to lower your risk for a variety of foot related ailments. If you require additional information on finding the best boots for your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. Appointments are also available online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/62613-importance-arch-support/

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What is Freiberg’s Disease?

Freiberg’s disease, also known as Freiberg’s Infraction, refers to a condition where the metatarsal head fractures and collapses. It causes a decrease of blood circulation in the foot. The first sign of Freiberg’s disease is usually pain in the ball of a child’s foot. However, developing Freiberg’s disease can happen with injuries to a child’s metatarsals, which is the growth plate of one of the long bones behind the toes. An injury within this area can damage the circulatory system by preventing blood from flowing to a child’s growth plate. This decrease in blood circulation can cause severe pain.

The disease occurs after a growth spurt or during puberty. It most often occurs in adolescents between the ages 13 to 15. However, females have a much higher risk of acquiring Freiberg’s disease. The disease usually occurs in teens who participate in activities that put great pressure upon their toes like sprinting, jumping and ballet. These activities can cause repetitive stress leading to Freiberg’s disease.

Freiberg’s disease causes pain in the forefoot, which worsens while walking, standing or engaging in exercise activities. You can relieve pain by allowing feet to rest. You should rest and elevate your feet while applying ice to reduce pain and relieve swelling. You should refrain from wearing high heeled footwear, which can cause an increase in pain, swelling and limit motion of the joint.

Treatment of Freiberg’s disease requires limited stress placed on the affected area. This is done by the use of crutches, custom made orthotics, a medical boot or a cast. If you believe your child may be suffering from Freiberg’s disease contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. If Freiberg’s disease is not treated properly and in a timely manner it can lead to arthritis and even result in surgery.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1818/Freiberg%27sDisease.html
http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Condition/2380/Freibergs_disease.aspx
http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/freibergs_disease
http://www.footankleinstitute.com/friebergs-disease/

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Preventive Steps for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Have you been experiencing pain in your ankle for a long time? If you answered yes, then you may be experiencing chronic pain. The difference between acute and chronic pain is the amount of time you have been experiencing pain. It can vary, but in general pain that has gone on for over six months is chronic pain. Chronic lateral ankle pain is chronic pain on the outside of your ankle and occurs from an injury. Symptoms for chronic lateral ankle pain includes instability, pain on the outside of the ankle, recurring ankle sprains, tightening of the muscles, swelling, tenderness and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.

However, Dr. Bowman has some tips to help prevent chronic lateral ankle pain.  They include the following:

• Watch out for ankle sprains. Ankle sprains that do not heal completely and properly is the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain. You can take steps to prevent an ankle sprain by wearing properly fit shoes and performing a warm-up routine before every physical activity.

• Wear the right footwear. Always try on shoes before every purchase. Your shoes need a wide toe box so your toes can move comfortably. Also, avoid shoes with elevated heels, tapered toe boxes or toe springs. Look for footwear that not only adheres to the length and width of your feet, but the exact shape.

• Workout your feet and ankles. Chronic lateral ankle pain can cause damage to your ankle’s nerves. This is present among people with diabetes. Your feet and ankles can suffer a decrease in blood flow because they are the farthest limbs from your heart. Therefore, you should conduct a series stretch and exercises specific to your feet and ankles in order to increase blood circulation.

Chronic lateral ankle pain happens with arthritis of the ankle joint, inflammation of your joint’s lining or a torn tendon. Chronic pain needs to be taken seriously, and treatment should happen immediately. If you have an ankle or foot related injury, or experiencing long term pain, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. If left untreated chronic lateral ankle pain can result in severe damage to your joints and tissues.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_pain
http://www.livestrong.com/article/234542-causes-of-chronic-ankle-foot-pain/
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1746/ChronicLateralAnklePain.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150
http://www.footankledc.com/medical-library/chronic-lateral-ankle-pain/

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A Ballet Dancer’s Guide to Foot Care

Ballet is one of the most intense and competitive physical activities. It puts excessive stress upon your feet, ankles and toes. Ballet dancers put themselves at risk for many painful foot problems, most commonly severe blisters and bone fractures.

Below are some tips for ballet dancers to help keep free from injury. They include:

• Wrap your feet. Most ballet dancers practice on a daily basis. This makes their feet susceptible to aches and pains. Wrapping your feet before every dance can relieve swelling and pain brought on by the pressure. Wrapping your feet can also prevent your feet from blistering.

• Find your correct size. If your ballet shoes allow your feet and toes too much room to move it can result in painful blisters.

• Massage your feet.  

• Give your feet a rest. Practice makes perfect, but too much physical activity can easily lead to an overuse injury. If you begin to experience pain in your feet, toes, or ankles, take a break. Allow your feet time to rest while icing and elevating your affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

Dancing, particularly ballet, places extreme physical demands on your feet, toes and ankles. The physical demands put your feet at risk for injuries or other ailments. Practicing proper foot care on a daily basis is important in maintaining the health of your feet.

If you experience a foot or ankle ballet injury contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://www.dancersfeetct.blogspot.com/
http://houstonfootspecialists.com.edit.officite.com/blog/post/have-fun-dancing-without-injury-to-feet--ankles.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/362111-how-to-wrap-a-dancers-foot/

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Are Crocs healthy for your feet? Or Is It Croc?

Fashion aside, the world has become obsessed with the comfort found in a pair of Crocs. With an assortment of colors from bright patterns to calming pastels, you can be sure to find a pair of Crocs to go with every outfit. However, the true question with Crocs does not lie with fashion, but the most important aspect of this comfy form of footwear is health. Are Crocs healthy for your feet?  Or, do they simply create a cloud of cushion for your walk?

Crocs are extremely light on your feet as heavy shoes weigh your feet down, which make each step a bigger effort. The toe box is wide so your toes can wiggle and tall so the shoe is not pressing down on your toes. They have several holes on the top giving your feet proper ventilation. The Rx Crocs have an antibacterial lining in order to reduce your risk for developing fungal or bacterial infections. Also, crocs give your feet arch support and cushion your feet with every step.

Crocs are a healthy alternative to summer sandals like flip-flops. The classic Crocs are similar in design to that of a clog making them easy to slip on and off of your feet. Crocs are just as easy to slip on, keep your feet cool and maintain your health. They offer your feet greater protection than most other summer sandals while maintaining comfort.

So there you have it, Crocs aren’t just about comfort, but they are all about maintaining the health of your feet. Crocs have the official seal of approval by the APMA, letting you know that Crocs are not only the comfy choice, but the healthy choice. Crocs are perfect for walking and every day use but are not for serious physical activity.

If you have any questions, or require additional information on finding the healthiest footwear for your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/crocs-healthy-shoes-just-comfy
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/video/crocs-healthy

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Feet Smell? Helpful Hints To Prevent Foot Odor

Foot odor is a common occurrence for many people. In fact, your feet contain more sweat glands than almost any other part of your body. Your feet sweat throughout the day and unfortunately shoes can help lock in heat and moisture, which causes a prominent and unpleasant odor.

However, don’t ditch your shoes because they are worn to protect your feet. Instead you can actively prevent nasty foot odor from occurring! Below are some helpful tips to keep your feet healthy and smelling fresh.

• Clean your feet. Wash your feet, toes and ankles at least once a day. You can scrub your feet with soap and warm water to help eliminate bacteria that causes an odor. Also, make sure to thoroughly dry your feet – especially between your toes. 

• Don’t wear the same shoes. Shoes need a full 24 hours to dry out. Try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row especially in a humid climate like Houston.

• Wash your socks. Wearing socks with shoes can help prevent perspiration. However, make sure you change your socks daily as dirty socks can lead to smelly feet. Always wash your socks after every wear.

• Moisture wicking socks. These are available at many sporting good stores and are helpful when trying to prevent foot and shoe odor.

• Dry out your socks and shoes. If your socks become wet, you need to take them off and toss them in the dirty clothes hamper. Also, if your shoes get wet then you need to air them out before using them again. Wearing wet socks and shoes can lead to fungal infections.

• Apply antiperspirant powder or spray. Apply a spray or powder in your shoes, socks and the bottoms of your feet, on a daily basis. This can drastically reduce your perspiration by keeping your feet dry and odor free. Dr. Bowman carries Mico-Mist Spray in his Houston office which works great.

Sure, feet can smell from time to time, but regularly foul foot odor can be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection. Also, sweaty feet create the perfect warm and moist environment for infections and fungus to spread to not only the rest of your foot but to others as well.

If you believe you may be suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection on your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. Online appointments available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1816/FootOdorandSmellyFeet.html
http://centralctfootcare.blogspot.com/2012/07/do-stinky-feet-have-you-hiding-in-shame.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1920/Prevention.html

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Do you know to prevent ingrown toenails? Read on for tips from Dr. Bowman!

An ingrown toenail happens when the sides of the toenail grow directly into the surrounding skin of the nail. This condition can be extremely painful and can cause severe inflammation, swelling and tenderness.

Below are some tips to help eliminate ingrown toenails from occurring in the first place. Please follow Dr. Bowman’s helpful tips to keep your feet healthy and reduce your risk of an ingrown toenail.

• Cut toenails properly. You need to trim your toenails on a weekly basis. It’s important to keep your nail from growing over the end of your toe. Trimming toenails straight across is the best way to cut.  You want avoid curving at the ends of the nail, which can direct your toenail to grow into your skin.

• Find your correct fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pressure on your feet, especially your toes. Your shoes need to allow your toes room to move and breath comfortably. Your toes should come close to the end, but not actually touch the end of your shoe. Look for shoes with wider toe boxes that provide a nice amount of room for your toes.

• Injuries. Something as simple as someone stepping on your toe can cause and ingrown nail, be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid high heels. This uncomfortable trend continues to be a common cause of many foot ailments, including ingrown toenails. High heels often have small and pointy toe boxes, which squeeze your toes together. Heels also angle your feet so that your body pushes down upon your toes in overwhelming amounts of pressure.

• Wash your feet regularly. You should scrub your feet and toes at least once a day. Wash with soap and luke warm water.  Also, dry your feet completely, especially between your toes.

• Avoid “Bathroom Surgery”.  Many people try to cut out an ingrown nail themselves.  This will actually make the problem worse by leaving a portion of the nail in the skin that cannot be seen.  This part is called a spicule and will cause more pain and infections.

Ingrown toenails are not only painful, but if you leave them without treatment then it may result in fungal or bacterial infections. Also, the skin on your toes can begin to grow over your toenail. In severe cases, where ingrown toenails lack treatment in a timely manner, they can result in serious infections and the ingrown portion of your nail may need to be surgically removed which is a simple procedure. If you experience an ingrown toenail, please contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. See Dr. Bowman’s website for more information at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1878/IngrownToenails.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1877/IngrownNails.html

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