Broken Ankle

Do you know how handle a broken ankle?

All of the tasks and activities you are involved in on a daily basis can take a toll on your feet. While they are incredibly designed to withstand extreme amounts of stress, they have their limits like any other part of your body. Ankles are especially vulnerable to injury and broken ankles are very common.

There are three bones that make up your ankle joint and even a small or minor injury can prove harmful to these bones. Most often the result of injury, a broken ankle can be as small as a crack or a severe break. Also called a fracture, a break can happen with a minor injury and may not even be obvious.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX has treated many patients with broken ankles who weren’t even aware they had that level of injury. A severe sprain can result in a lot of pain as well so look for the following symptoms to diagnose a possible fracture:

• Painful to the touch

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Limited or no ability to bear weight on the ankle

• Deformity

What you can do

If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury, avoid putting any weight on the ankle. Apply an ice pack and elevate your leg to reduce pain and swelling. If possible, immobilize the ankle by wrapping it and see a health care professional as soon as possible. X-rays will be needed to identify which bone is broken and the severity of your injury.

There are serious risks involved if an injury like this is not cared for appropriately. Arthritis, infection and nerve damage can develop if the fracture is not properly treated. If you have any ankle pain, either from injury or that has come on over time, please contact Houston Foot Specialists for help. You can call our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit us online.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Kohler’s Disease

What is Kohler’s Disease?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats all foot and ankle problems for patients of all ages. This includes all common injuries and conditions all the way to the most rare. One of the more rare foot conditions, found in children in particular is Kohler’s disease.

This is a painful bone disorder that usually affects children between the ages of four and seven. Of the children affected, 80% tend to be boys. This condition, also called navicular osteochondrosis, is characterized by a disruption of the blood supply to the foot. The exact reason for how this happens isn’t completely known but one common factor involves an abnormal growth of the arteries in the foot. This abnormality compresses tissues, resulting in the decreased blood supply, which causes the bone to deteriorate.

What symptoms should I look for?

Kohler’s disease is often misdiagnosed so it is important to have any symptoms that your child may be complaining about looked at. This disorder can lead to pain, swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness and limping. Typically children grow out of this condition but symptoms can last up to two years. Treatment focuses on decreasing symptoms to allow your child to enjoy life as much as they can without foot pain. This may include arch supports, casting or other supportive devices that will allow the affected bones to heal.

If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact Houston Foot Specialists. If an evaluation reveals Kohler’s disease, Dr. Bowman can provide the right treatment that your child will need. Visit us online or call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Broken Foot - It’s a Traumatic Thing

What are the signs and symptoms of a broken foot?

If you have had a sudden impact injury to your foot, you may question whether it is truly broken. Some people have a “tough it out” kind of attitude which may not be the best course of action for your foot health long term.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has treated many patients who came in with a broken foot after hobbling on it for too long. There are some common signs and symptoms of a broken bone to watch out for after you have had an injury. Pay close attention and make sure to have your injury evaluated at our office if you have any of the following:

    •    Pain
    •    Bruising
    •    Tenderness
    •    Swelling
    •    Immobility and difficulty bearing weight
    •    Deformity
    •    Your foot is blue, cold or numb

The symptoms of a sprain parallel that of an actual break so it is important to pay attention to the level of pain and swelling. If your pain continues to worsen and interferes with walking or daily tasks, the injury needs to be looked at. You can walk on a broken foot and a break that is left untreated could lead to chronic problems.

Contact Houston Foot Specialists today if you are concerned about a possible broken bone in your foot. The right treatment applied quickly will get you back on your feet sooner! Call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Maffucci Syndrome - It starts in Childhood!

Maffucci syndrome is a very rare disorder with symptoms that typically start in childhood. The onset of this disorder usually appears between 1-5 years of age with 25% of cases having symptoms present right from birth or during the first year.

Even with rare conditions, it is important to be informed of symptoms to look for to best diagnose and treat the condition. There are three symptoms that characterize this disorder:

Hemangiomas – This is a nodule of extra blood vessels found on the skin. They appear bright red and can be superficial or develop deeper in the skin. They may appear as a small blue bump if formed under the skin.

Enchondromas – These are benign cartilage tumors found on the inside of a bone. They are often found in hands, feet and the long bones of the legs and arms. These tumors can weaken the surrounding bone making it susceptible to fractures.

Bone deformities – This involves unequal lengths of the long bones in arms and legs or weakened bones that have suffered breaks and did not align properly during healing.

The symptoms of Maffuci Syndrome can develop over time and each patient may have different needs. Managing this disorder will involve relieving pain from any symptoms and detecting them as early as possible. Typically treatment is only needed if the tumors are aggressive and are affecting the health of the surrounding bone tissue.

For further information about this condition or if your child has any of the symptoms described, please contact us today. You can make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists online or by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Walking & Weight Loss

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

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

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

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

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

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Clubfoot

It can be scary as a parent if you find out that your child will be born with an abnormality such as clubfoot. Understanding the nature of this congenital abnormality and available treatment options are the first steps in easing fears and setting up an appropriate plan.

This condition gets it name by the way the feet look at birth. Tendons that connect muscles to the bone of the foot are shortened, causing the feet to bend at a sharp angle resembling the head of a golf club. It is one of the most common birth defects and while the exact cause is unknown, there are many successful treatment options available.

If your child has clubfoot, the goal will be to start treatment right away to make the feet functional by the time he or she starts to walk. Dr. Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX will be able to determine the best treatment plan depending on the severity of your child’s condition. Serial casting may be used to gently move the bones of the feet into proper alignment with the use of several casts over time. This process can take up to four months and once the casts are off, special shoes or braces are needed to keep the bones straightened.

Sometimes casting and bracing is not enough leaving surgery as the only option to get feet fully functional again. Whether it is through casting or surgery, most babies born with clubfoot who are treated early with appropriate treatment grow up to wear normal shoes and are able to enjoy the same activities as their friends.

If you have any questions or concerns about clubfoot or have a child that needs treatment, please call Dr. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists (713) 467-8886 and make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Water & Skin Benefits

Water is an essential nutrient to your body. Your body is made up of 55-75% water and needs it to function, plain and simple. An adult loses up to 3 liters a day, possibly more during hot weather and exercise. Because we can’t store water, we need to replace this vital nutrient.

Aside from regulating your temperature, lubricating your joints and helping with digestion, a huge benefit of getting enough water is how much it helps your skin! Are you aware that your skin is your body’s largest organ? Like most other body parts, your skin can become dehydrated with a lack water. Being dehydrated can result in your skin being dry and wrinkled. Water keeps the cells and tissues of your skin healthy and increases its elasticity. Moisturized skin is healthy looking skin and water is the best way to achieve this. Using a moisturizer on your skin also helps lock in moisture to keep your skin healthy throughout the day.

You also don’t have to be thirsty or drink a gallon of water a day to get enough fluid into your system. Tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, carrots, apples and bananas consist of between 75-93% water. Not only will you be eating healthy, your skin will be reaping the benefits as well!

Healthy skin also protects against injury, especially when in relation to your feet. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX has treated many patients with dry, cracking skin on their feet. This situation can put you at risk for infection and serious complications. If dry, cracking skin on your feet is a problem, please contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 and make an appointment today. You can also request appointments online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Gordon Syndrome

What is Gordon’s Syndrome?

Any parent facing a situation when their child has a rare disorder can be filled with questions and fear. The best way to ease that is with information you can trust. Dr. Jeff Bowman, podiatrist in Houston, TX is dedicated to educating his community on all problems related to foot and ankle health.

Gordon’s Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder commonly associated with club foot. With this disorder, tendons in the foot are too short resulting in joints becoming permanently fixed in a bent position. Feet are most commonly left in a position of being bent downward and inward. Knees, elbows and wrists can also be affected. Both feet are typically affected when a child has this disorder which can cause impaired mobility and disability without the proper treatment.

While the cause of this syndrome is not known, it is believed to be inherited. Improper muscle development, abnormal development of tendons and lack of room in the fetus for proper development are also causes associated with Gordon’s Syndrome.

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition but prompt treatment after birth sets the stage for a favorable outcome. To help align the bones into a functional position, Dr. Bowman may implement casting, bracing, physical therapy and/or surgery as treatment options.

If you have learned your child may have this disorder or know someone who would like further information or treatment for their child, we can help. Contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today or visit our website at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Ever Heard of Amniotic Band Syndrome? How it Effects the Foot

Even when a foot condition is uncommon, it is important to educate about it so parents have a way to find true and reliable information when it comes to caring for their children. Amniotic band syndrome is one of those uncommon conditions.

Amniotic band syndrome affects approximately one in every 1,200 births and results in disfigured feet. In the womb, babies are surrounded by amniotic fluid and within that fluid are very thin strands of tissue that can get entangled around the baby. Because these strands of tissue can act like rubber bands, if they get tangled around certain body parts, it impairs the way that part is able to develop. This condition most often affects arms and legs.

These strands of tissue that can wrap around fingers and toes may only make a crease or indent that doesn’t affect development or the use of the limb. Other times, the tissue can constrict too tightly which results in a loss of blood to the area and disfigurement. Babies can be born missing toes and fingers and this condition often causes children to be born with club feet.

The cause of this condition is not known although some believe it to be due to an amniotic rupture. It occurs randomly and is not brought on by anything a mother did or did not do during pregnancy. Every child born with this condition will require a treatment plan tailored specific to his or her needs. If you have been told your child may have amniotic band syndrome or have questions regarding this condition, please call Dr. Bowman for information at (713) 467-8886. You can make an appointment conveniently online as well at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Why You Should Have an Exercise Buddy

If your motivation for staying fit and healthy is waning, it may be time to partner up with a trusted friend! A regular fitness program can be hard to keep up with in the busyness of life and because it takes effort and discipline we don’t always have. Having an exercise buddy can help you bear the challenges of exercise and brings a few other benefits as well.

Whether it is your spouse, your child or a friend, having someone to team up with can make things easier. Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX helps patients on a regular basis keep their feet healthy for exercise. Strong, healthy feet are a great foundation for exercise but having a buddy can also help in the following ways:

• A buddy helps you stay accountable. If you have a set time to workout, you may be less likely to use familiar excuses when someone is waiting for you.

• It makes things more fun! Having someone to talk with often takes your mind off the rigorous exercise and can make working out that much more enjoyable.

• Having a buddy can be motivating. As you provide support and encouragement to one another, you will be more motivated to keep it up!

• An exercise partner is another set of eyes that can keep you safe. A buddy can spot you when lifting weights, spot bad form, help you pace yourself accordingly during working out and identify when you may be pushing too far or too hard.

There are many avenues to find an exercise buddy, so try it if you are tired of being alone or bored with your fitness program. If you need any help in regards to your foot health, have pain during exercise or footwear advice, please call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. You can also schedule an appointment online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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