Don’t Neglect Your Feet This Winter!

There can be a bit of a let down when the excitement of the holidays is over. The parties are done, the gifts have been opened and family members have gone back home. On January 11^th, 2014 in Houston, TX you have a chance to get excited once again and be a part of the Glow Run 5K! This evening race will provide you and thousands of others with a “light em’ up” experience that you don’t want to miss.

Something else that you don’t want to miss this winter is the importance of your foot health. If you live in a cold climate, feet are hidden and covered up in cozy socks and winter boots for most of the season. It can be easy to neglect your feet and also to be unaware of problems that may be developing. Diabetic foot care in particular is extremely important, and any level of neglect could lead to serious consequences.

Don't leave your feet trapped in your boots all winter!

According to the Amputee Coalition, over half of the amputations that occur every year in the United States are the result of diabetic complications. This can often be avoided by diligent foot care. Start by never compromising with your footwear. Shoes should have a good sole, cushioned insoles, a wide toe box and good arch support. Custom orthotic insoles that distribute weight properly and support feet are highly encouraged. Poor footwear can lead to ingrown toenails, corns, calluses and blisters. If a pair of shoes is creating any area of pressure, change them. Lastly, don’t delay in getting even the most minor symptom diagnosed and treated.

When it comes to your foot health, neglect can lead to problems that can impact your quality of life – don’t let that happen. Contact Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX with any questions or concerns. Call Dr. Jeff Bowman at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment.

Diabetic Tips: Plan Meals Ahead of Time to Avoid an Event

New York City isn’t the only place to be on New Year’s Eve. Downtown Houston, TX has its own free celebration called New Year’s Eve Live, complete with an illuminated art car parade, 3D light and firework show, and live performances. Be there or be square!

If you have diabetes, is it daunting to think about how you will get through all of the holiday events on your calendar? Whether you are new to having this disease, or have been managing it for years, it can get tricky and frustrating during this busy time of food and fun.

A commitment to eating with your health in mind will get you through without a hiccup. Face any gathering, event, or party by remembering some tips that will help keep your diabetes in check.

First, lighten up your cooking, if you are the host. Many of the traditional dishes have alternative recipes that are healthier without sacrificing taste. Second, choose wisely. When at a party, indulge in the must-haves and skip the rest. A great tip is to plan ahead whenever you can.

If you are cooking, create a menu so you know exactly what you will be eating and how to account for it. Before going to a restaurant, pull up their online menu and decide what will be best for you to eat. This way you can adjust your day’s eating or medication schedule accordingly. If it is appropriate, bring your own food from home. Planning to have a drink with dinner? Wait until after the meal, so you have something in your stomach to handle the effects the alcohol might bring.

A little effort and planning will ensure you can enjoy your holiday festivities without diabetic complications. If at any time you have a foot problem, do not wait to have it treated – a minor problem can quickly turn into a major one. Contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

Diabetes Awareness: Top Diabetic Foot Care Tips

Diabetes doesn’t ever take a break in how it affects people or whom it affects. For those living with the disease, it is a 365 days a year battle. November is American Diabetes Month and we want to help highlight it by reminding you of some of the most important diabetic foot care tips. If you have diabetes or know a loved one living with it, print this list and keep it handy!

You can prevent and delay many foot conditions and problems by taking great care of your feet. These tips are simple and may seem underrated to the average person, but for those with diabetes, they could literally save a limb.

First, wash and dry your feet every day. If you are active or involved in certain activities, this may need to be done more than once. Doing this not only keeps your feet clean and helps prevent fungal infections; it also gives you a chance to inspect your feet. Look for dry spots, cracks, cuts, blisters, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and any changes to the skin.

Second, take care of your toenails properly. They should be trimmed straight across with an appropriate nail clipper. Do not cut the corners off or rip nail edges off, both of which can lead to ingrown toenails.

Third, always wear shoes and socks. It feels great to be footloose and fancy free in bare feet, but with diabetes it is a recipe for disaster. Even a small cut or scrape can turn into a wound or ulcer. If not treated promptly, a diabetic ulcer can possibly result in an amputation. In order to prevent this, diabetics should visit a podiatrist at least 3 times a year for a check up.

Fourth, poor circulation and neuropathy often accompany diabetes, so do what you can to keep these problems under control. Stay active, do not smoke, and be diligent in keeping your blood sugar levels in the normal range.

The last and most important tip is to stay alert, stay aware and seek treatment at the first sight of pain or anything unusual. Quick treatment often means quicker healing and less chance of something serious developing.

We are here for you – contact Houston Foot Specialists with any questions or for diabetic foot care. Make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.

How to Get Rid of a Callus on Your Foot

Actress Keira Knightley recently tried to learn guitar for an upcoming film, only to quit after seeing her fingers covered with calluses. A callus can be bothersome, even unsightly, but you may not be aware that they are a defensive mechanism. Calluses form on areas of your skin that are exposed to repeated pressure or friction. It toughens up and forms a layer of hardened skin as a form of protection from the irritation. On feet, these rough patches tend to form on the heels and ball of the foot.

In most cases, a callus on your foot is more of an annoyance or an aesthetic problem than anything, but there may be times when it can become a painful situation. If you have poor circulation or an underlying condition such as diabetes, a simple callus could turn into a serious complication.

Treatment for a callus is often a simple process. If you are healthy, removing the source of friction often does the trick. This may involve changing the shoes you wear, evaluating your gait if you are a runner, or avoiding going barefoot. Try a foot soak with warm water to start. Adding a few tablespoons of lemon juice can also help to soften the skin. Use a callus file or a pumice stone to gently wear away the top layer of dead skin. Being gentle is key! Never use a sharp object to try to cut away or shave off the skin as this greatly increases your risk for injury and infection. You can repeat the soak and rubbing until you have removed the layers of toughened skin.

If your efforts aren’t making a difference, it is time for help! Dr. Jeff Bowman of Houston Foot Specialists can evaluate the severity of your problem and provide safe and effective treatment. We also carry many special creams and lotions made with special formulas to remove calluses. Make an appointment today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886, or schedule online.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Fish Pedicures: Are They Safe?

If you haven’t heard of “doctor fish” then you probably haven’t spent much time inside a pedicure salon. Some salons and spas call it the latest in pedicure luxury – a foot bath filled with fish that nibble on and clean your feet. If the thought of it sounds a little gross or suspicious, you aren’t alone, as US and British health officials are warning patrons about the dangers of this practice.

Garra rufa fish are tiny toothless carp that are imported from abroad to salons that offer fish pedicures. They are dropped into foot baths of water to clean dead skin off callused toes and heels rather than use the usual razor method. While you may feel a part of an elite group by engaging in this trendy method, you are also putting yourself at risk for infection. Tests on these fish by authorities have shown them to be infected with numerous strains of bacteria that could lead to pneumonia and serious bone and tissue infections.

Not only can the fish themselves carry bacteria, they also deposit their waste in the water that feet are soaking in. It then becomes more difficult to properly sanitize tubs between patrons, leaving everyone at risk for infection. Anyone with an open sore or cut, or an underlying condition such as diabetes, could find his or her self in a serious situation and should steer clear of this type of foot bath.

Pedicures are relaxing and leave your feet looking beautiful, but done improperly or at a place that doesn’t have high cleanliness standards, they could leave you with a significant foot problem or injury. If you have a pedicure story, we would love to hear it! We would also love to help you if you have any foot pain or problems that interfere with your daily life or make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Call Houston Foot Specialists today at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment or visit our website. Dr. Jeff Bowman has everything you need to know to keep your feet safe and healthy.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Osteomyelitis – When Pain Should Not be Ignored

Actor Richard Herd, who recently played a role on TNT’s show Rizzoli & Isles, credits going through osteomyelitis as a child as something that sparked his love for acting. The bone disease, which caused him to be in a hospital bed for days on end, gave his imagination time to fly.

While something good came out of a scary time for Herd, osteomyelitis is not a condition to take lightly. This condition is an infection in a bone which can start in the bloodstream or the bone itself. With children, the long bones of the leg and the upper arm are often affected, while adults are more prone to have it in the bones of the spine. People with diabetes can develop this serious condition in their feet when ulcers are present. Make sure to inspect your feet daily to protect yourself against ulcers if you have diabetes.

Germs in your body can travel through the bloodstream from an infection, a puncture wound, or a bone fracture where a bone is protruding through the skin. Having had a recent surgery or infection would cause a person to be at a higher risk for this condition. Sometimes signs and symptoms can go unnoticed at first, so it is important to know on the front end what to look for. The same rules apply to adults and children. If you or your child is complaining of bone pain that is accompanied by a fever, chills, lethargy, swelling or redness, do not hesitate to be seen by a medical professional.

Over time the infection can lead to the affected bone tissue dying. Foot pain, or any pain for that matter, especially when associated with secondary symptoms as described above, is never normal. Please contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists if you have any questions or concerns about your foot health. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Walking & Weight Loss

It has been said that you can’t know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. Well, if you do walk a mile in someone’s shoes, you may be on your way to a better life and better health!

If you are a skeptic questioning how much walking really can do, keep reading and learn some valuable information. Managing your weight is going to happen with healthy eating and activity. The health benefits of regular exercise are many and walking is a great way to keep weight down and improve your overall health.

Walking works all of the muscles in your legs and feet and while this is going on, your circulation and cardiovascular endurance will be improving along the way. Your cholesterol levels and bone health will improve and you will reduce your risk for diabetes. If you walk outside you also boost your vitamin D intake, which can protect you from high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

To maximize weight loss through walking, you will need to find the time to be consistent. Walking at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a day is advised to lose weight at a healthy rate. Adding speed and endurance will then burn more calories.

If you are new to walking, set yourself up for success by starting out slow and work up to a pace and distance you are comfortable with. Wear a supportive pair of shoes to protect your feet and if you have any foot pain, stop and call Houston Foot Specialists for an evaluation. Dr. Jeff Bowman can identify the reason for your pain or any problem areas and provide the treatment or footwear advice you need. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886. Happy walking!

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Do you have ongoing pain along the inside of your foot and ankle?

You may have a tendency to suffer with foot pain in the hopes that it will just go away. When symptoms persist, it is important to find out what is going on. Houston, TX foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman, sees many patients who have ignored foot pain only to find out something serious was behind the pain.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common reason for foot pain but left untreated can gradually worsen. Take note if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

    •    Pain on the outside or inside of your foot or ankle
    •    Swelling along the inside of your ankle
    •    Inability to stand on your toes
    •    Loss of your arch and flattening of your foot
    •    Tenderness in the midfoot
    •    Pain during activity

PTTD affects the tendon that starts in your calf and stretches behind the inside of your ankle to the bones in the middle of your foot. This condition is also often called “adult acquired flatfoot” since damage to this tendon causes your arch to flatten. You may be at risk for developing this condition if you do a lot of running, hiking, walking, climbing stairs, are overweight or have diabetes.

Since this condition can progress, please contact Dr. Bowman if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. There are many non-surgical options to help reduce your pain such as: immobilization, orthotics, shoe modifications and physical therapy. Don’t put up with foot pain any longer. Make an appointment at our podiatric office today by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Have Neuropathy? Try Swimming!

There are many reasons why people have numbness and tingling in their feet. A common disorder that affects the peripheral nerves is neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by nerve damage and results in numbness, tingling or burning sensations. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX sees the effects of neuropathy on a regular basis in his patients with diabetes.

The symptoms of neuropathy can be improved especially when the underlying cause is managed well. Another way to manage neuropathy is though exercise.

How can exercise help with neuropathy?

There are many reasons for doing your best to stay active when you have neuropathy:

• Reduces pain

• Restores balance

• Improves blood circulation

• Improves your range of motion

• Strengthens weak muscles

• Reduces foot cramps from contracted muscles

Choosing lower impact options such as cycling, tai chi and Pilates will be safe for feet while still offering a cardiovascular workout. Swimming is a great option suitable for anyone at any age. Swimming works all the major muscle groups in your body and it is great for those with neuropathy since the water holds your body weight. Swimming can lower glucose levels, which ultimately reduces your risk for further nerve damage. You can do some pool walking, swim laps, do water aerobics or try synchronized swimming even.

If you are struggling with neuropathy, please contact Dr. Bowman for evaluation and treatment. Neuropathy does not have to keep you from living life to the fullest. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or request one online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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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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Charcot Foot-What Is It and Who Does It Affect?

Diabetes affects around 16 million people in the U.S. so you are not alone if you are living with this disease. A common thread with diabetes is that it brings with it the risk of some serious complications. Nerve damage, or neuropath, poor circulation and diabetic ulcers common foot problems that people with diabetes face. The combination of these  symptoms can result in a very serious and disabling condition called Charcot foot.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats patients with diabetes on a regular basis. Each patient is encouraged to be visiting regularly for the sole reason that prevention is key when it comes to managing the foot problems that can develop from having diabetes.

Charcot foot is actually a form of arthritis that occurs in people who have significant nerve damage. It causes the bones in the foot to weaken, fracture and even disintegrate. The arch of the foot can collapse and fractures and bone dislocations can result in severe deformities of the foot. These deformities often result in pressure areas that become prone to developing open sores and wounds.

Due to nerve damage, it is possible that a person with diabetes may not even feel a fracture in the foot and continue to walk on it, resulting in further damage. Swelling, warmth, redness and pain could be indicators of the development of Charcot foot. 

Early diagnosis is key in successfully treating Charcot foot. We have several conservative treatment options available at our podiatric office and can walk you through surgery if your deformity has become severe. If you have neuropathy and are seeing any unusual symptoms, please contact us immediately for help. Call our office today (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment with Dr. Bowman or visit www.houstonfootspecialist.com.

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Beer and Swollen Feet: Is There a Connection?

Swollen feet are a common problem seen by foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman, at his Houston, TX podiatric office. It can occur after standing for too long, during pregnancy, from working in a hot environment and with certain medical conditions. Alcohol is another common cause but may be one not many are aware of. If you are experiencing swollen feet (edema) and are unsure of the cause, it is worth taking a look at your alcohol intake.

Drinking a beer is typically not something to be concerned about but when there is excessive use, your liver can become damaged which can result in swelling. Cirrhosis is a chronic and serious condition that can develop with alcohol use. Your liver cells can harden and die which results in your liver shrinking and not able to function properly. When this happens, edema or swelling of legs, ankles and feet is a common sign.

Another reason you may experience swelling is if you have an allergic reaction to what you are drinking. Some people can have an allergy to alcohol or the yeast that the beer is made from. Alcohol in itself causes your blood vessels to dilate. Because of this, arteries in your legs and legs can be affected by excessive swelling, which may also account for any swelling that you may experience during or after drinking beer.   Actually, any alcoholic beverage can cause swelling.

Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you are experiencing swelling that is persistent, painful and/or consistent after drinking alcohol, it is important to consult with a professional. It could be a sign of liver damage or an underlying problem that you are not aware of.  If you are diabetic, you should consult your doctor before drinking any alcohol.

Call our podiatric office and make an appointment with Dr. Bowman to have any swelling in your feet looked at. You can contact us at (713) 467-8886 or visit us online www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Bruising on Feet

There are many times when we notice a bruise and have no idea what made it appear. When a part of your body experiences a bump or a fall, small blood vessels under your skin can tear or rupture resulting in a bruise.

Bruises can look alarming as the broken blood vessels cause blood to leak into surrounding tissues making your skin turn a black and blue color. As it heals the bruise can turn purple, red, blue, green and yellow. While often tender to the touch, most bruises are not anything to be concerned about and will heal on their own within a couple of weeks.

Houston, TX foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman regularly treats foot and ankle injuries that have resulted in bruising. Bruises on the ball of your foot could indicate broken or bruised sesamoid bones or metatarsal bones. Swelling, soreness and bruising often accompany an injury but diligent home treatment can often speed up the healing process. Resting the bruised foot and icing will be important. The faster you are able to elevate and compress the injury with a cold pack or ice, the quicker you will be able to reduce pain and inflammation.

If you notice severe bruising, pain and swelling immediately after an injury, it may be an indication that there is a serious problem. Don’t wait to seek help (Dr. Bowman sees same day emergencies). It will be important to diagnose what has happened as soon as possible so appropriate treatment can be started. Any foot pain or injury that is ignored or left untreated could lead to very serious complications, especially if you have diabetes.

If you are noticing any bruises that you can’t explain or have bruising that is painful and not healing properly, please call us today. You can make a quick and easy appointment with Dr. Bowman by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Nutrition For Feet

Did you know that food could impact the health of your feet?

When it comes to nutrition most people would probably answer that it is important for heart health and keeping weight down. The truth is, there are a lot of benefits for eating well including keeping your feet safe and healthy.

The old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” In reality what you eat does kind of make up who you are and how you are going to feel. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX unfortunately sees too often how poor eating habits and neglect can take a toll on foot health. There are many conditions that can impact foot health when it comes to proper nutrition. Some of the most common ones to be aware of include:

Diabetes – Poor management of blood sugar levels can affect the circulation in your feet and put you at a higher risk for nerve damage in your feet (neuropathy) and diabetic ulcers.

Osteoporosis – Weak bones are at a higher risk for stress fractures.

Obesity – A higher weight means that there is more force your feet have to bear. The extra stress and pressure can lead to heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Inflammation – This is very common as many foods can increase certain chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. A diet high in refined sugar or grains and trans fats can cause inflammation and painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will do your whole body good but will be especially beneficial for your feet, which really is your foundation. Talk to Dr. Bowman if poor habits have left you in pain or with unusual symptoms. Foot pain is never normal and should be checked out. You can make a quick and easy 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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Diabetes & Alcohol

Is Alcohol Safe if I have Diabetes?

Managing diabetes can be difficult. It often requires some serious lifestyle changes, specific dietary allowances and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. Knowing how certain foods or drinks affect your health is important when managing diabetes.

Alcohol is one thing that does have an effect on diabetes. Simply put, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to rise. Alcohol compromises how your liver is able to work. If your blood sugar level falls, your liver typically releases stored sugar to counteract that. If it is needed to metabolize alcohol in your body, your blood sugar level may not get the help that it needs to stabilize. This drop in blood sugar level can happen right after you drink and possibly remain that way for several hours.

Some of the other effects of alcohol to be aware of if you have diabetes include:

• Wine and beer contain carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar

• Alcohol can increase your blood pressure

• Alcohol stimulates the appetite so overeating may affect sugar levels

• Alcohol can interfere with any oral medications you take

• Alcohol is a vasodialator and will make your feet swell

When it doubt, check it out! If you have diabetes and are unclear on the safety of alcohol, talk to your doctor about it. If you have your diabetes under control, it may be acceptable to allow one or two drinks a day.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX sees the effects of diabetes on a daily basis. Foot care is vital if you have diabetes. If you have an injury or unusual symptoms, please contact us today to ensure your feet stay safe! Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Foot Drop

If you have been feeling a weakness in your lower leg or a difficulty lifting the front part of your foot off the ground, you may be dealing with foot drop. This condition is also known as drop foot and is not something you should ignore.

It is not a disease but it does signify a major muscular or neurological problem. You have muscles in your leg called “dorsiflexors” and foot drop develops when these muscles become weak or paralyzed. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX explains several things that can cause foot drop to happen:

• An injury to a nerve that controls the muscles you use to lift your foot. This is the most common reason and can happen if you injure a nerve in your knee, lower spine or hip as well. If you have nerve damage due to diabetes, foot drop can occur as well.

• A deficiency in vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin can affect nerve health and function and result in foot drop.  

• Disorders such as muscular dystrophy, polio, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Multiple Sclerosis can increase your risk of developing foot drop.

There are several treatment options that our podiatric office can provide to improve a condition of foot drop. Depending on the underlying cause, Dr. Bowman might suggest braces, physical therapy, nerve stimulation and possible surgery to alleviate or even remove symptoms all together. If you feel like your condition may be a case of foot drop, contact our office for effective treatment. Make an appointment by calling (713) 467-8886 or from our homepage at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Tossing and Turning With Restless Leg Syndrome?

There may not be anything that feels as bad as not getting a good night’s sleep. Being kept awake with the need to toss and turn because your legs won’t calm down can be very frustrating! It is called restless leg syndrome and this information might give you some peace of mind and some more rest.

Many sufferers have described restless leg syndrome as having burning, itching, crawling and tingling sensations that cause them to move constantly to relieve the symptoms. Does that describe what you are going through? It can happen in the evenings while trying to relax either sitting up or lying in bed. It can start at any age but unfortunately tends to worsen as you get older.

How can you relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome?

This condition tends to run in families so you may not be able to escape it, but there are some risk factors to be aware of. Pregnancy, iron deficiencies, peripheral neuropathy and kidney disease can all increase your risk of having restless leg syndrome. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX reminds patients with restless leg syndrome of the following tips:

• Pain relievers and other medications can help relieve mild symptoms.

• Warm or cold ice packs may lessen symptoms.

• Take a warm bath and massage your legs before bed.

• Avoid too much exercise late in the day as it can increase symptoms.

• Cut back on or avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as they can be triggers.

If these tips at home are not giving you any extra rest, don’t hesitate to call our podiatric office for help. Dr. Jeff Bowman can evaluate your condition and symptoms and help find a treatment plan that can make a difference. Call (713) 467-8886 or visit us online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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