Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Best Exercises With a Foot Injury

When trying to stay fit and healthy, there is not much that is more frustrating than when you have foot pain or a foot injury. Your feet are the foundation of your body and even a minor injury can put a halt to your exercising efforts.

How can I stay fit while my foot injury heals?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX regularly helps patients stay fit while recovering from a foot injury. The good news is that there are many fitness options that will still give you a good cardio workout and strengthen your muscles while giving your injury time to heal.

You will of course want to avoid activities that require your foot to bear the weight of your body. These may include walking, jogging, stair climbing and aerobic classes. You want to focus on workouts that still focus on major muscle groups while keeping stress and pressure off the injured foot.

Use a resistance machine to do leg curls. Make sure the lever arm is placed high enough on your ankle to ensure you do not aggravate your injury.

Get in the water. Swimming several times a week will improve your cardiovascular fitness and keep your legs strong even with a foot injury. Avoid during flips or turns against a wall during laps as this could add strain to the injured foot.

Focus on your upper body. A machine such as an ergometer is like a mini bike for your arms and is effective in getting your heart rate up for a good workout.

Be cautious on a stationary bike. Depending on the type of foot injury you have, cycling can be a good way to stay fit that has less impact on your body. Stay at an easy resistance, keep feet snug in pedals and knees should be bent at the lowest point in the rotation.

The right recovery of a foot injury will go a long way in keeping your feet healthy long term and help prevent a re-injury or a chronic problem. Call Dr. Bowman if you are struggling to stay active with an injury. 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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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

What You Need to Know About In-Toeing

Intoeing is commonly referred to as being “pigeon-toed.” It is a condition where the feet turn inward instead of pointing forward. It is a common condition in very young children and is often first noticed when the child starts to walk. Fortunately, the condition corrects itself in the majority of children who have an intoeing problem. Most children outgrow their intoeing problem by the age of two without the use of surgery, braces or casts.

What caused my child to have an intoeing condition?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats foot problems in children on a regular basis. When it comes to intoeing, there are three primary causes:

Curved feet – This is called metatarsus adductus and starts in the womb where pressure on the fetus causes the bones in the feet to grow in a curved form. Once out of the womb and with room to develop, nine out of ten children outgrow the curved foot.

Twisted shin – The lower leg bone, called the tibia, can also twist inward while inside the womb. This cause is called tibial torsion and it most always improves and straightens on its own without the need for intervention or treatment.

Twisted thigh – The femur is your thighbone and when this twists, not only the feet turn inward but the knees as well. Called femoral anteversion, this cause for intoeing also almost always corrects itself over time without treatment. 

Fortunately for parents, there is a treatment for intoeing. Custom orthotics can prevent intoeing while in shoes and prevents the child tripping over their own feet while running. It is generally a hereditary or developmental problem that you have no control over. What you do have control over though is finding a great podiatrist who can monitor your child’s intoeing condition. Contact Dr. Bowman today if you have any questions about this foot condition or need foot care for your child. To make an appointment, call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Baseball Cleats

For many adults and kids alike, baseball is in full swing. Whether you are playing in a professional game, recreationally or have a child in little league, protecting feet and ankles with the proper footwear is essential.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX, has all too often seen the damage done to feet from wearing poor shoes. This is especially true with athletes. With the sliding, running and rapid starts and stops involved in baseball, feet and ankles can take a beating. Some of the more common injuries Dr. Bowman treats with his baseball enthusiasts include: ankle sprains, fractures, shin splints, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. While tennis shoes may suffice for a game of catch, baseball typically requires cleats as the necessary footwear.

When you are looking for a good pair of cleats, keep comfort in mind. You may be tempted to find a cheap pair online, instead go to a store and try shoes on. You want to find cleats that have a wide toe box with room for your toes to wiggle. The heel cup should also be snug so your feet do not slide in and out of the shoe. There are also variations in how high cleats come up the ankle. A low top will be lightweight but may not offer your ankle much support. If you have had sprains or injury in the past, choose a cleat with a high top for maximum support. Some leagues also have rules on the type of cleat allowed so be sure to check which style you need.

If you are new to wearing cleats, it will be helpful to practice in them to adjust to how they feel during play. The cleats can get stuck and result in foot and knee injuries. Practicing will help you go full speed during the game and avoid potential injuries.

If you have an old or new sports injury or a concern about how your foot health may be affecting your game, please contact our podiatric office for help. Make an appointment by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hallux Varus

What is Hallux Varus?

There are several foot conditions that can cause deformity to your toes. One condition that specifically affects the big toe joint is called hallux varus. Hallux varus causes the big toe to push away from the other toes, unlike a bunion that forces it inward.

Hallux varus most commonly develops from complications following bunion surgery. There have been cases though where this condition occurred from a congenital deformity, trauma, tight or short tendons, the removal of a sesamoid bone from the big toe joint or a certain form of arthritis.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX, can treat any type of foot condition or deformity. His expertise and state-of-the-art treatment options can provide thorough diagnosis and appropriate treatment tailored to your needs. Hallux varus can cause quite a bit of pain. The leaning outward of the toe can cause it to press against shoes resulting in blisters, ingrown toenails and possible dislocation of the toe joint.

The treatment of hallux varus will depend on the severity of your condition. You may have a mild case where the joint is still flexible and may respond well to splinting, corrective shoes or specific exercises. If these methods do not provide relief, surgery may be required to straighten the toe. If surgery is necessary, you can trust Dr. Bowman and his caring staff to walk with you every step of the way.

If you have a deformity such as hallux varus or another type that is causing pain and interfering with your life, please contact us for help. Contact our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or schedule an appointment online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Golf Shoes

There are many reasons so many people are attracted to the game of golf. It is a game people of all ages can enjoy, provides a great connection with the outdoors and gets you active at the same time. During an 18-hole round, a player will walk around 4-5 miles! If you don’t have the proper footwear, you may be complaining about more than just a bad score.

Your feet are an extremely important part of your golf game. The positioning and stability of your feet dictate the success of your swing. With this in mind, the shoes you wear will have a huge impact as well.

Dr. Jeff Bowman treats athletes in all kinds of sports on a regular basis. Some of the more common injuries that can affect golf players are: tendonitis, ligament strains and pulls, blisters and neuromas.

Due to the fact that your feet need to carry the force of your swing at each hole and you will be walking around a lot, you need comfortable shoes. Here are some helpful tips from Dr. Bowman to keep in mind before you find your next pair of golf shoes:
  • Try on several styles and find the ones that are most comfortable and supportive for your feet.
  • Look for shoes that are lightweight and well-cushioned in the soles and heels
  • Find a style with breathable material, is water-resistant and offers traction
  • The middle of the shoe should be snug to support your feet during each swing
If foot pain is affecting your game, contact our podiatric office today for help. Dr. Bowman can evaluate the cause of your discomfort and provide the right treatment to quickly get you back on the course. Call us today (713) 467-8886 or request an appointment online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dr. Jeff Bowman – Health Tap Top Doctor Award

While the Internet can offer a wealth of knowledge and information, it can be difficult to weed through it all to find the answer you need. Finding information you can trust is the second part of the battle. HealthTap is leading the way in helping people find information.

What is HealthTap?

HealthTap is an online community that was founded to help people. Realizing that people wanted to find trustworthy, straightforward answers to their personal health questions, a place was created to make that happen. To best serve the public, the founders of HealthTap recognized that the best health decisions could only be made with reliable information from medical experts. HealthTap is now helping millions of people find answers to their health questions and is offering a way for doctors to better serve their patients by offering their expertise online.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has been providing expert care to patients in his podiatric office and online through HealthTap. His patients and the public can submit a question and get medical advice from Dr. Bowman. His expertise was recognized as he was recently awarded the “Top Specialist Nationally” award for Winter 2013. The award is presented after voting a process and is truly an honor for Dr. Bowman. It serves as a catalyst to keep serving and helping his patients in Houston, TX, surrounding areas and country as a whole with answers to foot and ankle care.

If you are in need of foot care or have any questions regarding your foot or ankle health, Dr. Bowman and his dedicated team would love to serve you. To request an appointment, call our podiatric office (713) 467-8886 or visit us online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Shoes For Every Sport-Shoes for Kayaking

Kayaking actually began with the Inuit tribes of Arctic North America. They used a kayak made out of driftwood or animal skins that were stretched over whalebones. Whale fat was also used to make the vessels waterproof. Seal bladders were also filled with air and tucked into the front and back areas to provide buoyancy. These are a far cry from the ones sold in stores today!

The Olympic games now feature 10 different kayak events and the activity is fun for all ages. Whether you are going to take up kayaking as a leisure family activity or to experience white water competition, the right shoes are a must.

What kind of shoes should I wear kayaking?

Just like any other sport that requires specific shoes, kayaking is no different. You need to protect your feet, even if you are going down a lazy river on a warm summer day. If your kayak tips and you need to get out, your feet need to be protected against rocks or objects on the bottom of the water or the shore. The size of the kayak does not often allow enough room for bulky shoes and it is important for your feet to stay warm and dry.

To fit all of these criteria, look for a water shoe or bootie. They are typically made from the same material as wet suits. They typically aren’t completely waterproof but are designed to drain water so it doesn’t puddle and stay on your skin. They will help keep your feet warm as they protect them from any wind or cold temperatures. They are smaller to fit inside the kayak and are not going to fall off in the case that you tip or need to get out into the water.

Kayaking is a great activity but a foot injury will cut your trip short and have you paddling to shore. Keep your feet safe and come and see Houston, TX foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman, with any foot concerns. Make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Raynaud’s Disease

Do you often have cold fingers and toes?

Cold toes and fingers can be a slight annoyance but when they are like that on a regular basis, there could something more serious going on. There is a condition called Raynaud’s disease that can cause certain parts of your body, namely fingers, the tip of your nose, toes and ears to feel numb and cold.

A flare-up of this condition can happen when you are exposed to colder temperatures or when you are under stress. The disease causes a narrowing of the small arteries that provide blood to your skin. This constricting of the blood vessels is called a vasospasm.

How often these spasms happen and how long they last will affect the symptoms you will experience. Most people complain of cold fingers and toes, color changes in the skin and prickly or stinging feeling as the area warms up again.

Raynaud’s disease is more common among young women but there unfortunately is no known cause, aside from stress and cold temperatures. For some people, going through an emotional experience or simply taking something out of a freezer can trigger an episode.

If you are experiencing the symptoms we have mentioned in your feet, make an appointment to visit foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman. He can provide self-care tips and prevention strategies to reduce the number and severity of your attacks and prevent any future damage. On a personal note, Dr. Bowman knows this first hand because he also has it. Call our podiatric office in Houston, TX (713) 467-8886 or request an appointment online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Foot Complications in Diabetics

Foot problems are very common in people living with diabetes. Because they lose feeling and blood flow to their extremities, diabetics are more susceptible to a variety of different issues. It is extremely important that anyone who suffers from the condition always take the best care of their feet possible.

Over time, one of the side effects of diabetes is something called neuropathy. This is a type of nerve damage that will cause loss of feeling in the feet. People who can't feel anything may be more likely to suffer from damage or injury without even knowing it. Often, this means that the injury is not noticed until it becomes infected and dangerous. Additionally, the neuropathy can cause changes to the feet and toes that require specialty physical therapy and therapeutic shoes.

Some of the most common complications of the feet for diabetics include the following:

Skin Conditions

Because you aren’t getting as much blood flow to your feet, this can lead to skin damage. Additionally, when nerves are damaged, the right amount of oil will not reach the skin, and this can lead to dryness and cracking. It’s important that you take extra care to keep your feet moisturized. Good options include unscented lotion or cream or petroleum jelly.

Corns and Calluses

People who have diabetes will be much more susceptible to corns and calluses because of poor circulation and lack of feeling. You may not realize you are putting too much pressure on one area, and that pressure will eventually lead to a callus. If you don't treat the callus properly, it could turn into a dangerous open sore. Always see a health care professional to have a corn or callus properly removed. To avoid the growth of them, use a pumice stone regularly to rub away any toughening areas of skin.

Ulcers (Open Sores)

Often, if you wear shoes that don't fit properly and you can't feel the pain of discomfort, you can end up with foot ulcers. These open sores may not even hurt, which means you may go for days without noticing them. Because of their placement on the foot, ulcers are extremely prone to infection. You need to see a professional to have the ulcer cleaned and any infected tissue removed. You may need to wear specialty shoes or boots to protect the foot until the ulcer heals properly. Keep in mind that since diabetics do have poor circulation in the feet, it could take much longer for the ulcer to heal than it would on a healthy person.

If you have any healed foot ulcers, you must take special care of the area because the scar tissue can be much more susceptible to further injury or to the open sores returning.

Loss of the Feet

If the diabetes is not properly managed, this could eventually lead to foot amputation. People who constantly have dangerous foot ulcers and infections may have no other choice. Infections can lead to serious complications if they get into the blood stream. The best way to avoid amputation is to properly manage blood glucose levels. Additionally, a diabetic should stop smoking as soon as possible. Smoking will decrease blood flow to small vessels, causing even poorer circulation in the feet. The vast majority of diabetic foot amputations are for diabetics who choose to smoke.

Living with diabetes means dealing with extra foot problems. This condition causes extremely poor circulation to the hands and feet and it also causes neuropathy. In order to avoid severe issues, a diabetic should always manage their condition as the doctor has ordered. Additionally, diabetics should take special care of their feet and do regular inspections for damage or injury.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.

If you have foot or ankle pain, especially with diabetes, contact Dr. Jeffrey Bowman of Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Don’t think you have to live with foot problems, you can contact us at 713-467-8886 or online, where you can even request an appointment, at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.
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