Claw Toe – Not the Next Avenger’s Superhero Power!

This toe problem sounds like something from a superhero action movie, but in reality it is a very common toe condition. It is a deformity that results in one or more toes of the foot curling downward, often pressing into the soles of shoes.

What causes a claw toe? 

Claw toe is often lumped into the toe problem family with hammertoe and mallet toe. The difference lies in which toes and what joints are affected. When patients come into our Houston, TX office seeking treatment, they often believe bad shoes are to blame. Tight, pointed-toe shoes can aggravate toes and make existing deformities worse but are not usually the primary culprit. Trauma and inflammation can also cause this problem, but it is usually nerve damage that weakens muscles and causes toes to curl down abnormally. Diabetes and alcoholism are primary diseases that contribute to nerve damage in the feet.

Early treatment is key! Claw toes are often flexible at first but can progress and harden in place over time. Avoid this by looking for telltale signs: toes are bent upward at the joint nearest the forefoot, toes are bent downward at the middle joint, toes are bent downward at the top joint and corns on the tops of toes or under the ball of the foot.

We find our patients who are proactive at the beginning stages benefit greatly from simple shoe modifications, padding, splinting and taping and toe exercises. If your condition has progressed beyond these conservative measures, we can discuss more aggressive treatment options or the need for surgery.

Don’t let a toe deformity get to the point where you are stuck at home and unable to enjoy life like you should. We are here to help you! Contact or call Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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The Best Shoes to Wear if You Have Knee Problems

Tennis great Rafael Nadal of Spain spent seven months sidelined from the professional tennis tour because of knee problems. The knee endures an extreme amount of stress and impact in the world of sports, but the same is even true during simple daily tasks for the average person.

Knee pain can arise for several different reasons. An injury, arthritis, poor footwear and a faulty foot structure can all be to blame. Whatever the cause, pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. One of the best places to start is looking at the shoes you are wearing. Your feet are your foundation and if they are not supported and taken care of, the knee can take the brunt of the neglect.

At Houston Foot Specialists, we encourage patients with knee problems to invest in good shoes. This is not a time to be a penny pincher. Cheap materials and little support will only make your problems worse. You want to look for a pair of shoes that are well cushioned with good shock absorption and arch support.  Often, Custom Orthotics to correct foot structure is recommended. These features will limit the impact your knee will have to endure each time your foot strikes the ground.

Knowing your foot type should also guide your shoe choice. A faulty foot structure such as having flat feet or high arches alters the way your foot meets the ground. This abnormality can impact your knees, hips and lower back. A reputable sports store will be able to offer proper suggestions to accommodate your foot type. The experts at Livestrong.com have identified the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10, Saucony Progrid Omni 9 and the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10 as shoes suitable for knee pain sufferers.

If you can’t find a shoe that seems to help or are concerned that a foot problem is to blame for your knee problems, we can help! Don’t hesitate to contact our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 with any questions or to make an appointment.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Best Shoes for People with Flat Feet

How often do you think about your foot type when shopping for shoes? If you have painful flat feet and haven’t been choosing wisely, your shoes could be the cause! Flat feet are characteristic of an arch that has flattened. If you aren’t sure, place a wet foot on a light brown piece of paper. If the footprint has a flat oblong shape, you most likely have a flat foot.

Our Houston, TX staff constantly stresses the importance of good footwear to our patients. If you have flat feet, your foot structure needs a shoe that will support it properly to avoid stress on the foot and possible injury. People with flat feet tend to have a problem with over-pronation, which is when the ankle rolls inward while standing, walking or running. When you go out shopping for your next pair of shoes, take the time to go to a reputable shoe store with employees who know which shoes would be best suited for flat feet. An anti-pronation shoe is optimal as it is designed in such a way to limit the foot from over-pronation.

Remember that shoes for a flat foot should be well cushioned and have a straight sole rather than a curved one. If the sole is too curved, it can put a lot of pressure on the foot. Look for a shoe with solid support – if you can bend it in the middle, leave it on the shelf. This is especially important if you want to use the shoe for athletics.

Lastly, many patients with flat feet experience great benefits by using custom orthotics to support and stabilize their feet. Choose shoes with removable insoles to accommodate for orthotics if necessary.

If having flat feet is causing pain and making it difficult to stay involved in your favorite activities or to find shoes that feel great, Dr. Jeff Bowman can help! Please contact Houston Foot Specialists and make an appointment today. Don’t let one more day go by being plagued with foot pain, call (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

What You Need to Know About Dysplasia

When children face anything that may cause discomfort or result in an abnormality, parents often feel worried and fearful about the future. Having the right information can bring peace of mind and the tools necessary to make the best decisions regarding their health. When it comes to children’s foot problems, there are a few conditions that are rare but worth knowing about should you or someone in your life develop symptoms.

What is dysplasia?

This condition, also known as Epiphysealis Hemimelica, is a rare skeletal developmental disorder. It commonly affects children and adolescents and is more prevalent in males than in females. Dysplasia affects the bone joints often in the hand or the foot. An overgrowth of the cartilage on the end of one of the long bones results in swelling or a mass. Usually only one limb is affected. Each case of dysplasia varies in severity as well. Some patients experience pain, limited mobility in the joint and deformity. This disorder can cause limbs to be unequal in length.

The exact cause of dysplasia is not known and most cases require surgical intervention to relieve symptoms or to bring the foot back to full function. Unfortunately, it is common for this condition to recur. 

While a disorder such as this is rare, foot pain in children is also abnormal. If your child is complaining of any kind of discomfort in their feet, or you notice any symptoms of deformity or developmental problems, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists. He can provide the diagnosis and treatment that your child needs to be able to live without foot pain. Call our office in Houston, TX to make an appointment (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Best Shoes for High Arches

Do you have high arches and have difficulty finding comfortable shoes?
Having a certain foot structure, which is often inherited, can create some problems once in awhile. One of the ways feet can be different is by the type of arch that is present. If you wet your foot and step on a light brown piece of paper, check the footprint. If just your toes and heel show up, then you have a high arch. If it looks more like a pancake, you have a flat foot.

Foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman, often finds that patients with high arches who are complaining of foot pain just need a simple shoe modification. A standard shoe off the shelf may not suffice in providing the support and cushioning your foot needs. This is especially true if you are active and heavily involved in running or other sports.  Custom Orthotics may be the simple answer for you.

Having a high arch often causes the foot to roll inward with each step (pronation). If you have high arches, check the wear on your shoes. You may notice that the tread on the outside of the shoe is more worn. A cross trainer type of shoe is a great choice for this foot type. This shoe is designed for someone engaged in all types of activities from chasing your kids, to running errands, taking a hike, playing tennis or participating in an aerobics class. They provide extra stability, padding for arches and ankle support.

If you can’t find a comfortable pair of shoes that allow you to live life to the fullest and without foot pain, allow us to help you. Dr. Bowman can evaluate your feet and provide excellent footwear tips, even for high heels. Don’t let a high arch get you down, call Houston Foot Specialists today at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Mallet Toes? What Are They and How Do You Treat Them?

Are you embarrassed about your bent and curled toes?
Toe conditions and disorders are extremely common. Sometimes they are mild and hardly noticeable but other times a person can endure significant pain and deformity. When this is the case, the foot cannot function as it should, making it difficult to wear shoes comfortably or even engage in simple daily tasks.

Mallet toe is a deformity caused by a bone and muscle imbalance. It is the joint nearest the toenail that is affected and results in the toe abnormally bending or curling down and causing a painful bone spur on top. If you have this deformity, here are a few common causes to help you understand how it could have developed:

• Wearing restrictive or improperly fitting footwear such as high heels

• Arthritis

• Trauma such as a bad stub or jamming your toe

• Nerve damage in the feet

• Shoes with a low toe-box

What can I do about this?
The first step is to call podiatrist Dr. Jeff Bowman as he brings relief to patients with mallet toe on a regular basis. Depending on the severity of your deformity, there are many treatment options to relieve your pain. Accommodative shoes, orthotics, gel toecaps and gel shields often provide the comfort patients need. If these do not work, a simple surgery is an option to release tendons in the toe to allow it to lie flat.

Don’t let a toe problem keep you from enjoying your favorite activities or shoes. Contact our office for the care and treatment your feet deserve. Make an appointment with Houston Foot Specialists today by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Find the Best Walking Shoes for You

When it comes to shoes, the latest in modern technology and materials combined with current fashion trends leads to an overwhelming number of choices. If you are on the lookout for a new pair of shoes, the vast array of options can be exciting but also make it daunting to find the perfect pair.

If you love to walk, choose comfort over fashion!

Face it. Your feet are what get you from point A to point B and if you are a walker, they need to be protected. Houston, TX foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman, has seen all too often the perils that feet succumb to when neglected. When looking for the right pair of walking shoes, keep the following in mind:

• How they fit matters more than anything else. You might be tempted to compromise because of style or cost but your feet will end up paying the price.

• Shop at a reputable store with employees who know how to fit shoes and go in the afternoon when your feet have had the chance to swell. Also, bring the socks you would wear to ensure a good fit.

• For a walking shoe, look for comfort, stability and cushioning. Different brands fit feet in different ways. Know your foot type and what kind of protection your feet need. A high arched foot will need specific support different than a flat foot. If you are heavier or your feet tend to overpronate, you will want a walking shoe with motion control to stabilize your feet while you walk.

• Choose a shoe based on the climate as well. Breathability is needed in hot weather when feet tend to sweat and feet need to be more protected in cold or wet weather.

• Trust the experts that review shoes. The people at Livestrong and APMA provide reviews on the top walking shoes – research what you need before you shop.

If you are having trouble finding comfortable shoes or have foot pain while walking, please contact Houston Foot Specialists for diagnosis and treatment. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886 or directly online at Houston Foot Specialist.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Kaposi’s Sarcoma - A Rare Cancer Associated with AIDS

To give you some foundational information, cancer begins when normal cells in your body change and grow to form a mass, called a tumor. At this point a tumor can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign) which means it won’t spread to other parts of your body.

What is Kaposi’s sarcoma?

A sarcoma is a specific type of cancer that develops from bone or soft tissues such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and skin tissues. Kaposi’s sarcoma is a very rare type of cancer seen in older people but can also be commonly associated with HIV and/or AIDS or in people with immune system disorders.

Research has found that this type of cancer is caused by a herpes virus and affects eight times more men than women. The disease is associated with purple grape-like lesions in the skin and can be found on many areas of the body, including the soles of the feet. These spots are usually painless and can be red, purple, bluish or brown depending on your skin color.

Each case of Kaposi’s sarcoma is different. In some patients, the lesions can grow slowly over time while others may see lesions grow and multiply quickly. In most cases though, the lesions do grow in size and number and over time can form in other parts of the body as well. Pressure from the lesions can affect circulation leading to painful swelling in legs and feet.

Most people in today’s day and age can name someone they know that has been affected by cancer. Don’t take chances - if you notice any new spot or questionable symptom on your feet or ankles, please contact Houston Foot Specialists today. Early intervention is often the key to successful treatment. Call foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman at (713) 467-8886 or make an appointment online.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved