Can You Exercise Too Much?

Exercise is necessary. It can ward off dangerous conditions such as heart disease and diabetes and helps keep weight down, boost your energy and improve your mood. 

Can a person become obsessed and exercise too much? The answer is yes. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has treated numerous patients who have come with issues stemming from exercise or overtraining. Whether you are training for something specific or exercising for fear of gaining weight, going too far with exercise leaves not only your feet, but also your whole body vulnerable to many different problems.

Thirty minutes of moderate activity is typically enough for the average person to maintain their health. Doing double or triple that a day doesn’t necessarily make you that much more healthy and risk factors of too much exercise include:

• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Elevated pulse in the morning
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Decrease in performance

If you start to see or feel any of these symptoms while doing your exercise routine, it is time for a pit stop. Take a step back and evaluate how much time you are spending exercising and how your body is truly reacting to it. Make an appointment with a doctor in the case that something more serious is going on then you are aware of.

Foot pain and ankle injuries are likely when overtraining or not wearing proper footwear during exercise. Contact our podiatric office and make an appointment with Dr. Bowman if you have any foot or ankle pain. Call us at (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Healthy Feet-A New Year’s Resolution

What is your New Year’s resolution? Maybe it is to work less and play more. Perhaps you want to travel to new places or spend more time with your family. It is not often that feet make this important list of to-dos.

The average person walks the equivalent of twice around the world in their lifetime. The average person also doesn’t pay much attention to their feet, until there is pain or a problem. Maybe this is the year for you to focus on foot health and prevention. 

Many injuries and foot conditions develop slowly over time and could have been prevented had the patient been aware of the problem. Start the year off with a visit to foot specialist Dr. Bowman. He can identify deformities, structural issues or developing conditions and begin treatment before they fully develop or worsen.  Often, he can delay them or stop them.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep feet in tiptop shape but a little goes a long way. Pay attention to your feet. Check them on a regular basis, especially if you are diabetic and take note of any changes. Keep hydrated and use foot creams if feet are dry and cracked. Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails and wear appropriate shoes. Ill-fitting uncomfortable shoes can cause a host of foot problems. Go through your closet and start getting healthier feet by giving away poor shoes.

Lastly, don’t ignore foot pain this year. Toughing it out or avoiding the hassle of seeing a podiatrist could seriously impact your foot health. If you have foot pain or want to start the year off on the right foot, contact Dr. Jeff Bowman’s office at (713) 467-8886 and schedule an appointment. Visit us online as well for foot and ankle information at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Hypothermia – Who is at Risk and What to Look For

Having fun and spending time as a family outside in the cold season could turn serious if you aren’t aware of the dangers. Hypothermia is serious and can creep up on you if you don’t pay attention to your symptoms or the situation around you.

The Basics about Hypothermia

Your body has a normal core temperature of 98.6° F. If that temperature falls below 95° F, you would be considered to be in a state of hypothermia. When your temperature dips down too low, your organs and other body systems aren’t able to function properly. If you remain in this state, the result can be total failure of your heart and respiratory abilities, leading to death. It is serious. There are about 600 people that die in the U.S. every year from hypothermia related causes.

Who is at Risk?

Each person is going to react differently to cold than others. Children, elderly, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and fishing need to be on high alert and are more vulnerable.

Symptoms to Look For

• Shivering
• Clumsiness
• Confusion and slurred speech
• Low energy
• Weak pulse
• Shallow breathing

It is crucial to call 911 or seek help immediately after seeing or experiencing symptoms of hypothermia. Hands and feet that are exposed to cold extremes are also at risk for cold-related injuries such as frostbite, gangrene and chilblains.

Talk to Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX for prevention and treatment information on hypothermia. Visit our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 if you have foot pain or residual effects from being in the cold and need to schedule an appointment.

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Should you be Holding Out on Your Hosiery?

For some women, wearing hosiery is a generational thing, to never go out with bare legs. Others take their cues from celebrities, fashion icons or even members of the royal family who step out in hosiery, making their legs look fabulous. Whether it is a fashion statement or a comfort item, it is important to note that this little closet accessory could cause some big problems when it comes to the health of your feet.

First off, feet stuffed in shoes tend to sweat. Nylon is not a breathable material and can make feet very hot and sweaty over the course of a day. This dark, moist environment is an excellent breeding ground just waiting for bacteria to come and settle in. The trapped bacteria can lead to infections such as Athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. If you are diabetic they can lead to other problems as well which could be serious. Would you have guess these unwelcome foot issues could come from your hosiery?!

Some hosiery is also made up of a “mixed-blend” type of material that can aggravate skin rashes. If you have a latex allergy or are susceptible to rashes, make sure to check the label that you are buying hosiery that is 100% cotton. Another thing to note is that your hosiery could also be the culprit of your ingrown toenails or aggravation of your hammertoes. Hosiery constricts feet and often doesn’t allow your feet to move like they need too, which can put pressure on toes leading to these problems. When hosiery is loose and bunches up around ankles or heels, the friction against shoes can bring on calluses and blisters as well.

If years of wearing hosiery have brought on some painful or unsightly foot problems, contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886. Dr. Bowman can provide a treatment plan specific to your foot needs. You schedule an appointment or find more information on our website 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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What should I expect when undergoing foot surgery?

Surgery can be scary, but when it comes to your feet it may be necessary to prevent the loss of your mobility. Problems with your feet should always be taken seriously. You should remember that pain is never normal and may be a sign of a more serious issue. For these reasons daily foot care is important to prevent serious damage.

If you are experiencing severe foot problems and contemplating surgical treatment, there are a few things you should consider first:

• Hospital Time Commitment: Most foot and ankle surgeries take about an hour. However, in reconstructive surgeries to correct severe deformities it may take three to four hours. Some surgeries also require a hospital stay for up to four days. There are surgeries that allow discharge on the same day, but it depends on your specific circumstances. Hospital stays need to be discussed prior to scheduling your surgery.

• Recovery: Your recovery time can vary depending on your surgical procedure and severity of your injury. Most cases require patients to take off one to two weeks from work. However, if you are undergoing surgery on your right foot you will not be able to drive right away. Once you can wear regular shoes, and do not find discomfort when pressing on the pedals, is when you can drive.

• Pain: During surgery you will be sedated with anesthesia to eliminate pain. But you still need to expect some amount of pain following your procedure. Discomfort levels may vary, but you can reduce pain by icing and elevating the area. You may also be prescribed pain medication.

Surgery is considered in severe cases of chronic pain and limited mobility. If you are interested in foot surgery, you need to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.  He will determine if a surgical operation is right for you or if another treatment is suitable to your circumstances. You can call our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bowman. Also check out his blogs on what to do before surgery and after surgery.

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-expect-from-foot-surgery.htm
http://www.faant.com/library/9-common-questions-about-foot-surgery.cfm
http://www.anklefootmd.com/surgery-faqs.php

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Stretching Your Way to Healthy Feet

Your feet have daily wear and tear whenever you walk, stand or participate in physical activities. Unfortunately, they have the difficult job of bearing the weight of your entire body. With that in mind, you want to make sure they remain strong and healthy.

How do you do that?  Stretch your feet!  Stretching on a daily basis can help improve the overall health of your feet, ankles and toes. To keep your feet fit you will want to stretch throughout the day. It is best to stretch in the morning because it can get your blood flowing and eliminate any tightening that happened during your slumber. You should also conduct a midday stretch.  Find time during your lunch break, or even stretch right at your desk, to get that stretch. Whether you sit, or stand at work, your muscles can become tight in a fixed position and will cherish a stretch. You should end the night with a final stretch directly before your bedtime. This sends your body off to sleep with increased blood flow and loose muscles.

Make sure that you are conducting a series of stretches that are specific to your lower limbs. It can be easy to remember to stretch your arms and legs, but your feet, ankles and toes need the workout just as much. Perform stretches targeting each of your feet, ankles and toes. Stretching helps to prevent tightening in your muscles, which can easily result in painful injuries. Stretching strengthens your limbs, can increase blood circulation and lower your risk for developing an injury.

Some Easy Stretches:

• Going up on toes slowly and down slowly, the key is slow

• Using a Kick Space under a cabinet try with your toes to lift the cabinet

•  Using a towel pull the feet towards your body, this is great for heel pain

• Achilles Stretch. Stand facing a wall with hands on wall and feet 2 feet back, move one foot in towards the wall and keeping heel on ground lean into the wall. Repeat for other foot.

• See our Website (www.houstonfootspecialists.com) for educational blogs and videos with details for stretching.

If you require additional information on maintaining the health of your feet, or are interested in a routine check-up and foot examination, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/5-Foot-Stretches-to-Prevent-Injuries.htm
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/hygiene-tips/how-to-care-for-your-feet2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O28QOoXihOU

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• stretch it out

Get Foot Surgery Out of Your Way!

If you love to put things off until the last possible minute, don’t worry, you are not alone! However, when it comes to your health putting off treatment can have serious consequences and can result in permanent damage. In regards to your feet, those consequences can be drastic even leading to the loss of mobility. That’s why you should pledge right here and right now to schedule your foot surgery if recommended before the end of the year!

The end of the year can be the best time to have surgery and here’s why…

• You’ll have time off. The end of the year is filled with paid holidays and extra vacation time you haven’t used. Plenty of companies shut down during the holiday or do not allow rollover on your vacation days. With all of this extra time off from work you will have plenty of time to have surgery and heal properly before returning to work.

• Insurance deductibles are low. At the end of the year you most likely have reached your deductible amount for the year. After the New Year the deductible will reset and you will have to pay more money out of pocket. Surgery is often put off due to cost, but if your deductibles are low the end of the year can be the best time to get your health on the right track.

• Sports season will break. If you are a member of an organized sports team, most activities have a break during the holiday season. This will give your feet more time to heal and even participate in physical therapy. You won’t have to let down your team by missing out on any games and you will be perfectly healthy for the new season.

Surgical operations can always be scary, but putting off surgery can be extremely damaging to the health of your feet. If you are suffering from a foot or ankle related injury that may require surgery contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman or visit his website at www.houstofootspecialists.com for explanations and videos of surgery.

References:

http://upstatefootcaresc.blogspot.com/2011/12/surgery-when-is-best-time-to-have-it.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/testimonials.html

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Do You Know How to Find the Right Pair of Boots this Fall?

The kids are back in school and chilly weather has landed at your doorstep! It can only mean one thing – fall is here! As the weather turns colder it’s time to turn in your summer sandals for a warmer form of footwear.

Boots make the perfect specimen for fall footwear. But with so many styles it can be difficult to find the healthiest pair for your feet. However, we can help you maintain the health of your feet and find the best boots this fall. Follow our tips below.

• Find your best fit. No matter what type of footwear you are purchasing, the fit is always most important. You should try on boots before every purchase and at end of the day when you tend to be more swollen. Take a walk around the store to ensure comfort. Ill-fitting boots can lead to a variety of injuries and painful foot conditions.

• Look for arch support. Your arches bear excessive stress and absorb serious pressure every time you walk, run or participate in any form of physical activity. Your arches require an adequate amount of support in order to cushion every stride and reduce stress. Custom orthotics really helps make your arches much more comfortable and help in a leather or any soft boot.

• Be specific to your activities. Boots come in a variety of styles designed to keep your feet warm and dry. If you are spending the day outside, or going for a long walk, insulated boots can be the perfect solution to keeping your feet warm. Water proof them before outdoor activities. However, if you are going to be spending the day in your heated office or school, you may need a boot with better ventilation or you could spend the day sweating your feet off. You should also think about all of your activities before you pick out the perfect pair.

Healthy and properly fit footwear can help to lower your risk for a variety of foot related ailments. If you require additional information on finding the best boots for your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. Appointments are also available online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/3778/GettingaProperFit.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/62613-importance-arch-support/

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Are Crocs healthy for your feet? Or Is It Croc?

Fashion aside, the world has become obsessed with the comfort found in a pair of Crocs. With an assortment of colors from bright patterns to calming pastels, you can be sure to find a pair of Crocs to go with every outfit. However, the true question with Crocs does not lie with fashion, but the most important aspect of this comfy form of footwear is health. Are Crocs healthy for your feet?  Or, do they simply create a cloud of cushion for your walk?

Crocs are extremely light on your feet as heavy shoes weigh your feet down, which make each step a bigger effort. The toe box is wide so your toes can wiggle and tall so the shoe is not pressing down on your toes. They have several holes on the top giving your feet proper ventilation. The Rx Crocs have an antibacterial lining in order to reduce your risk for developing fungal or bacterial infections. Also, crocs give your feet arch support and cushion your feet with every step.

Crocs are a healthy alternative to summer sandals like flip-flops. The classic Crocs are similar in design to that of a clog making them easy to slip on and off of your feet. Crocs are just as easy to slip on, keep your feet cool and maintain your health. They offer your feet greater protection than most other summer sandals while maintaining comfort.

So there you have it, Crocs aren’t just about comfort, but they are all about maintaining the health of your feet. Crocs have the official seal of approval by the APMA, letting you know that Crocs are not only the comfy choice, but the healthy choice. Crocs are perfect for walking and every day use but are not for serious physical activity.

If you have any questions, or require additional information on finding the healthiest footwear for your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/crocs-healthy-shoes-just-comfy
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/video/crocs-healthy

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Back to School and Right into Fall Sports

It’s time to think about packing the youngsters off to school. Many students also play team sports, so don’t forget to make special preparations for that also. Chances are last year’s cleats can’t be worn this year. The growth factor needs to be considered as well as the condition of the shoes from last season. While they might look great on the outside, the cushioning and support may be negligible. Now that you are resigned to purchasing new shoes, what sport are you outfitting for?

Soccer and football cleats may look a lot alike and their purpose is the same. These shoes provide the athlete with both stability and traction while on the playing field.  Although they may look alike, there are some differences, which mean one pair of cleats cannot be worn for the same sport.
Below are some key differences you should take into consideration:

• Design.  Football cleats come in three profiles, low-cut, mid-cut and high tops. High tops are preferred by the players who do a lot of lateral movement.  Low-cut or mid-cut shoes are worn by players who require increased maneuverability such as running backs and wide receivers. Soccer cleats are only made in low-cut style because not only are they lighter weight, but they also allow for greater speed and agility on the playing surface. 

• Product. Both soccer and football cleats are constructed from hard plastic and can be detachable. Soccer cleats have the option of an aluminum cap that allows for greater traction. Aluminum caps are not allowed on football cleats. Soccer also allows a metal spike in some instances, which is never allowed in football. One feature present in football cleats that is lacking in soccer cleats is the presence of a horizontal toe spike. The function is to help dig in and provide front driven support. Another horizontal mid-sole spike provides traction against fast starts.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Manufacturer.  Most major manufacturers of sports shoes make both football and soccer shoes. You should know the rules governing the shoes for your particular league. For instance, although one inch cleats are manufactured, not all levels of football allow them. Check with the team coach for added specific information governing shoes and take a features list with you when you go shopping.

Safety and foot protection should be your primary concern. Dr. Bowman can provide you with additional tips for foot and ankle safety considerations. You can call him to schedule an appointment at (713) 467-8886. Make sure that all foot and ankle concerns are addressed before your student athlete boards the bus and heads back into the competitive world of school sports.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/111722-difference-between-soccer-football/

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Back to School Preparations for Student Athletes

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It barely started and is almost over - summer vacation! It just isn’t long enough and as parents look at making back to school preparations, some may tend to agree. Special consideration for the student athlete is the necessary equipment for the first day of practice. If your child participates in an indoor sport like volleyball, they will need a pair of shoes that meet the demands of the sport and provide the best protection for their feet. Their street sneakers probably lack the desired gum-rubber sole that allows for the unique demands placed on them.

There are an estimated thirty million participants in volleyball so shoe manufacturers have researched and spent lots of time in developing footwear that:

• Grips

• Supports

• Absorbs shock

These are key features to look for when making your decision. Normal running shoes just won’t get the job done. Volleyball players do quick and frequent directional changes, which require a sole sure to grip the smooth floor. Manufacturers use a gum-rubber material for the outer sole allowing the participant to start, stop and pivot quickly and a herringbone pattern is added to help avoid slip and fall accidents.

Since the volleyball player spends most of the time on the balls of their feet or toes, support at the midsole is a must. Gel, liquid, air and foam are options that provide support and offer good energy return and rapid recovery.  The best support comes from custom orthotics.

High top shoes are available and aid the player with weak ankles and at the same time help to prevent sprain injuries. For the student athlete who prefers low top shoes, an ankle brace may be an option to consider or Immobilization tapping.

As a volleyball player, the student athlete relies on a shoe that will keep him or her safe and maximize their performance. If the current shoes just aren’t cutting it, perhaps it’s time to retire them and select a shoe with the desired capabilities. A sports store that specializes in indoor court sports has sales staff available to guide you and make recommendations. They are also the best go to person for advice on fit. Purchase the athletic socks you will wear with the shoes and buy the shoes to accommodate both feet and socks. Shoes should not feel tight, if they do, move a half-size up.  Consult with Dr. Bowman about correct shoes for any sport.

If after all this your student athlete sustains a sports injury, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His expertise as a former athlete can minimize lost time and get you back on the court. Online appointments are available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/395899-what-type-of-shoes-do-you-need-for-volleyball
http://www.livestrong.com/article/392402-qualities-to-look-for-in-a-volleyball-shoe/

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