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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Your Feet and a High Protein Diet

We are inundated these days with all kinds of diets and ways to eat to keep us fit and healthy. It can be hard to weed through them all and know which ones are good and worth doing. Protein is a “hot” word in the health world but it really is essential and believe it or not, it can also affect your feet.

Dr. Jeff Bowman is a foot specialist in Houston, TX who cares about the whole health of his patients. Diets often play a big role when it comes to keeping feet healthy and too much protein on a regular basis can specifically affect feet. If you have been experiencing joint pain and inflammation, it is worth taking a look at your protein intake.

Protein is important, as your body needs it to produce and repair cells. It is recommended that adult women take in 46 g of protein daily and men take in 56 g daily. Every gram of protein contains 4 calories. A diet high in protein can increase your risk of obesity and extra weight adds stress and strain on your feet. This can result in sore joints and aggravation of existing foot problems.

Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that affects the big toe joint in your foot. A diet high in protein can cause ketone levels to rise, which in turn increase the amount of uric acid in your blood. An accumulation of uric acid is what can cause a flare up of gout. If you already suffer from arthritis, eating animal proteins such as meat and eggs can increase the pain and inflammation in your joints.

If you have pain in your joints or feet and are unsure if protein is to blame, Dr. Bowman is available to help. Call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or request an appointment online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Hallux Limitus

Are you hobbling around with big toe pain?

We often don’t think of our feet or toes for that matter until they are hurt or stubbed on the coffee table in the middle of the night. Even though a toe is one of the smallest parts on your body, it can be very painful and debilitating when a problem or injury occurs.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has treated many patients who have come in complaining of pain in their big toe. A common reason for this is something called hallux limitus. Often referred to as a “stiff big toe joint,” this condition is characterized by localized pain, stiffness and limited range of motion at the joint of the big toe. 


You may not have realized that the achy feeling in your big toe was caused by hallux limitus. Here are some other symptoms to help you diagnose whether or not you may have this condition:

• A bump at the top of the big toe joint
• Pain that worsens with walking or exercise
• A callus on the side of the big toe
• Inability to flex your big toe upwards

Are you wondering how hallux limitus may have developed? It is normally caused by an abnormal alignment of a bone in your big toe joint. Repetitive trauma to your toe, a second toe that is longer than the first, arthritis and flat feet are other common factors that can result in hallux limitus.

This condition can cause other painful problems if not treated so we encourage you to contact us if you have any stiffness or pain in your big toe. We have several effective treatment options that can relieve your symptoms and stop the progression of this condition. Call Dr. Bowman today at (713) 467-8886 or make an appointment with our podiatric office online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Sprinting Vs. Jogging in Training

Are you a serious runner training for a certain race or challenge? Knowing the best ways to prepare your body for what lies ahead is the first step in creating a training routine. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has seen all too often the aftermath that can happen when runners overuse their bodies or train too hard and too quick. Foot and ankle injuries will put a halt to any training routine.

So, keeping in mind that you want the best bang for your buck while training and you want to keep your body safe, how do you choose what is best? Both jogging and sprinting are going to be great workouts all around. They are both great cardiovascular and muscle strengthening exercises. Let’s look at a few differences:

Jogging – This option is a more low impact choice and will put less stress on your body. As you get into a slow and steady rhythm, you will be able to jog for longer periods of time. You are still going to burn calories while taking it a bit easier on your body.

Sprinting – Running as fast as you can for a short distance is a great way to reduce body fat and strengthen your body. Sprinting will build your muscle mass, can enhance your immune system and strengthen your heart. A sprinting workout should be gradually entered into to avoid injury. Sprints with periods of rest, repeated 5-10 times is standard for a workout and can be done 3-5 times a week.

An underlying rule in any training routine is to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, take a break. Make sure to stretch before and after whatever exercise you choose as well as warm up and cool down to avoid injuries. A great thing to do before you start any exercise you have never done before is to get checked out by your doctor to make sure you are okay to start. If you are a runner with any type of foot pain, please see Dr. Bowman for treatment. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Sleep: Why You Need a Good Night’s Rest

We have all experienced the countdown to when our head is able to finally hit the pillow at the end of a long day. Some days are worse than others with all that life can throw at us but you may be setting yourself up for failure if you are not getting enough sleep.

Why is sleep so important?

It goes without saying that sleep allows us to function normally and get through out daily activities but it goes further than that. There is huge value in a good night’s sleep and here are a few of the reasons why:

• When you get into the cycles of deep sleep, your body is finally able to work on repairing all the damage that was done in the day. All of the stress and physical exertion you went through gets rebalanced and recharged from the proteins that your body makes while you sleep.

• After all the activity of the day, deep sleep allows your brain to process all that went on. This process builds up chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which help fight off depression and it also enhances your memory.

• Every level of sleep during the night helps to recharge and reenergize your body for the next day. If you are always feeling sluggish and sleepy, then you have either had too much caffeine before bed or your body is not able to get into this level of sleep for very long.

• An important reason for sleep that many may not make a connection with is regarding weight gain. Sleep deprivation causes an increase in a hormone that can actually increase your appetite. Adequate sleep keeps your appetite at bay and gives you energy for the day making you less likely to reach for poor foods to combat the fatigue.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX cares about the whole health of each of his patients. If you are struggling with foot or ankle pain that may also be keeping you up at night, please see us for help. Make an appointment today by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit us online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Physical Therapy & The Foot Doctor

When you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, the prompt care and treatment sought after makes a big impact on the success of your recovery. Even if an injury is mild, when it does not heal properly or has not had correct treatment, you are at risk for re-injury and chronic problems in that area.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats all kinds of foot and ankle injuries on a regular basis. One of the most important parts of the treatment process for many foot and ankle injuries is physical therapy.

After an injury is sustained or surgery is performed, the primary goal is to return health and function to that area. Physical therapy focuses on specific exercises and strengthening techniques to strengthen the injured area, restore range of motion, improve balance and get you back to the level of activity you desire. Dr. Bowman or a trusted professional physical therapist know and understand the mechanics of your body and will use physical therapy to target the weakened area and get you back to living without pain.

After an injury, joints and muscles can become stiff and tight. Physical therapy uses stretching to help release that tension and brings range of motion back to where it should be. After an injury or surgery, the area is prone to developing scar tissue that can inhibit rehabilitation. Physical therapy also helps to minimize the development of potential scar tissue.

If you are struggling after an injury or surgery with the healing process or getting back into your daily activities, please contact Dr. Bowman. Starting an appropriate physical therapy plan may be exactly what is needed. You can schedule an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or online 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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Best Exercises With a Foot Injury

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

How can I stay fit while my foot injury heals?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The right recovery of a foot injury will go a long way in keeping your feet healthy long term and help prevent a re-injury or a chronic problem. Call Dr. Bowman if you are struggling to stay active with an injury. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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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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