Treating Feet Right in 2014

Many people see the New Year as a “do-over,” a chance to make some much-needed changes or try new things that can bring more joy to life! What are you looking forward to in 2014?

At Houston Foot Specialists, we look forward to continuing to provide the best foot care possible for our patients. We want to help you know how to treat your feet right in 2014. If you have been neglecting your feet, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or ignoring problems and now they are getting worse, it is time to make a change.

High heels can lead to foot problems.

First, take an inventory of your footwear. What kind of shoes do you wear on a regular basis? Are they comfortable and good for your feet? Some of the most common foot complaints include blisters, corns, ingrown toenails, pinched nerves and heel pain, and they can all develop from wearing ill-fitting shoes. If you love to exercise, we can look at your foot structure and advise on the type of shoe that you should be wearing. If you work at a job that has you on your feet all day, sacrificing in the footwear department could leave you with knee, hip, and lower back pain. Build a great foundation and treat your feet right by wearing supportive, comfortable shoes.

Second, don’t fail your feet by ignoring them when pain arises – it is a sign that something is wrong. Too often, we see patients who wait to seek treatment and end up with a problem that could have easily been avoided had they sought treatment early on. You have the best chance at keeping your feet healthy long term if you have any pain diagnosed quickly and treated appropriately. This is a strong encouragement to those with diabetes, because ignoring a small problem could lead to very serious consequences.

If you would like more great foot care tips or need treatment for a foot problem, don’t wait to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

Orchestrate Your Fight against Gout This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a perfect time enjoy the spectacular events going on in your community. A show and dinner out is a great way to spend a night, and this year a very popular holiday event in Houston, TX is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve. This exciting, classical music show is perfect for a date, or a family outing. Dinner can end the night on a high note as long as you orchestrate your food choices.

Terrible foot pain can ruin a night on the town, and what you eat may be leading to your pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that can attack the big toe and ankle joints, and stop you dead in your tracks. High levels of uric acid accumulate and result in the formation of needle-like crystals within the joint. It often attacks in the middle of the night, and the pain is severe. Certain foods rich in purines can increase your risk of this type of arthritic flare-up.

Fight gout this holiday season by knowing the triggers. The following can increase uric acid levels in your body and can lead to a gout attack: aspirin, diuretics, dehydration, obesity, fasting and foods rich in purines. Some of the foods you may want to avoid cooking and eating out are: beer, alcohol, organ meats, anchovies, red meat, seafood, and foods or drinks high in saturated fat and high fructose corn syrup.  

If you have had a gout attack before, you are well aware of the benefits of prevention. For more information or treatment for joint pain, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists. Often, a prescription that can take away the pain can be written at your appointment.  Quick treatment means a quicker recovery so don’t wait! Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make anappointment today.

How to Find the Best Running Route for You

In the world of running, there is always something out there that will push you to your limits and see what you are truly made of. In the Houston, TX area, The Great Bull Run will do just that! On December 7^th, 2013 join others at the Royal Purple Raceway where you can sprint down a quarter-mile track with as many as twenty-four 1,200-pound bulls on your heels. No joke! End the run with the biggest tomato food fight you have ever seen and party the night away with food and live music.

Now, you may not be ready to run with bulls, but do you have a hard time finding a place that you enjoy running? Choosing the best running route for your abilities and running level is important. There are pros and cons to all kinds of places, so it is a matter of finding a place that challenges you in the way you want and keeps you safe.

Google maps offer the opportunity to map out a run very easily. After clicking on the bike icon and your to and from destinations, you can choose a route that is the distance you want, safe for runners and avoids steep hills, if that is what you prefer. Mapmyrun.com is another site where you can find routes that other runners have mapped out. They often give elevation information, restroom and water stations, and reviews from people who have tried the route.

You know where you will be most comfortable, what time of day is best and what level and distance of a route suits your running ability. Map a route out and give it a try. If it is too busy with traffic or people, has too many hills or is too boring then switch it up and try again. It is always fun to try out new places with a running buddy as well.

If foot or ankle pain is another problem you are dealing with, you need to have it looked at before it becomes worse. A simple change of footwear may be the answer, or there could be a serious injury going on. Contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for help. Call our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

Four Tips to Help Prevent Shin Splints

With Thanksgiving coming up, you may already be starting your preparations and to-do lists. Why not add one more thing to the list and sign up for a race? Amidst the stresses and busyness the holiday can bring, it may be a great way to get rid of the stress and burn some calories before the big family meal! Check out the 28^th Annual Turkey Trot in Sugar Land, TX happening in the early morning of Thursday, November 28^th, 2013. The race benefits fifteen different causes and includes a free breakfast!

Whether you are an experienced runner or starting from scratch, it is important to take on a challenge like this in the right way to avoid an injury such as shin splints. This is a common injury seen with runners and we have a few tips to prevent this painful problem.

First, dig out your running shoes and take a good look at whether or not they are up to the job. Shoes lose their cushioning and stability over time, so if they are old they may need to be replaced. Ultimately, running shoes should be changed out every 350-500 miles.

Second, to support your feet even further, look into getting a pair of inserts for your shoes. Orthotics, which we can custom make for you at our office, support your arch and can help prevent shin splints. We highly encourage this if you have flat feet.

Third, take it easy. If you are just starting out, or getting back after a hiatus, your body needs a chance to adjust. Increase how fast and how far you run gradually.

Lastly, strengthen your calf muscles outside of running with some strength training. Toe raises while holding some weights and leg presses are exercises that can help avoid shin splints.

If pain in this area seems to recur, or if you have any other foot or ankle pain while running, please don’t hesitate to contact Houston Foot Specialists. Make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.

Tips on Strengthening Your Feet for Running

 Are you in need of a way to boost your running routine? Maybe you are a beginner thinking about how to best start running. Why not join in some crazy, color-filled fun and sign up for the Color Vibe 5K in Galveston, TX this fall? This popular event taking place all over the country sells out fast, so hurry and check it out! Getting doused with magical colored powder is a sure way to have a blast, and this is one run that will have you talking about it for days. Kids are invited too, so get the whole family involved! 

Photo Credit: Sura Nualpradid freedigitalphotos.net

One thing we want to mention before you get ahead of yourself with excitement is to not forget about your feet. Preparing for even a small, fun race is important to avoid injury, and strengthening your feet in particular will go a long way in determining how you feel during and after the race. A study done at the Institute for Biomechanics and Orthopaedics found that using minimalist shoes for running can help strengthen the muscles under your arch that control the ankle and foot. There is much debate around the safety of this type of shoe, so we would encourage you to discuss this option with Dr. Bowman first (an avid runner), so we can evaluate your current foot health and decide whether it would put you at risk for injury.

Another thing you can do is some simple strengthening exercises, easily done in the comfort of your home. Use your toes to pick up marbles one at a time and drop them in a cup. Balance on one foot, and work up to being able to stand for one minute on each foot. A balance ball or small trampoline would also give you an added challenge. Do some calf raises in a sitting or standing position and alternate repetitions of walking on your toes and then on your heels.

You may want to discuss custom orthotics especially if you want to run more in the future.  Not only do these add comfort to your run, they put your feet and lower extremity in the correct biomechanical position to avoid future problems.

If you have any foot pain during these exercises or fear that your feet are not prepared for an upcoming race, don’t hesitate to call us for help! Make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.

Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Toes

Fitness enthusiasts can usually create a well-rounded weekly program that targets all areas of the body. If you are looking for a fun and challenging workout, check out Rock’N’Body Group Fitness in Conroe, TX. This class will have you stepping up your game with interval, weight and flexibility training, using unlikely equipment such as sand bells and bull bags. Have some fun, burn some calories and meet some new people!

Whether you are regularly active or not, have you given much thought to targeting your toes? We often focus on the major muscle groups but your toes need attention too.

The muscles around your toes help with balance in particular, and they need to be exercised regularly to stay strong and free of injury.

The first exercises to try require only a thick rubber band. With your feet stretched out in front of you, wrap the band around your big toes and spread your feet apart so there is no slack in the band. Now pull your toes away from each other, hold and return them to the original position. Repeat this several times. Next put the rubber band around all the toes on one foot. Spread your toes apart as far as you can, hold for five seconds and then relax. Do several repetitions and repeat with your other foot.

Next, with bare feet, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Press the toes of one foot down into the floor. Try to keep your heel down and your toes straight. You may feel the arch of your foot lift up slightly. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat ten times and then switch to the other foot. These are just easy exercises that you can do in a few minutes at home, while watching TV. They are simple but effective in helping you avoid injuries such as shin splints and plantar fasciitis.

If you have any toe or foot pain at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for help. Your problem may be minor or major, but the right treatment is essential to avoid it getting worse. Make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX today by calling (713) 467-8886. Online appointments are also available.

Why Should You Start Running?

Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than by signing yourself up for a “fully immersive zombie experience!” In this race taking place on Saturday, November 9^th in Manvel, TX, participants will be running through obstacles, away from hordes of zombies trying to capture them, to make it to safe zones where they are rewarded with a survival party. If you can handle being chased by crazy zombies, this is a race you do not want to miss!

Orthotics help to eliminate foot pain.

You may be asking yourself why you should even run in the first place. Let us give you some of the top reasons that may sway you into trying it out for yourself if you are a beginner. The first reason is that it is one exercise that truly burns away a large amount of calories. An hour on the treadmill will give your heart a great workout and help you burn up to around 900 calories. If you need to lose a bit of weight, this is worth a try. Weight is also the biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis, so a regular running schedule, especially as you age, can help prevent this common joint condition.   Start slow and increase as you can.  Make sure you have correct shoe for your foot and custom orthotics.

Running also meets the stress in your life head on and helps ease tension throughout your body. Many people who run cite that as one of the best reasons to pound the pavement. Active people are also less likely to develop many different diseases. Running can help prevent cancers, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It also boosts your immune system and helps keep cholesterol levels where they should be.

If you are convinced now to give running a try, we suggest stopping in our office so Dr. Jeff Bowman can make sure your foot health and shoes are up to the task. He can treat any current foot pain and identify any problems to be aware of. Call Houston Foot Specialists to make an appointment today at (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialisits.com .

What You Need to Know About a Bone Bruise

If you are a nature lover and one who loves the activities surrounding Halloween, we have found the perfect event just for you. On Saturday, October 26^th, 2013 check out ArBOOretum, an annual Halloween event at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Find trick-or-treat locations along forest trails and enjoy a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating and wildlife.

Even during a fun event such as this one, a fall or acute injury can happen at a moment’s notice and result in serious injury. Sometimes injuries happen, and while we feel pain, we can’t see exactly what is going on. This is often the case with a bone bruise. A bone bruise involves several very small fractures in the bone that develop after impact. It is sometimes called a bone contusion or bone swelling. Athletes in high impact sports or martial arts-type activities with a lot of kicking and blocking are also at risk for this type of injury.

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the injury, although pain and swelling are the top two that most patients complain of. These symptoms can also be present with tendon damage and muscle bruises, making it important that you have any injury evaluated in the case that there is a more serious reason for your discomfort. An MRI is what is used to confirm the presence of a bone bruise.

A bruised bone can cause quite a bit of pain and take a while to heal. If this injury is confirmed, we may include a variety of treatment options such as rest, elevation, icing, braces and limiting your activities. Patience and the right treatment is the best place to start. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston FootSpecialists if you have significant pain or swelling after an impact or fall. Make an appointment with our office in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886.

Osteomyelitis – When Pain Should Not be Ignored

Actor Richard Herd, who recently played a role on TNT’s show Rizzoli & Isles, credits going through osteomyelitis as a child as something that sparked his love for acting. The bone disease, which caused him to be in a hospital bed for days on end, gave his imagination time to fly.

While something good came out of a scary time for Herd, osteomyelitis is not a condition to take lightly. This condition is an infection in a bone which can start in the bloodstream or the bone itself. With children, the long bones of the leg and the upper arm are often affected, while adults are more prone to have it in the bones of the spine. People with diabetes can develop this serious condition in their feet when ulcers are present. Make sure to inspect your feet daily to protect yourself against ulcers if you have diabetes.

Germs in your body can travel through the bloodstream from an infection, a puncture wound, or a bone fracture where a bone is protruding through the skin. Having had a recent surgery or infection would cause a person to be at a higher risk for this condition. Sometimes signs and symptoms can go unnoticed at first, so it is important to know on the front end what to look for. The same rules apply to adults and children. If you or your child is complaining of bone pain that is accompanied by a fever, chills, lethargy, swelling or redness, do not hesitate to be seen by a medical professional.

Over time the infection can lead to the affected bone tissue dying. Foot pain, or any pain for that matter, especially when associated with secondary symptoms as described above, is never normal. Please contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists if you have any questions or concerns about your foot health. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886.

©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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What You Need to Know About Dysplasia

When children face anything that may cause discomfort or result in an abnormality, parents often feel worried and fearful about the future. Having the right information can bring peace of mind and the tools necessary to make the best decisions regarding their health. When it comes to children’s foot problems, there are a few conditions that are rare but worth knowing about should you or someone in your life develop symptoms.

What is dysplasia?

This condition, also known as Epiphysealis Hemimelica, is a rare skeletal developmental disorder. It commonly affects children and adolescents and is more prevalent in males than in females. Dysplasia affects the bone joints often in the hand or the foot. An overgrowth of the cartilage on the end of one of the long bones results in swelling or a mass. Usually only one limb is affected. Each case of dysplasia varies in severity as well. Some patients experience pain, limited mobility in the joint and deformity. This disorder can cause limbs to be unequal in length.

The exact cause of dysplasia is not known and most cases require surgical intervention to relieve symptoms or to bring the foot back to full function. Unfortunately, it is common for this condition to recur. 

While a disorder such as this is rare, foot pain in children is also abnormal. If your child is complaining of any kind of discomfort in their feet, or you notice any symptoms of deformity or developmental problems, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists. He can provide the diagnosis and treatment that your child needs to be able to live without foot pain. Call our office in Houston, TX to make an appointment (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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

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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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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Foot Complications in Diabetics

Foot problems are very common in people living with diabetes. Because they lose feeling and blood flow to their extremities, diabetics are more susceptible to a variety of different issues. It is extremely important that anyone who suffers from the condition always take the best care of their feet possible.

Over time, one of the side effects of diabetes is something called neuropathy. This is a type of nerve damage that will cause loss of feeling in the feet. People who can't feel anything may be more likely to suffer from damage or injury without even knowing it. Often, this means that the injury is not noticed until it becomes infected and dangerous. Additionally, the neuropathy can cause changes to the feet and toes that require specialty physical therapy and therapeutic shoes.

Some of the most common complications of the feet for diabetics include the following:

Skin Conditions

Because you aren’t getting as much blood flow to your feet, this can lead to skin damage. Additionally, when nerves are damaged, the right amount of oil will not reach the skin, and this can lead to dryness and cracking. It’s important that you take extra care to keep your feet moisturized. Good options include unscented lotion or cream or petroleum jelly.

Corns and Calluses

People who have diabetes will be much more susceptible to corns and calluses because of poor circulation and lack of feeling. You may not realize you are putting too much pressure on one area, and that pressure will eventually lead to a callus. If you don't treat the callus properly, it could turn into a dangerous open sore. Always see a health care professional to have a corn or callus properly removed. To avoid the growth of them, use a pumice stone regularly to rub away any toughening areas of skin.

Ulcers (Open Sores)

Often, if you wear shoes that don't fit properly and you can't feel the pain of discomfort, you can end up with foot ulcers. These open sores may not even hurt, which means you may go for days without noticing them. Because of their placement on the foot, ulcers are extremely prone to infection. You need to see a professional to have the ulcer cleaned and any infected tissue removed. You may need to wear specialty shoes or boots to protect the foot until the ulcer heals properly. Keep in mind that since diabetics do have poor circulation in the feet, it could take much longer for the ulcer to heal than it would on a healthy person.

If you have any healed foot ulcers, you must take special care of the area because the scar tissue can be much more susceptible to further injury or to the open sores returning.

Loss of the Feet

If the diabetes is not properly managed, this could eventually lead to foot amputation. People who constantly have dangerous foot ulcers and infections may have no other choice. Infections can lead to serious complications if they get into the blood stream. The best way to avoid amputation is to properly manage blood glucose levels. Additionally, a diabetic should stop smoking as soon as possible. Smoking will decrease blood flow to small vessels, causing even poorer circulation in the feet. The vast majority of diabetic foot amputations are for diabetics who choose to smoke.

Living with diabetes means dealing with extra foot problems. This condition causes extremely poor circulation to the hands and feet and it also causes neuropathy. In order to avoid severe issues, a diabetic should always manage their condition as the doctor has ordered. Additionally, diabetics should take special care of their feet and do regular inspections for damage or injury.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.

If you have foot or ankle pain, especially with diabetes, contact Dr. Jeffrey Bowman of Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Don’t think you have to live with foot problems, you can contact us at 713-467-8886 or online, where you can even request an appointment, at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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Charcot Foot-What Is It and Who Does It Affect?

Diabetes affects around 16 million people in the U.S. so you are not alone if you are living with this disease. A common thread with diabetes is that it brings with it the risk of some serious complications. Nerve damage, or neuropath, poor circulation and diabetic ulcers common foot problems that people with diabetes face. The combination of these  symptoms can result in a very serious and disabling condition called Charcot foot.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats patients with diabetes on a regular basis. Each patient is encouraged to be visiting regularly for the sole reason that prevention is key when it comes to managing the foot problems that can develop from having diabetes.

Charcot foot is actually a form of arthritis that occurs in people who have significant nerve damage. It causes the bones in the foot to weaken, fracture and even disintegrate. The arch of the foot can collapse and fractures and bone dislocations can result in severe deformities of the foot. These deformities often result in pressure areas that become prone to developing open sores and wounds.

Due to nerve damage, it is possible that a person with diabetes may not even feel a fracture in the foot and continue to walk on it, resulting in further damage. Swelling, warmth, redness and pain could be indicators of the development of Charcot foot. 

Early diagnosis is key in successfully treating Charcot foot. We have several conservative treatment options available at our podiatric office and can walk you through surgery if your deformity has become severe. If you have neuropathy and are seeing any unusual symptoms, please contact us immediately for help. Call our office today (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment with Dr. Bowman or visit www.houstonfootspecialist.com.

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Bruising on Feet

There are many times when we notice a bruise and have no idea what made it appear. When a part of your body experiences a bump or a fall, small blood vessels under your skin can tear or rupture resulting in a bruise.

Bruises can look alarming as the broken blood vessels cause blood to leak into surrounding tissues making your skin turn a black and blue color. As it heals the bruise can turn purple, red, blue, green and yellow. While often tender to the touch, most bruises are not anything to be concerned about and will heal on their own within a couple of weeks.

Houston, TX foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman regularly treats foot and ankle injuries that have resulted in bruising. Bruises on the ball of your foot could indicate broken or bruised sesamoid bones or metatarsal bones. Swelling, soreness and bruising often accompany an injury but diligent home treatment can often speed up the healing process. Resting the bruised foot and icing will be important. The faster you are able to elevate and compress the injury with a cold pack or ice, the quicker you will be able to reduce pain and inflammation.

If you notice severe bruising, pain and swelling immediately after an injury, it may be an indication that there is a serious problem. Don’t wait to seek help (Dr. Bowman sees same day emergencies). It will be important to diagnose what has happened as soon as possible so appropriate treatment can be started. Any foot pain or injury that is ignored or left untreated could lead to very serious complications, especially if you have diabetes.

If you are noticing any bruises that you can’t explain or have bruising that is painful and not healing properly, please call us today. You can make a quick and easy appointment with Dr. Bowman by calling (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Nutrition For Feet

Did you know that food could impact the health of your feet?

When it comes to nutrition most people would probably answer that it is important for heart health and keeping weight down. The truth is, there are a lot of benefits for eating well including keeping your feet safe and healthy.

The old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” In reality what you eat does kind of make up who you are and how you are going to feel. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX unfortunately sees too often how poor eating habits and neglect can take a toll on foot health. There are many conditions that can impact foot health when it comes to proper nutrition. Some of the most common ones to be aware of include:

Diabetes – Poor management of blood sugar levels can affect the circulation in your feet and put you at a higher risk for nerve damage in your feet (neuropathy) and diabetic ulcers.

Osteoporosis – Weak bones are at a higher risk for stress fractures.

Obesity – A higher weight means that there is more force your feet have to bear. The extra stress and pressure can lead to heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Inflammation – This is very common as many foods can increase certain chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. A diet high in refined sugar or grains and trans fats can cause inflammation and painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will do your whole body good but will be especially beneficial for your feet, which really is your foundation. Talk to Dr. Bowman if poor habits have left you in pain or with unusual symptoms. Foot pain is never normal and should be checked out. You can make a quick and easy 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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