A Bruised Heel May Be the Reason It Hurts to Walk

Are you ready for a family-friendly trip through Houston’s downtown historic district? Each year Discover Houston Tours puts on an event called The Ghost Walk that takes you through six urban legends and scary true tales of deceased Houstonians. This popular event is open to the public throughout the month of October and is a perfect way to learn about some history and get a few shivers down your spine at the same time!

A tour such as this that has you walking for a longer distance is going to require a great pair of shoes or you may be hobbling home when it is over. If you have ever come home at the end of the day with foot pain, particularly in the heel area, it may be due to an actual bruise that has developed. If you feel a sharp, localized pain when you press on your heel that decreases when you let go, it is most likely a bruised heel.

A bruised heel can occur from walking long distances in poor-fitting or non-cushioned shoes. It can also develop from repeated impact during sports activity or strength training. The bruise can vary in severity, with a more severe case often involving tiny breaks to the outermost layer of the heel bone. Depending on the nature of the injury, pain can last for several weeks and even months. You may experience swelling and inflammation and possible bruise-like colors on your heel.

Treatment usually involves the RICE method, which starts with rest and ice. Get off your foot when possible and ice it by rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle. Try massaging your calf muscle, wrapping your heel in a stretch bandage, and taking any anti-inflammatory medication that is prescribed. If these methods fail to provide relief, please contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for diagnosis and treatment. There may be a more serious underlying problem that you are not aware of. Make an appointment today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.

Running with Heel Spurs

The Run or Dye 5K, taking place on September 14th in Houston, TX is calling all runners to come out and have some colorful fun! Get blasted with safe colored dye and pass the finish line in Technicolor fashion. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking for a reason to get out and have fun, this race is for you.

The joy of a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this can be seriously dampened with a foot condition such as heel spurs. If you run regularly and have been experiencing sharp pains in your feet when you get up in the morning, dull pain during the day and discomfort while walking or running, a heel spur could be the cause.

A heel spur is actually a calcium deposit that forms on the heel usually stemming from a primary condition such as plantar fasciitis, an injury where tendons in the foot become inflamed. Running puts tons of stress on your feet and while a condition such as spurs can be painful, it can be managed to keep you on the road.

If you are gearing up for a race such as The Run or Dye Houston, take some rest from training beforehand. Icing for ten to fifteen minutes a few times a day will help to ease swelling. Before you get back on your feet, assess your footwear. If they do not have the support, shock absorption and cushioning your feet need, especially in the heel area, shell out the dollars for a new pair. The brands New Balance and Brooks offer some great running shoe options for people with spurs.

One of the best things you can do as a runner is to have a podiatrist such as Dr. Jeff Bowman be a part of your team. He can diagnose any pain, provide the right treatment and offer valuable advice to keep you healthy and able to run! Call Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX today at (713) 467-8886 with any questions or if you need treatment.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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How to Get Rid of Heel Spurs

Andres Torres, outfielder for the San Francisco Giants knows all too well the struggle involved in dealing with nagging foot pain. An Achilles tendon injury in 2011 left him with recurring pain that has now led to the need for surgery to remove heel spurs in his foot.

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on your heel. Often time spurs cause no pain and many people aren’t even aware that they are there. There are other situations though when they can lead to significant, chronic pain, such as plantar fasciitis, which goes hand-in-hand with heel spurs. Shooting pain when stepping out of bed in the morning or swelling and discomfort while walking and running can impact a person’s quality of life.

The best course of defense against this common foot problem is to take a break! Whether you are an athlete or not, take a rest from activities that put stress on your feet. Anti-inflammatory medications and icing several times a day often lessen the severity of symptoms. Next, support your feet the best way possible. A great help for those with heel problems is to use a pair of custom orthotic inserts. They take pressure off your heel, reducing pain. Physical therapy and stretching exercises can also help get rid of the symptoms from spurs.

If you have this type of condition, you may find yourself in the same position as Torres, needing surgery to bring the affected foot back to full health and function. Avoid getting to this point and contact Houston, TX podiatrist Dr. Jeff Bowman from the start. Quick action when symptoms first arise goes a long way in preventing a serious spur problem. Make an appointment with Houston Foot Specialists today by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved 

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Why You Should Steer Away From Flip Flops

Spring is here but don’t jump into your flip-flops just yet! We know they are cheap, quick to get on and one of the most popular hot weather shoes out there. Just read on for a bit of flip-flop information you may not be aware of.

How can flip-flops hurt my feet?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX knows all too well how poor, unsupportive shoes can affect feet. He treats patients regularly who come in hobbling with pain and problems from bad shoes. Flip-flops are one type of shoe that can really do a number on your feet. Most flip-flops can literally be folded in half. They are flimsy and a thin layer of rubber is not going to cut it. Some of the common problems our podiatric office sees as a result of wearing flip flops include:

• Blisters

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Heel pain

• Neuromas

• Ankle Sprains

• Fractures

If you know that you are going to spend the day shopping, walking or playing tourist around a vacation spot, keep your flip flops packed. Choose a good supportive shoe instead that will keep your feet comfortable and supported. The last thing you want at the end of the day is a foot full of pain. Look for a sandal that has good arch support, straps that will keep the shoe snugly in place, a firm sole and a lower heel that won’t put added stress on your feet.

You do want to protect the bottom of your feet. It is generally ok to slip on a pair of flip-flops to go from the pool to the beach or while in a public pool or shower area. Other than that, put your feet first by putting them in a proper pair of shoes. If you have foot pain from wearing a flimsy pair of flip-flops, contact us today for treatment. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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The Low Down on Heel Spurs

It is common for Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX to have patients hobbling in seeking treatment for their foot pain. Are you one who is tired of putting up with heel pain? You may have heel spurs and they need to be treated!

Not Talking About Cowboy Boots

In mentioning heel spurs, we are in no way referencing the spurs on those cowboy boots you save for line dancing. A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the bottom of your heel bone. It is a common foot condition and is typically associated with plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is attached to your heel bone and connects to the ball of your foot. When there is too much strain on your foot and muscles, the plantar fascia stretches and where it is attached to the heel bone, a spur can develop. It is a slow process and often doesn’t pose a problem. Depending on the severity though, it can become extremely painful to wear certain shoes and other issues can develop.  If you have pain to the bottom of your heel when you first get out of bed in the morning, this is a sign of plantar fasciitis.

Can I Prevent Heel Spurs and What is the Treatment?

Observing a few key things can help avoid the development of a heel spur. If active, make sure you warm up well, stretch your foot toward your body, wear the right footwear for the activity you are involved in and pace yourself accordingly.

There are several treatment options Dr. Bowman can offer at his Houston Foot Specialists podiatric office. They include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corrective shoes & Custom orthotics
• Cortisone injections
• Prescribed exercises

Laser treatments or Ultrasound treatments are also available to help reduce pain and surgery if the condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments.

If you are feeling a sharp pain or dull ache in your heel, don’t live with the pain. Call Dr. Bowman today at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment. Find more information by visiting our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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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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