Socks: The First Line of Defense!

If you’re wondering why there is a blog devoted to socks, we want to tell you right away. Your foot health is important and sock choice matters! After you’ve dug around for a matching pair of good ol’ tube socks, you may find they don’t stand the test of time or do your feet any justice.

Socks matter!

You want your feet to function well. Actually, you need them to! Feet are under constant stress throughout the day. If you are an athlete, the amount of stress put on feet multiplies even more. The least you can do is provide your feet with a little TLC and that can often begin with the right pair of socks. Socks are often the first line of defense between your feet and the outside world. They provide padding, cushioning, warmth, help absorb moisture and reduce friction. Socks can be vital to not only foot health, but also your overall health. Problems that can arise from being without socks or the right kind include blisters, fungal and bacterial infections and frostbite.

I don’t know what you’ve been told,
These old socks are getting old!

The U.S Military has even done extensive research on socks. Soldiers needed regular medical help for blisters, abrasions, athlete’s foot and other foot problems. Socks affect the comfort and fit of shoes as well as foot health. Soldiers spending their day running, marching and on duty 24/7 needed the right kind of protection in their boots.

A cotton sock is going to retain three times more moisture than an acrylic one and retain that moisture ten times longer. Merino wool, synthetic or a combination is what you want to see in a good sock. Socks often have extra padding in the heels or ball of foot. It is a good idea to take your socks with you to try on shoes. You may need to go up a half size for feet to be really comfortable. If you are an athlete, pick the right sock for the right sport as they can help prevent injury and enhance performance.

If your lack of concern for your feet has led to some foot problems, it is time to “sock up” and make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Your feet deserve the right care and Dr. Bowman can get you started on the right foot…or sock! Call us today (713) 467-8886 or see our website for online appointments at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Feet and Frostbite

Frostbite can happen to anyone. During all kinds of activities, in all kinds of places, this medical condition can take even an experienced outdoorsman by surprise. Knowing the facts, how it happens and how to handle it is the best place to start and the best way to keep your feet, literally.

Brrrrrr!

When you are exposed to cold for a prolonged amount of time, your body tries to preserve heat. Blood vessels near the surface of your skin narrow to push more blood to your core to keep your heart and lungs warm. This of course helps with hypothermia but the flipside is that it puts your extremities at risk for frostbite.

Frostbite can occur within minutes or even in warmer temperatures if there is a strong wind chill. Having wet feet makes things worse. If your feet have been exposed to cold for a long time, you will start to feel pain, prickling or burning sensations. Numbness typically follows. Your skin will change color from pale or red to bluish-grey to black. There are different categories of frostbite as well.

Superficial frostbite, while still serious, doesn’t damage tissue underneath. Blistering can still occur making getting proper care very important. Deep frostbite involves muscles, nerves, tendons and bones. The impact on long-term foot health is serious. The healing process can be lengthy and injury to tissues can result in gangrene, which is when the tissues can’t survive.

Be on watch!

There are some who may be at a higher risk for frostbite. Children, elderly, diabetics, people who work outside, winter sports athletes, smokers, those who consume excessive alcohol and those who have previously had frostbite need to be on watch.

If frostbite occurs, follow the following steps:

    -    Start treatment as soon as possible
    -    Keep feet dry and gradually warm feet back up
    -    Don’t rub or massage feet
    -    Avoid direct heat such as a stove, fire or heating pad. *Especially important with diabetics when numbness in feet increases risk of burns.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, podiatrist at Houston Foot Specialists can provide further tips to prevent injuries such as frostbite and expert care if you are currently dealing with injury. Call today (713) 467-8886 or check out our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com, and keep your feet healthy this winter.

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A Runners Guide to Winter Weather Footwear

As the weather starts turning colder, you may be dreading the first snowfall of the year.  While a winter wonderland can make for the perfect holiday season, it can also disrupt your routine.  It’s very important to your health that you stay active all year long.  If the ground is covered in snow, you don’t have to give up your favorite outdoor activities.

To help keep you active this winter follow Dr. Jeffrey Bowman’s helpful tips.

• Maintain ventilation.  Even though it’s cold outside, keep active.  You don’t want your feet to freeze, but you also don’t want them to overheat.  Look for shoes with material to keep your feet warm, but still allow them to breathe.

• Wear socks!  Socks reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes.  They also keep your feet warm through all of your physical activities.  Look for socks made from synthetic materials that can wick away moisture whether it’s from sweat or snow.

• Keep your feet dry.  Take paths with the least amount of snow, ice, slush or water.  Just in case this attempt becomes impossible, you should invest in footwear made from waterproof materials.  This will allow you more traction as you run through the snowy trails.

If you want more information about footwear for the winter, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowman.

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Is your child complaining of foot pain? It may Sever’s disease!

Is your child complaining of pain in his or her feet?  After examining, do you notice inflammation?  Don’t simply write these symptoms off as Achilles tendonitis and begin treatment.  But your child may be suffering from Sever’s disease.  Sever’s disease symptoms are often the same type as Achilles tendonitis.

Sever’s disease is heel pain that is common in children between the ages of 10 - 15.  What happens is the growth plate in your child’s heel becomes inflamed.  The disorder can happen from serious injury or trauma to the foot.  Also, if your child plays physically demanding sports such as soccer, football and basketball, these may contribute to the inflammation.  Inappropriate footwear can contribute to Sever’s disease.

In order to reduce the pain caused by Sever’s disease, children need to decrease their amount of physical activities, and especially in competitive sports.  Children should also conduct a daily routine that will safely stretch their lower extremities, particularly the calf muscles.  Investing in custom molded orthotics will also help to reduce pain and inflammation. No need to worry about long term effects, your child will eventually grow out of this disease.

If your child is suffering from foot pain, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman or Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com where you can see more information about Sever’s Disease.

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Venous Stasis: An Attack on Blood Circulation

No matter your age, medical history, or preferred exercise routine, taking proper care of your body should always be at the top of your priority list. In order to prevent painful and serious health conditions related to your lower extremities, you need to eat healthy, exercise, and create a proper health care routine.

Lack of proper care for your body can result in serious conditions such as venous stasis. Venous stasis is a condition where your body loses the ability to properly control the veins in your legs. Under normal circumstances, these veins control blood circulation, bringing blood back to your heart. However, this condition causes a decrease in blood circulation within the veins of your legs, ankles, and feet.

Venous stasis can develop in response to an injury to your veins. This can cause dangerous blood clots within your legs. You may also obtain venous stasis from a blood clot. Therefore this condition should not be taken lightly and treatment should be sought immediately.

The symptoms associated with Venous Stasis often worsen with exercise or even simply putting weight on your leg. This condition can cause your veins to become enlarged which often promote irritation such as tired, heavy, and painful legs. You can relieve pain and swelling by resting and elevating your affected leg and applying ice as needed.

If you allow venous stasis to progress, it can result in additional symptoms that may affect the appearance of your leg. Blood will continue to gather within your legs, ankles, and feet eventually resulting in discoloration. Your red blood cells can actually begin to stain your outer skin taking on a reddish-brown color. This progression is referred to as venous stasis dermatitis. This can also cause ulcerations to the ankles and legs.

Venous stasis is associated with severe swelling in your lower legs and ankles. If you are currently suffering from venous stasis contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman who has in office equipment to test for these problems.  Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Protect Your Feet on the Slopes

Sadly, warmer weather has left our horizon, and the cold winds are settling in, but your former blue skies don’t have to turn completely cloudy. Instead you can start looking forward to your favorite winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. While the fresh powder has not landed yet, you can start preparing to protect your feet and ankles by following these helpful tips:

• Stay warm. When out on the slopes you can experience a wide range of weather. You may start out freezing and wind chilled, but eventually your body will grow hot from the intense exercise! It’s important to maintain a healthy body temperature and to stay dry throughout your time on the slopes. Therefore your body requires appropriate winter apparel. Look for insulated clothing and footwear that are waterproof and allow for proper ventilation.

• Keep your socks on! Socks help to keep your feet warm and dry while reducing the irritation between your feet and shoes. Avoid cotton socks. Wear a comfortable pair that will wick away moisture. You should look for medium-thickness so your feet will stay warm but refrain from overheating.

• Find the right footwear. You should be specific to your chosen sport when it comes to footwear. Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, you need boots that will properly protect and support your feet. Custom Orthotics for ski boots is a great idea for support and will help you stay on the slopes longer. Size is also important. Make sure your boots fit comfortably and properly cushion your feet for a full day on the slopes!

If you suffer a foot or ankle related injury on the slopes this winter, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

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Prevent Ice Skating Foot and Ankle Ailments

While most of you may be holding on to the last remains of the summer heat, remember to look for the silver lining of colder weather. Ice skating is one of the best parts of the winter wonderland. Whether you are looking for family fun or a competitive sport, ice skating can be a great way to stay active throughout the winter season. However, you should remember that ice skating can hold potential dangers to your feet and ankles. In order to protect your feet from painful ice skating ailments follow these helpful tips.

• Find the right fit. Ill-fitting ice skates, just like other forms of footwear, can easily lead to ailments and injuries. Your toes should come close to the end of the skate without actually touching it. Skates should allow your toes enough room to move comfortably but be tight enough to provide stability for your ankles and feet.

• Use proper posture. Poor posture can easily lead to pain in your ankles and feet, so it’s important to skate in an upright position. You should avoid skating with your feet pointing inward which can increase pressure on your ankles. Skating with your feet straight and your body standing tall can help evenly distribute your weight.

• Avoid wet feet. Even though the rink is cold, ice skating can easily cause you to work up a sweat. If your skates or socks become wet, you should remove them and refrain from putting them back on until they have been washed and dried thoroughly. However, if you are skating at an outside rink, wet feet and foot pain can be an early sign or frostbite, so you we recommend you head indoors.

• Weak Ankles? Many skaters have week ankles and if you do, wear a brace. Custom molded braces called an AFO can be made or at the very least, wear a store bought brace. If you sustain an injury, seek help right away.

• Learn how to fall. Most injuries occur when a skater is falling. The best way to fall is on the side of your leg. Never try to catch yourself with your hands; they can fracture this way and if falling keep your head up to prevent concussion. For new skaters, don’t be embarrassed by wearing a helmet. Better safe than sorry!

If you require additional information on finding healthy skates for the winter season or would like to be fitted for custom molded orthotics contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. Online appointments and more information can be found on our website, www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Learn the Facts of Acrocyanosis and How It Affects the Foot

The weather is unfortunately turning colder and you can anticipate some irritation from your extremities. However, if cold temperatures cause drastic changes to your body such as turning your feet and hands blue, you may be suffering from a condition known as acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis refers to a disease where your hands and feet suffer from a decrease in oxygen. Constricted arteries or spasms of those small blood vessels cause this decrease in oxygen.

Your smaller arteries help carry blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients to the skin of your feet. Spasms can be especially dangerous with this condition because they can completely cut off blood circulation. With lowered amounts of oxygen and blood actually delivered to your feet, your skin can appear discolored even turning to shades of blue. Your feet may also become extremely cold and sweaty. Acrocyanosis may also cause your feet to swell. The symptoms associated with acrocyanosis become worse in cold temperatures.

Fortunately, warm temperatures can relieve symptoms so it is important to maintain a proper body temperature. You can take steps such as purchasing insulated socks and shoes. You should avoid staying out in the cold weather for long periods of time and invest in warmer protective footwear like winter boots.

Fortunately, acrocyanosis is not painful, but like all foot related conditions, it should be taken seriously and can even be an early sign of a more serious medical condition. If you are currently suffering from acrocyanosis contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. See our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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