Causes for Ball of Foot Pain

There is something exciting about seeing what is new and upcoming in the world of cars. At the Houston Auto Show from January 22-26, 2014 you have the chance to marvel at over 500 of the newest domestic vehicles and model year imports. For a newbie or true fanatic, this show will not disappoint. When something new arises with regard to your foot health, however, it can be disappointing – and unsettling if you don’t know what is going on.

Are you experiencing ball of foot pain, for example? There are a few reasons why this may be happening to you. One of the most common causes for pain in this area is a condition called metatarsalgia. The long bones in your foot are called the metatarsals, and when there is an imbalance in these bones they can’t properly absorb weight while standing or walking. This can result in pain in the ball of your foot.

High Heels can cause ball of foot pain

In addition, you may have pain if you are involved in a high-impact sport that involves a lot of running, jumping, or wear and tear on the balls of your feet. Overuse can lead to strain on the muscles and tendons in your foot. A large callus on your foot could be causing your pain, and it could develop from wearing shoes that put extra strain and pressure on your feet, such as high heels. An abnormality like bunions or hammertoes can also lead to ball of foot pain, as can being overweight.

Since there are so many causes for foot pain, it is really important to find the root of it and treat it accordingly. Many conditions worsen if ignored, so please don’t delay – contact Houston Foot Specialists as soon as possible. Call Dr. Jeff Bowman at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX. Your feet are worth it.

Treatment Options for Bunions – There is Help!

 Let’s face it – our feet aren’t always in the greatest of shape. Years of wear and tear, wearing poor-fitting shoes, lack of preventative care, and inheriting feet prone to problems can all lead to a number of conditions and injuries. What do yours look like? Do you have bony bumps sticking out the side of your foot? If so, you most likely have bunions, a very common foot problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

Whether this deformity is just beginning or you have been watching it worsen over time, take action before it becomes a debilitating situation. Bunions are progressive, meaning they get worse over time, but the right decisions can stop this train from moving down the track too quickly. We encourage our patients to be proactive with their foot health and we have many treatment options that can help with bunion pain and stop their progression.

The first thing you can do is to evaluate your footwear. Wear shoes that are roomy and that won’t squish your toes to high heaven. Ladies, high heels are huge culprits for aggravating a bunion problem. Just look at celebrity Victoria Beckham’s feet! We can also provide you with padding and taping that can reduce the stress on your bunion and keep feet in a normal position. We have exercises that will help joints stay flexible, nighttime splints and custom orthotics. The latter are shoe inserts that slip right inside your shoes to stabilize your foot in a normal position. Lastly, if your bunions are severe, we can discuss surgical options that could eliminate your foot pain and bring your feet back to normal.

With so many treatment options, don’t suffer one more day with bunion pain or allow them to worsen. Contact Dr. Jeffrey Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for help. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

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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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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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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How to Survive Standing on Concrete all Day

Having a job or a commute that requires standing and/or walking on concrete can really take a toll. If you have been feeling weary and sore, it may be the surface you are standing on all day.

Back pain, varicose veins, swollen feet, arch pain, pain to ball of foot and achy muscles are just a few of the effects of standing on concrete for long periods of time. When patients of Dr. Jeff Bowman come into his Houston, TX podiatric office seeking treatment for foot pain caused by standing all day, they are encouraged with several available options and tips:

• If your job requires you to stand on concrete, change your position regularly. Use a stool to sit down if that is allowed or put a small step stool to rest one foot at a time during the day.

• An anti-fatigue mat can really soften the place where you stand and help to prevent foot pain during the day. They can be found at most hardware stores.

• Choose your shoes wisely. This is not the time for flat sandals or flip-flops. If you need to stand all day, invest in shoes with cushioned insoles and good arch support. Also, get a few different pairs and rotate them as the same pair every day could lead to pain as well. 

• Talk to Dr. Bowman about custom orthotics. These inserts are specially molded from your foot structure and slip right into your shoes to provide extra support and take the weight off the painful areas.  Orthotics can also help Knee, Hip and Lower Back pains. 

• Pre-existing conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis and bunions could be adding to the stress of standing on concrete all day. Get a thorough foot exam and seek treatment from Dr. Bowman for any foot deformities or injuries.

You may not be able to change your situation but Dr. Bowman can help your feet be more comfortable and pain free. Make an appointment today if standing all day is having you sitting all night with foot pain. Call (713) 467-8886 or find more information online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Feet Are Not Meant To Hurt!

Pain is not a new phenomenon, but it is unpleasant and inconvenient when it affects your day to day activities. You will experience foot pain at some point because it is brought on by a wide array of injuries, conditions and diseases. Pain is common, but when you experience pain that you cannot account for, you need to seek medical advice from a podiatric physician.

A podiatrist, like Dr. Bowman, can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which helps get you back on your feet. Studies show that over seventy five percent of Americans experiences foot discomfort during a twelve month period. Also, an equally high number attribute it to being on their feet for an extended period of time each day.

There are numerous conditions that contribute to foot pain. Several of the most common ones include:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains
• Stress fractures

Many of the causes of foot pain can go away with better choices in footwear. Shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and provide cushioning and support will protect your feet from many of the ordinary, non-injurious woes that affect your feet. Dr. Bowman is a good source of information about shoes that can keep your feet pain free.

Specific conditions sometimes require specific solutions. This allows your pain to be manageable to the extent you are able to continue a normal and active life. Consult with Dr. Bowman and avoid self-medicating.

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints your foot and ankle specialist encounters. It generally results from overuse and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs the length of the foot and provides support to the arch. This ligament may develop tiny tears and can become very painful. Rest is crucial to healing this condition. Pain may also ebb with the application of ice and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.  Custom orthotics which are special inserts for the shoe also add a considerable amount of comfort.

Ankle pain is another complaint that people report. If you have sprained ankles in the past, you may be susceptible to recurring pain in the joint because of a weakening of the soft tissue and its inability to properly support the ankle. After recovery from a sprain injury, you may want to consider using an ankle brace for additional support. Take all necessary precautions and follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not rush the healing process because the likelihood of re-injury increases.

Dr. Bowman’s website (www.houstonfootspecialists.com) offers a lot of information on specific diseases and conditions that he can help with a treatment plan that includes good pain management. Call him at (713) 467-8886 and take the first step toward a more pain free life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1827/Generalinformationtips.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1910/painmanagementforspecificconditions.html

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Correcting Overlapping and Underlapping Toes

English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Overlapping and underlapping toes are deformities seen when one or more of the toes lies on top of or underneath other toes. Other deformities such as bunions or hammertoes may be present at the same time, and bunions may actually cause toes to overlap. Pressure from the toe box often causes hard corns to develop. Also, soft corns and blisters are apt to develop where the toes rub on each other. The toes themselves generally do not hurt, but the corns and blisters can be very painful.

Overlapping toes usually affects the fifth toe and it can occur prior to birth. A process of stretching and taping can be done during infancy, but the deformity usually returns. There is a surgical procedure where the tendon at the base of the small toe is released allowing the toe to assume a more normal position. On occasion a pin may have to be placed to keep the toe in alignment.

Underlapping toes affect the fourth and fifth toe and are probably caused by unequal strength in muscles. If underlapping toes are present at birth it is called congenital curly toes. This deformity can be corrected surgically with a couple of different procedures depending on whether the toes remain flexible or are rigid. Your foot and ankle specialist can best determine the procedure necessary in your situation.

In order to provide comfort to the patient, the first step in treatment is to change to footwear that will allow room for the deformity. Dr. Bowman may recommend orthotics designed to straighten and space the toes correctly. If this conservative treatment is not successful, a surgical procedure to release the tendon will allow the toe to reposition.

A recap of some of the treatment options include:

• Wide deep shoes to avoid pressure on the deformity

• Corn and callus treatment

• Orthotics to space and align toes

• Surgical treatment

Children with flat feet and high arches distribute weight differently. The faulty biomechanics can cause the toes to assume an abnormal position. Adults can develop overlapping toes as a result of wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toe area.

If you have a bunion watch for symptoms of overlapping toes and call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His expert ability to rearrange toe positioning can make your feet pretty again.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1907/OverlappingorUnderlappingToes.html
http://www.prlog.org/10352809-overlapping-and-underlapping-toes.html

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Got Bunions?

A bunion is a deformity that occurs at the joint on the base of the big toe. The bone connected to the big toe begins to grow outwards, which in turn causes the big toe to misaligned and begin to angle inward. This causes an enlargement of the joint, which can become very painful due to friction and rubbing inside of shoes. Bunions can also lead to other deformities, such as hammertoes. Symptoms of a bunion include:

• Redness, swelling and tenderness around the base of the big toe

• Pain

• Thickening of the skin

• Inability to freely move the big toe

• Big toe angling toward other toes

You are at greater risk of developing bunions if you wear high heels, stilettos, or other narrow and/or poorly shaped shoes.  Also, if someone else in your family had bunions, you are at a high risk of developing them because of inherited bone structure.

Bunions don’t resolve themselves. Over time, bunions can get bigger and cause more pain, which is why it is important to seek early treatment. If treatment begins in the early stages, the use of orthotics or a wider shoe may alleviate the problem, and the bunion will not interfere with normal pursuits. The orthotic helps hold the bones in proper alignment and takes pressure off the bunion, and the wider shoe accommodates the altered shape of your foot. However, Bunions will not go away on their own.

If you are bothered by persistent pain, an enlargement on the side of your big toe or have difficulty finding shoes that fit well, call and make an appointment with Dr. Bowman. If your bunion situation requires surgery, it is usually done on an outpatient basis. After a thorough foot examination, Dr. Bowman can develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. The primary goal at Houston Foot Specialists is to get you back on your feet quickly and back to the business of enjoying life.

Also, if you have diabetes and neuropathy, seek immediate treatment for bunions because your feet are at greater risk due to loss of sensation. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 to set up an appointment. 

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bunions/DS00309/DSECTION=symptoms

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Invest A Little In Your Summer Shoes, It Can Pay Off Big!

Now that the sun is shining, you may be eager to spend more time outdoors and shed the excess clothing and heavy footwear. Just spend a little bit of time people watching and see how many have given up shoes and socks and are now baring all (well, at least all of their toes). The winter boots and shoes have been relegated to the basement or back of the closet, and you’ve pulled out the sneakers and sandals. However, before you go shopping for the new summer shoes, get a grip on some shoe standards.

Flat, rubber, plastic and foam flip-flops might be tempting. They are bright, colorful, cheery, and inexpensive, but they do not allow your foot to function as it’s meant to. The foot strikes the ground with the heel and transfers weight through the arch and mid-foot into the big toe where the push off begins. If you examine the bottom of a flip flop, you see it is flat and non-supportive. It forces the foot to do all of the work, and the effort is transferred then to the ankle, lower leg, knee, hip, and lower back, which can lead to fatigue and pain.  All flat-soled sandals are going to have the same effect on the body.  High heeled or platform sandals are just as impractical, maybe more so. The unnatural stance forces all of the weight forward onto the ball of the foot and can lead to neuromas, hammertoes, and bunions.

Well-formed sandals can alleviate pain and help prevent the arthritis that develops in the mid-foot as you age. You should look for sandals that have well-formed arches and a heel cup. This allows for shock absorption in the mid-foot and support in the heel area that prevents the foot from over-pronating. The sandal that provides arch support and appropriately cradles the foot can also help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Sandals similar to flip-flops are available which provide a better made, arch-supportive and heel-formed shoe. For more information concerning the proper selection of sandals, go to:  http://www.kintec.net/kintec_approved.php.

If you need assistance selecting a sandal style appropriate for your foot health, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can provide you with tips for sandal selection that will help keep your feet in the pink.

References:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lr2aF5Ngo8&feature=related