Hammering Those Toes Back Into Shape

Podiatrist in the operating room performing hammertoe correction surgery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you want to have glamorous, well-functioning feet? If you said yes, then you have to get rid of those hammertoes. Hammertoe is a deformity that affects the second, third and fourth toe and bends them so they appear like a hammer. If caught and treated early, when the toes are still flexible, treatment is simple. However, if left untreated the toes become fixed and surgery is required.

Hammertoes may be the result of shoes that do not fit properly or perhaps a muscle problem that keeps the toes in a position of constant contraction. If the toes are left in the contracted position for prolonged periods of time, it is difficult for the muscles to straighten them. As the toes remain in the contracted position, calluses or corns may develop on the tops of the toes at the middle joint. The area then becomes red, raised, and sore making it difficult to find shoes that do not further irritate the condition.

You may wish to consult with Dr. Bowman if you notice your second, third and fourth toes are showing the following signs:

• Red and raised at the middle joint
• Developing corns or calluses on top or the tips of the toes
• Swollen
• Rubbing on the inside top of your shoes

In order to treat this deformity, you should opt for a softer shoe with a roomier toe box. Shoes must be one-half inch longer than your longest toe. For many people this is not the great toe that is often used in the pinch test, but rather the second toe. Preferably do not wear high heels or shoes that cramp or constrict your toes, as this aggravates the condition. A shoe repair shop may be able to stretch your shoe to more comfortably accommodate this deformity. There are also exercises that can be done at home that may help stretch and strengthen your muscles, or Dr. Bowman may suggest a simple strapping device that can be utilized as well as cushioning.  

If non-surgical methods fail to correct your hammertoes they can be surgically treated as an outpatient. Recovery time is normally short although the end result may have toes slightly longer or shorter than before. The exact surgical procedure will depend on the severity of your case. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for an appointment. He can evaluate you and discuss your options.

References:
 
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1870/Hammertoes.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00160

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A Shoe is a Shoe, or is it?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The month of June is here and that means the onset of summer.  June is also the month for weddings, so that means, like it or not, uncovering the suit and dusting off the dress shoes.  You will undoubtedly have to do the escort thing and take your lady to one, two or a few functions this summer season.  But not to worry, if you have the suit, you should have a good and classic pair of shoes to go with it.

Following are a few tips for what makes the great pair, and how you can best incorporate them into your wardrobe.  Your feet will be grateful if you don’t shirk on the cost.  A good pair of shoes will probably cost upwards of $200.00, perhaps a good bit more.  Keep in mind though, you get what you pay for, and you should be able to wear these shoes for years, if not decades.  If you can only have one pair of dress shoes, go with this:

• Classic, black, glossy leather lace ups 
• Leather soles
• Close welt
• Nearly invisible stitching
• Round elongated toe
• Minimum ¼” sole

Hands down, glossy leather is the fool-proof way to go, but if you have a little adventure you may want to experiment with suede, ostrich or alligator.  Get ready to invest some money in the latter two. Cap toe oxfords are classic dress and look amazing with everything, but wing tips are a safe bet also. Just make sure the soles are not thin, as this is a dead give-away that the shoes are bad.  The lining in leather shoes should be made of calfskin or quality leather and never a synthetic material.  The leather lining will help deal with perspiration.

If you have doubts about your ability to select and purchase a pair of quality leather shoes, shop on a Sunday afternoon, which is the slowest time of the week.  Also, get a clerk to help you with the Brannock foot measuring device.  This way you are sure to get a good fit and your feet will be grateful.  Buy shoes that fit right from the start.  If they don’t fit at first, the fit will not improve as time goes by.  A pair of shoe trees or shoe savers is a worthwhile added investment.  Placed in your shoes as soon as you take them off, they will help maintain the shoe shape and eliminate odors caused by perspiration thereby protecting the longevity of the shoes.  Still having doubts?  Go ahead, slip out of the sneakers and reinvent yourself by slipping into a pair of classics.

If you a diabetic you will want a softer shoe with cushioned sole and be sure to consult with Dr. Bowman prior to your purchase.  You can reach Dr. Jeff Bowman at 713-467-8886 or schedule an online appointment at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.kinowear.com/blog/a-simple-guide-on-dress-shoes

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Blisters — the hiker’s nemesis!

Terry Hershey Park trail in Houston, TX, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Of all the aggravating foot ailments that crop up, blisters rank high. If you get a blister at an inconvenient time, it can ruin an outing. Therefore, it’s a good plan to be prepared for blisters and be able to treat them on the spot.

Blisters are the result of moisture, friction, heat and dirt. Moisture is generally caused by a damp sock, and friction occurs when there is rapid repetitive rubbing on the skin. However, the best treatment for blisters is prevention. If you are planning a hike, wearing new shoes or boots, then rub a small amount of lubricant on your heels or other hot spots.  The lubricant will help eliminate friction.
If a blister happens anyway, don’t intentionally break it unless you must to keep walking.  Appropriate treatment includes the following:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Only if necessary, break the blister in the lower side area with a sterile needle (rubbing alcohol works) and allow it to drain.
• Leave skin covering the blister rather than trimming it.
• Apply a healing ointment and cover with a sterile band aid.
• Keep dry and clean. Allow it to heal in the open air as much as possible.

Change your shoes to a pair that fits at the first opportunity to a style that accommodates the blister and does not allow the shoe to rub on the area. You might want to wear a slipper for a couple of days until the area is well on its way to healing.

Blisters do not normally require medical treatment, but at the first sign of an infection you should contact Dr. Bowman. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth, red streaks leading away from the blister, and pus draining from the blister.  Cluster of very small blisters may be the first sign of a skin infection or Tinea Pedis.

Foot blisters are painful and are sure to curtail your immediate activity, but most are treatable at home. Remember to keep the affected area dry and clean and allow it to heal on its own. If you have diabetes, or another condition or ailment that has caused a loss of sensation in your feet, you should call Dr. Bowman for treatment at (713) 467-8886. His experienced hands will have you back on the path in no time.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/blisters-home-treatment
http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Foot-Blister

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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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Flat feet - okay for a Platypus, but not for you!

Of all the complaints, woes and discussions that involve feet, how many times do you hear flat feet mentioned? What exactly does it mean and at what point are a person’s feet considered to be flat? Allowing for a bit of individualism, that could be difficult to define.

Pes Planus is a condition where the arch area of the foot has either not properly developed or collapsed to the point where the sole of the foot is nearly in complete contact with the surface the foot is on. Up to thirty-percent of people who have flat feet simply never developed arches in one or both feet.

First, let’s look at congenital flat feet. Flat feet are common in babies and young children. Bones and other tissues take time to develop and strengthen, so the arch of the foot may not be discernible until the child is between 4 and 6 years of age. To make sure the child is developing normally, parents should watch for limping, oddity of gait or symptoms of pain, which may indicate flat feet and seek appropriate treatment for their child.

Flat feet can be acquired as an adult. This can be attributed to aging, illness, injury and continuous stress. Women over 40 are more inclined to develop flat feet. If developed during adulthood, feet will probably remain flat. Known contributing factors include:

    •    Weight

    •    Diabetes

    •    High blood pressure

    •    Pregnancy (may cause temporary flattening of the feet)

As long as the feet remain flexible and do not cause pain in the foot, knee or lower back, they can go untreated. If pain becomes an issue, the first thing you must do is see Dr. Bowman for a correct diagnosis. He can determine if orthotics is necessary or he may assign foot exercises that can help strengthen your arches. In the worst cases surgery may provide relief, but would only be considered after all other methods had been tried.

If you have pain in your arches, lower leg, knees or lower back, you may have flat feet. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for a correct diagnosis, so you can get back on the right path.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flatfeet/DS00449
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet

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Plantar Warts - Small and Annoyingly Painful

Are you experiencing small and fleshy growths on your feet?  Perhaps these growths are a little painful or tender when you walk?  If you said yes, then you may be experiencing plantar warts.  Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically non-cancerous and appear on the bottom of the foot or toes, usually at a point that bears pressure.

Plantar warts are caused by small breaks in the skin, which can allow the virus to gain entry to the body, and if the body’s natural immunities are not too sufficient to ward off the virus, it can grow and sometimes spread.  They are characterized by a thickened callous like area, and often have small dark dots, which are tiny blood vessels. If they do grow, they may require treatment.

Treatment varies, and takes time. However, there are some over the counter products available, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that may allow the wart to diminish and eventually disappear. Other possible treatments may include freezing the wart or warts, and surgical removal may be necessary. Houston Foot Specialists also has a laser treatment for removing plantar warts. Also, if the wart grows inward, it can be painful. The wart may appear small on the outside, but become larger as it grows up into the foot. Plantar Warts should be treated early to prevent growth and spreading. During treatment, you may need to pad the area to help relieve pressure, so comfortable shoes are a must.  Keep the inside of shoes clean and dry. Also, protect your feet from re-infection by using shower shoes and not going barefoot in gym and shower areas. Avoid the desire to pick or scratch at the area.

If you suspect you have plantar warts, and live in the Houston area, call 713-467-8886 for an appointment or visit our website. We would be happy to assist you in a treatment program.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Plantar-warts/DS00509

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Heel Fissures

During this time of year when the heater is on, you may be suffering from cracked heels, also known as heel fissures. Chances are you are not showing off your feet. 

Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom, outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky.  The hard build up of the skin that forms is called callus.  This forms because of irritation or friction when a shoe repeatedly rubs against one part of the foot.  A callus can be thick or thin and forms in many shapes and patterns on the heel of the foot. When this happens it can cause deep fissures, which can be painful, bleed or become infected or may be fungus based.

This uncomfortable condition is caused by a variety of reasons, usually related to dry skin, but also prolonged standing (especially on hard floors), weight, open back shoes (which allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways with the pressure leading to cracked skin), and medical conditions such as fungus, diabetes, or psoriasis.  If heel fissures are not treated and become deep and infected it could be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes or compromised immune systems.

You can treat heel fissures with over the counter treatments such as an oil based moisturizing cream, using a pumice stone to reduce thickness of hard skin and also avoid open backed or thick soled shoes.  Moisturizing your feet regularly, recommended twice a day, can also help prevent heel fissures. 

If the condition doesn’t improve or if you are a diabetic, its advised to visit our office and have Dr. Bowman treat the problem.  Houston Foot Specialists carry a variety of recommended products for this condition.

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