Pronation – Over vs. Under

Pronation refers to how your body weight is distributed on your feet and how your feet handle that weight. Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX regularly treats patients who deal with feet that either overpronate or underpronate. The difference may be small but can have a big effect on your foot health.

What is overpronation?

When you have overpronation, your foot tends to roll inward as you walk causing much of your arch to touch the ground. This is a common condition that can cause problems over time as the foot and ankle are not able to absorb shock very efficiently and can’t stabilize the body as well as they should. At the end of each step, instead of the whole front of your foot evenly pushing off, the stress is put on the big and second toe. You can understand then how this can put strain on the muscles and ligaments of your foot.

What is underpronation?

This condition is also called supination and is when the foot automatically rolls outward with each step. The impact is then concentrated on the outside of your foot causing the work during push off to be done by your little toes. With this condition, extra stress is put on your shin, knee, and thigh and strains the muscles in your feet and lower leg. This condition is much less common than overpronation but can cause significant problems if you are athletic and very active.

Looking at a pair of old shoes could show signs of over or underpronation. Look at where the edges are worn. You can also step a wet foot on brown paper and check your footprint.  If no arch is present on the bag you likely pronate. A flat foot often results in overpronation and a high arch often leads to underpronation. A custom device for your shoe called orthotics can be the solution to your foot woes and provide years of comfort

Knowing your foot structure and whether you have a normal or abnormal pronation will help you choose appropriate footwear and understand the cause of any pain you might be having. Make an appointment with Dr. Bowman today to find out the true state of your foot health. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Have a Bunion? What Shoes Should I Wear?

Do you have a large bump on the side of your toe?

If so, you most likely have a bunion. Bunions are a very common foot deformity where the big toe leans over towards the other toes. Foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman treats patients with bunions on a daily basis at his practice in Houston, TX.  Genetics play a big role in whether you will develop bunions but your footwear choice plays an equal or even larger role.

With a bunion deformity, a bump protrudes out the side of your foot due to the big toe leaning over. This bony bump can make it difficult to find shoes and wearing the wrong shoes can aggravate a bunion and cause it to become even worse. To prevent or slow down the progression of a bunion or relieve bunion pain, investing in well-fitting shoes is essential.

If I have a bunion, what shoes should I wear?

• Avoid shoes that have narrow, pointy shoes.

• Look for shoes with a wide and deep toe box

• Buy shoes made of material that has some give and stretch

• Choose shoes that have a removable insole in the case that you wear or may need to wear orthotics which will help slow the progression of the deformity

• Avoid shoes that have stitching or extra material at the toes as it could rub against and irritate your bunion

• Do not choose shoes based on the hopes that they will eventually stretch out and be comfortable – they should feel great in the store!

• Invest in shoes labeled for comfort that can be worn for long periods of time and are designed to protect and support feet that have specific conditions

• Shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet tend to be more swollen, this will ensure a proper fit

Dr. Bowman can provide expert advice and treatment if you are struggling with a bunion problem. There are many treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and allow you to live life pain-free. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Exercises for After Foot Surgery

Winston Churchill once said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” He definitely was not talking about foot surgery but the same principal can apply. The “tools” you use post foot surgery will make a big difference in its success.

When his patients have foot surgery, Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX, stays involved with each patient from start to finish. With his clearance, post surgery exercises are often an important part of the healing process as they can reduce swelling and provide strength and flexibility to the foot.

Some easy exercises to do after foot surgery include:

Work your toes. With a towel placed on the floor, sit in a chair and place your foot flat on the towel. Use your toes to scrunch the towel towards your foot. You can also use small objects such as coins or marbles to strengthen your toes. Put them on the floor and use your toes to pick them up one by one. These exercises can be done for a minimum of 10 minutes two times a day.

Strengthen your muscles. Sit on the floor with your healing leg straight out in front. Use a towel or an exercise band and loop it around the ball of your foot. Gently press your foot forward as you pull back on the towel or band. Try this 10 times for 3 sets.

Find your balance. This exercise also helps strengthen your foot muscles. When you are a bit farther along in the healing process, try balancing on the foot that is healing with your other foot slightly off the ground. Start with just 30 seconds. You can progress by holding the uninjured foot higher off the ground or by closing your eyes. Always be near something you can grab to prevent a fall.

If you have had bunion surgery, it is common for the big toe joint to be stiff.  Grab the big toe at the base and pull up holding it for 5 seconds then down for 5 seconds.  You will feel some discomfort which is normal. This should be done 30 times 2 to 3 times a day.

There are many more exercises and devices to use and Dr. Bowman will instruct you what is right for you post surgery.

The important thing to remember is that these types of exercises should only be done with Dr. Bowman’s approval. You do not want to start adding stress or pressure until the proper amount of healing has occurred. If you have any questions about foot surgery please contact our podiatric office for an appointment. Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Toe Implants & Hammertoe Surgery

Do your toes look a little less than desirable? Are they crooked and bent? If they look like little hammers that make an upside down “V” then you have hammertoes.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX treats hammertoes on a very regular basis. It is a common toe condition that usually results from a muscle imbalance in your foot. The tendons and ligaments can become abnormally tight and bend the toe beyond its normal position. Genetics, Flat Feet, arthritis and even poorly fitting shoes can all cause hammertoes to develop and they can be either flexible or rigid.

Severe arthritis or waiting too long to seek treatment can cause hammertoes to become rigid. Unfortunately, when hammertoes get to the point where they are rigid, the treatment options become focused on surgical methods.

What is involved with hammertoe surgery and toe implants?

Surgery for hammertoes is not as scary as it may sound. It can be done on an outpatient basis and usually takes about 15 minutes. Local anesthetic is used, sometimes combined with sedation. Many of Dr. Bowman’s patients are able to walk right after using a surgical shoe and have minimal pain post surgery.

In some cases, hammertoes can return and when this happens, Dr. Bowman may encourage you to have toe implant surgery. This corrective surgery involves a quarter size implant called a Smart Toe that helps to keep the toe straight. This surgery helps many patients get back to being mobile very quickly.

If you have painful, rigid hammertoes and would like to discuss treatment options, contact Dr. Bowman today for more information. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Freezing Foot Pain Treatment & Neuromas

Are your feet on fire?

The burning sensation you are feeling in your foot may be from a neuroma. A neuroma is an inflamed nerve in the ball of your foot that can be quite painful. Wearing uncomfortable shoes can aggravate an existing neuroma.

Freeze your pain!

Cryosurgery is a type of treatment that brings new meaning to cold feet. During this treatment, temperatures get to around -70 centigrade. A main goal during treatment is to instantly calm down and alleviate any inflammation that has developed from your neuroma.

Think of it this way. If you sustain an injury, a common response is to put ice on the area. With cryosurgery, it is the same principle although a probe is used to deliver “ice” right to the area that needs it. In the case of a neuroma, it is a nerve that needs to be treated.

The reason this freezing technique works so well is that the outer layer of the nerve that sends out the sensation of pain is stripped. This way, the nerve is no longer able to transmit pain. Another reason for choosing cryosurgery is that one treatment is often enough to take care of your pain. Sometimes you might be encouraged to try steroid injections but these often take a few rounds before they begin making a difference. After a cryosurgery, there may be some soreness or bruising but after a week, you will feel back to normal and have feet that are pain-free!  Is it for everyone? No, but Dr. Bowman will let you know the best options.

If you are tired of living with burning, painful feet, contact foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman. He can diagnose the exact cause of your pain and decide if cryosurgery is right for you. To make an appointment, contact our Houston, TX podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Top of the Foot Pain

Are you being stopped in your tracks with pain on the top of your foot?

The average person takes 10,000 steps a day and it can be very frustrating if pain is a part of every step you take. If you are dealing with pain on the top of your foot, you may also be experiencing any one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty walking

• Redness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain that increases with activity

Knowing what is causing your foot pain is the first step in finding the right treatment. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats patients on a regular basis who come in with pain on the top of their foot. Common reasons he finds cause top of foot pain are:

• Aging

• Pregnancy

• Metatarsalgia

• Tendonitis

• Sprains and stress fractures

• Bone Spurs

• Improper footwear

• Nerve entrapment

How can the pain on top of your foot be treated?

To alleviate pain, try resting your foot when possible and using ice and elevation when you can. Avoid any shoes that may be the culprit of your pain and opt for low heeled, supportive and comfortable shoes.

Depending on the severity of your pain, Dr. Bowman can provide several treatment options. The use of custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, can be very effective in providing extra support for your feet and alleviate the symptoms. Medications, injections, physical therapy, immobilization or possible surgery may be required to deal with persistent top of foot pain. The only way to get the right treatment for your pain is to come in and see us for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Jogging vs. Biking

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” - Mark Twain

Are you trying to get ahead in the areas of health and fitness? It is not easy and with so many kinds of exercise, fads and trends out there, it can be hard to know where to start or what is best. Running and biking are two great ways to increase your strength and cardiovascular fitness. They both help burn calories but is one better than other?

Which is a better exercise, jogging or biking?

The answer to this question actually depends on a few factors. To burn one pound of fat, you need to burn roughly 3,500 calories. On a bike, the number of calories you burn is going to depend on how much you weigh and the intensity at which you ride. Going faster or uphill is going to increase the amount of calories you are able to burn. Jogging or running follows similar rules. The amount of calories you can burn will depend on how much you weigh and how long or intense the jog or run is.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX treats sports injuries on a regular basis. Overuse while training and the stress from exercise can take a toll on feet and ankles. A reason to choose biking over jogging is the fact that it may be a more low-impact choice and easier on your feet, ankles and knees. Running basically costs nothing (except for a good shoe) and can be done anywhere whereas biking requires equipment and the right place to do it.

What matters is doing something you love and that keeps you safe and healthy. If you are experiencing any foot pain with biking or jogging, stop and have it diagnosed before it gets worse and interrupts your exercise entirely. Make an appointment with Dr. Bowman by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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The Foot Preparing for a CrossFit Workout

CrossFit is a strengthening and conditioning program. It is a very popular fitness trend that is also being implemented in police academies and military operations. It is an intense exercise program that involves jumps, lifts and strength training structured in a way that you do a certain number of repetitions in a specific time frame.

How can I best prepare for a CrossFit workout?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX encourages all of his patients to have a thorough evaluation before stepping up their exercise routine. You may not be aware of underlying conditions or problems that could lead to future injury. If you are interested in CrossFit, start with a visit to our podiatric office to ensure your feet and ankles in particular are ready to handle it. Other important tips include:

• Take a good look at each exercise you will be asked to do. If you have never done the movements described, learn how to perform them properly. Exercising with the right technique will greatly decrease your risk of injury.

• Work your way up. Start small, doing the amount of repetitions that your fitness level can handle. The squats, lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting and explosive movements take a lot of strength and stability. It will be important to take the time to develop the flexibility and skill needed for the required movements. 

• Wear a cross training type shoe.  The shoe should be stiff at the heel and a non slip sole.

CrossFit will help you get stronger and healthier but you aren’t going to get anywhere if you are injured. The goal should be to do what you can at the level you are at. If pain or injury occurs at any point of your training, seek treatment right away before it becomes more serious. Make an appointment at our podiatric office by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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