Treatment for Metatarsalgia

Have you ever driven by an amazing house and wished you could just get a peek inside to see what it looked like? If so, you need to take part in the Modern Home Tour on January 25^th, 2014 in Houston, TX. You will get special access inside the homes of some of Houston’s most creative homeowners, architects and designers.

Now let’s switch gears and talk about foot pain for a moment. Have you ever experienced it and wished you could just get an inside look to know what exactly was going on? At Houston Foot Specialists we can do just that, and you may find your ball of foot pain is very likely caused by a condition called metatarsalgia. This is when there is an imbalance in the metatarsals, which are the long bones in your foot.

Proper footwear and inserts are a often recommended for treatment

The good news is that we have several effective treatment options to help relieve your ball of foot pain caused by this condition. The first part of the action plan starts with you and involves rest. You will need to alleviate pressure on your foot and avoid activities that may stress it further. Icing for 20 minutes, several times a day is helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Next, we can step in and help you find the most suitable shoes to wear so this pain does not come back. We will help you find footwear that’s suited to your foot type and any activities that you do. Arch supports are effective in taking pressure off of your foot and orthotics can provide extra cushioning and support for your feet.

The bottom line is that treatment is important. Don’t just wait for your foot pain to go away, as most conditions only worsen if ignored. See Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for expert foot care and treatment. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

Strengthening Flat Feet

Did you brave the masses to hunt down the bargains during Black Friday? Are you gearing up for the season of holiday shopping? Long days of walking around a mall from store to store can take a toll on your feet, especially if you have flat feet and are not wearing comfortable shoes.

Flat feet are extremely common – you may not even know that you have them. Step on a piece of dark paper with a wet foot and look at the print left behind. If you see an oblong pancake shape then you most likely have a flat foot, and it could be the reason for any foot pain you may be feeling. Most people with this foot structure don’t experience any pain or problems, but over time arches can flatten even further and poorly-fitted shoes can lead to fatigue and pain.

Flat feet are a very common condition

Strengthening flat feet can make a difference in keeping your feet healthy, strong, and able to withstand what you demand of them. The first thing to do is really evaluate your footwear before you head out for the day. If you know you will be walking or standing for long periods of time, it is not the time to wear high heels, non-supportive flats, or flip-flops. Instead, invest in a supportive pair of shoes with orthotics for extra support. While you are watching TV or brushing your teeth, strengthen feet by standing on one leg. Focus on arching the foot you are standing on, hold for a few seconds and then release. Do this ten times and then repeat on the other foot. Lastly, avoid painful problems by doing a little stretching. Sit on the floor with your legs out in front and loop a towel around the balls of your feet. Gently pull the towel towards you until you feel a stretch in your arches.

If you find that having flat feet is starting to become problematic for you, please don’t wait until foot pain defines your day. We have many ways to treat this problem that can prevent pain or resolve existing discomfort. Contact Dr. Jeffrey N. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists today for an appointment. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 or request one online.

Dealing with Ankle Pain After Running

When you think of the word “adventure” what comes to mind? Maybe your thoughts go to jumping out of a plane, visiting a faraway place, or simply trying a daring gourmet recipe. In Houston, TX, that word gets families excited for the Great Amazing Race! Taking place on November 16^th, 2013, this race for adults and kids has teams completing various challenges along a one-mile course. Don’t miss out!

An exhilarating run can be dampened quickly if it ends with pain – ankle pain in particular. Have you experienced this as a runner? It is important to understand that engaging in running puts an extreme amount of stress on your feet and ankles. To give you an idea, your feet will strike the ground around 15,000 times during a ten-mile run, and it will be at a force up to four times your body weight. Even so, keep in mind that foot or ankle pain is not normal and should always be looked into.

The ankle joint is a key factor in enabling propulsion during running and there are a few common reasons why pain in this area could be occurring. A slight inward roll of the ankle can damage ligaments on the outside and cause aching, pain and swelling. Many times a small stumble doesn’t cause immediate symptoms but ones that progress over time. It is also common to experience pain in the ankle in association with Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscles and a strain to this tendon could result in posterior ankle pain. Finally, another common cause we see involves stress or full fractures in a bone. Lack of stretching or warm up, overuse, and bad running shoes could cause a fracture to develop.

The bottom line is that you need to know what is causing the pain in order to treat it properly. That is when we can step in and help – something even as simple as a custom orthotic can make a world of difference in you ankle comfort! Deal with ankle pain the right way and call Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists today. You can make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886.

Ways to Get You Motivated to Run

How do you feel about racing with hundreds of people, lighting up the night sky as you go? If that sounds intriguing, you need to be a part of the Firefly Run, a race gaining in popularity around the U.S. You get to experience “the most eye-dazzling, illuminated night race” which is happening this year in Houston, TX on November 2^nd, 2013. Choose either a 5K or a 10K, and run in a crazy costume lit up with LED lights while supporting a great charity at the same time.

Signing up for a race and putting your name on the dotted line is a way to get motivated to run but there are a few other tried and true techniques out there that can help a beginning runner or a seasoned veteran who needs a boost. Set yourself up for success by starting off with a good pair of running shoes and custom orthotics that will support your feet and be comfortable to run in. One thing you can do after that is to find a reliable buddy. A partner can keep you accountable and make things more fun.

Its important to run with the right equipment!

Secondly, avoid the doldrums of doing the exact same thing every day. Mix things up by running on different terrain in different places, and add strength training into your routine as well. Keep track of your times and progress as this can be a great encourager when you aren’t sure if your training is making any difference. Try using music as a way to keep you energized during a run. Many people find songs that help them keep a good pace. Set goals and reward yourself when you achieve milestones.

If a running regimen has left you with any foot pain or problems, don’t wait to find out what is going on. It may be a minor injury that can be healed with rest, but there may be something more complicated causing your discomfort. Contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at  Houston Foot Specialists for diagnosis and treatment. Make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

Bunion Treatment – What You Can Do Instead of Surgery

If you have a bony bump on the side of your big toe, it is most likely a bunion. Have no fear, you join the ranks of countless others with this common foot problem. Ladies, many celebrities you may fashion your sense of style after are often caught on the red carpet with bunions protruding from the sides of their strappy sandals. Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham are just a couple who have had their bumpy feet photographed.

Watching your feet morph into an abnormal shape can be a little scary, not to mention painful, as a bunion problem worsens. While surgery may be the only option for some to truly get relief, there are many ways to avoid going down that path. You may be at risk for developing bunions if you have inherited a foot structure prone to this problem. If that is the case, or if you just want to keep your feet looking beautiful, some time and precautionary measures will go a long way.

The best place to start is to take an inventory of the kind of shoes you wear on a regular basis. While footwear isn’t a true “cause” of bunions, it can certainly contribute to the condition developing earlier and cause it to worsen more quickly. Avoid high heels and shoes with tight, pointy toe boxes in particular. Bunion pads can prevent irritation to the side of your foot, and applying ice will help reduce any swelling or pain. It can also help to massage the ball of your foot and gently manipulate your big toe joint in all directions.

At Houston Foot Specialists, Dr. Jeff Bowman is highly experienced in helping patients with bunion problems. Custom orthotic inserts are a proven way to support feet and prevent this problem from worsening. Call us at (713) 467-8886 and make an appointment today to find out how we can help you avoid surgery.

©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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The Best Shoes to Wear if You Have Knee Problems

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

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

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

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

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

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Best Shoes for People with Flat Feet

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

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

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

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

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

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Best Shoes for High Arches

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

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

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

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

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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

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

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

• Wearing restrictive or improperly fitting footwear such as high heels

• Arthritis

• Trauma such as a bad stub or jamming your toe

• Nerve damage in the feet

• Shoes with a low toe-box

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

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

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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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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Tarsal Coalition

Children and young adults are very resilient and often don’t even tell you if they are experiencing discomfort. Foot and ankle health is very important to maintain their activity level making it important that parents take any complaints or symptoms seriously. If your child or adolescent complains of tired legs and pain when walking, it may be a result of a condition called tarsal coalition.

Dr. Jeff Bowman is a foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX that treats children on a regular basis. Tarsal coalition is a condition that affects the tarsal bones in the foot, which are found at the top of the arch, the heel and the ankle. When an abnormal connection forms across or between joints in this part of the foot, it is called tarsal coalition. This condition, which often develops during fetal development, results in the failure of the surrounding affected bones to form properly.

It is important to note that symptoms of this condition do not usually appear until bones have matured. Most often, children will not see symptoms until around 9-16 years of age. Take special notice if your child complains of any of the following symptoms:

• A stiffness in their foot or ankle

• Pain when walking or standing

• Aching near the ankle or arch

• Muscle spasms on the outside of the affected foot

• Flatfoot

• Tired or fatigued legs

When you bring your child to our podiatric office, Dr. Bowman will evaluate the nature of your child’s symptoms and choose the treatment path to reduce pain. Custom orthotics, corrective shoes and physical therapy may be a part of the treatment plan we can provide.

If your child or adolescent needs treatment for foot pain or if you have any questions, please contact our podiatric office today. 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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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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Hallux Rigidus

Why is my big toe stiff and painful?

We often don’t realize the importance of small parts of our body until they are out of commission or aren’t able to function properly. The big toe is one of those little parts that have a bigger job than we realize.

Your big toe is used whenever you stand, walk, climb, run or crouch down. A common disorder that affects the big toe joint is something called hallux rigidus. It is the most common form of arthritis in the foot. It causes pain and stiffness and as it progresses over time can make the joint at the base of the big toe unmovable.

How do I know if I have hallux rigidus?

Being able to properly diagnose what you are experiencing is the first step in finding the right course of treatment. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX offers the following symptoms to watch out for with hallux rigidus:

• Difficulty with activities such as running and walking

• A bump resembling a callus or bunion on the top of your foot

• Stiffness in your big toe with a difficulty when bending it up or down

• Swelling or inflammation around the toe joint

• Difficulty wearing shoes

• Pain in the big toe joint

This degenerative condition usually develops from a wear and tear injury. A faulty foot structure, an inherited foot type that is prone to developing the condition, a job that puts stress on your big toe and gout are all causes for hallux rigidus.

Catching the signs of hallux rigidus early makes this condition easier to treat. Bone spurs can develop over time making it more difficult to manage and much more painful. Dr. Bowman can offer several treatment options for hallux rigidus such as: orthotics, physical therapy, medications and shoe modifications or some cases require surgery. Please contact our podiatric office today for help. Call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Footwear for Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a growing sport among athletes today. You may not be too familiar with this sport, but there is more history with it then you might be aware of! Lacrosse is considered by many to be America’s first sport. It started with the North American Indian, was taken up by the French to finally be adapted and made popular by Canadians. It is a combination of hockey, soccer and basketball and is one of the fastest growing sports in the US today.

Foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman, treats athletes on a regular basis and knows the impact sports can have on feet and ankles. Lacrosse is a fast paced sport that requires agility and coordination. As with most sports, to play efficiently and keep feet safe, the right footwear is a must.

What kind of shoes do I need for Lacrosse?

Lacrosse is typically played on a grassy field that can wet and muddy. You are going to want to look for cleats that are specific to Lacrosse. They are a mix between soccer and baseball cleats. Look for a cleat with a leather upper and rubber outsole to give you the traction you will need. Most lacrosse leagues don’t allow metal cleats so choose ones made of plastic. You also want your cleat to be lightweight, comfortable and able to fit custom orthotics which will help prevent injury. The sporting goods store in the mall down the street most likely will not provide what you need for Lacrosse. Search for a specialty store that will provide appropriate choices.

Nothing will be more frustrating as you are deep in a match then being sidelined with foot pain. If foot pain is hindering your Lacrosse game or an injury has you sitting out, please call us for help. Make an appointment at our Houston, TX podiatric office today. You can call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Pronation – Over vs. Under

Pronation refers to how your body weight is distributed on your feet and how your feet handle that weight. Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX regularly treats patients who deal with feet that either overpronate or underpronate. The difference may be small but can have a big effect on your foot health.

What is overpronation?

When you have overpronation, your foot tends to roll inward as you walk causing much of your arch to touch the ground. This is a common condition that can cause problems over time as the foot and ankle are not able to absorb shock very efficiently and can’t stabilize the body as well as they should. At the end of each step, instead of the whole front of your foot evenly pushing off, the stress is put on the big and second toe. You can understand then how this can put strain on the muscles and ligaments of your foot.

What is underpronation?

This condition is also called supination and is when the foot automatically rolls outward with each step. The impact is then concentrated on the outside of your foot causing the work during push off to be done by your little toes. With this condition, extra stress is put on your shin, knee, and thigh and strains the muscles in your feet and lower leg. This condition is much less common than overpronation but can cause significant problems if you are athletic and very active.

Looking at a pair of old shoes could show signs of over or underpronation. Look at where the edges are worn. You can also step a wet foot on brown paper and check your footprint.  If no arch is present on the bag you likely pronate. A flat foot often results in overpronation and a high arch often leads to underpronation. A custom device for your shoe called orthotics can be the solution to your foot woes and provide years of comfort

Knowing your foot structure and whether you have a normal or abnormal pronation will help you choose appropriate footwear and understand the cause of any pain you might be having. Make an appointment with Dr. Bowman today to find out the true state of your foot health. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Have a Bunion? What Shoes Should I Wear?

Do you have a large bump on the side of your toe?

If so, you most likely have a bunion. Bunions are a very common foot deformity where the big toe leans over towards the other toes. Foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman treats patients with bunions on a daily basis at his practice in Houston, TX.  Genetics play a big role in whether you will develop bunions but your footwear choice plays an equal or even larger role.

With a bunion deformity, a bump protrudes out the side of your foot due to the big toe leaning over. This bony bump can make it difficult to find shoes and wearing the wrong shoes can aggravate a bunion and cause it to become even worse. To prevent or slow down the progression of a bunion or relieve bunion pain, investing in well-fitting shoes is essential.

If I have a bunion, what shoes should I wear?

• Avoid shoes that have narrow, pointy shoes.

• Look for shoes with a wide and deep toe box

• Buy shoes made of material that has some give and stretch

• Choose shoes that have a removable insole in the case that you wear or may need to wear orthotics which will help slow the progression of the deformity

• Avoid shoes that have stitching or extra material at the toes as it could rub against and irritate your bunion

• Do not choose shoes based on the hopes that they will eventually stretch out and be comfortable – they should feel great in the store!

• Invest in shoes labeled for comfort that can be worn for long periods of time and are designed to protect and support feet that have specific conditions

• Shop for shoes at the end of the day when the feet tend to be more swollen, this will ensure a proper fit

Dr. Bowman can provide expert advice and treatment if you are struggling with a bunion problem. There are many treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and allow you to live life pain-free. 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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Top of the Foot Pain

Are you being stopped in your tracks with pain on the top of your foot?

The average person takes 10,000 steps a day and it can be very frustrating if pain is a part of every step you take. If you are dealing with pain on the top of your foot, you may also be experiencing any one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty walking

• Redness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Pain that increases with activity

Knowing what is causing your foot pain is the first step in finding the right treatment. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats patients on a regular basis who come in with pain on the top of their foot. Common reasons he finds cause top of foot pain are:

• Aging

• Pregnancy

• Metatarsalgia

• Tendonitis

• Sprains and stress fractures

• Bone Spurs

• Improper footwear

• Nerve entrapment

How can the pain on top of your foot be treated?

To alleviate pain, try resting your foot when possible and using ice and elevation when you can. Avoid any shoes that may be the culprit of your pain and opt for low heeled, supportive and comfortable shoes.

Depending on the severity of your pain, Dr. Bowman can provide several treatment options. The use of custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, can be very effective in providing extra support for your feet and alleviate the symptoms. Medications, injections, physical therapy, immobilization or possible surgery may be required to deal with persistent top of foot pain. The only way to get the right treatment for your pain is to come in and see us for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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