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

Related articles

• As Peripheral Neuropathy Rises in Numbers, Neuracel Introduces One of the Most Effective Treatments
• What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
• Improving Your Quality of Life with Neuropathy Treatment

Tossing and Turning With Restless Leg Syndrome?

There may not be anything that feels as bad as not getting a good night’s sleep. Being kept awake with the need to toss and turn because your legs won’t calm down can be very frustrating! It is called restless leg syndrome and this information might give you some peace of mind and some more rest.

Many sufferers have described restless leg syndrome as having burning, itching, crawling and tingling sensations that cause them to move constantly to relieve the symptoms. Does that describe what you are going through? It can happen in the evenings while trying to relax either sitting up or lying in bed. It can start at any age but unfortunately tends to worsen as you get older.

How can you relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome?

This condition tends to run in families so you may not be able to escape it, but there are some risk factors to be aware of. Pregnancy, iron deficiencies, peripheral neuropathy and kidney disease can all increase your risk of having restless leg syndrome. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX reminds patients with restless leg syndrome of the following tips:

• Pain relievers and other medications can help relieve mild symptoms.

• Warm or cold ice packs may lessen symptoms.

• Take a warm bath and massage your legs before bed.

• Avoid too much exercise late in the day as it can increase symptoms.

• Cut back on or avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as they can be triggers.

If these tips at home are not giving you any extra rest, don’t hesitate to call our podiatric office for help. Dr. Jeff Bowman can evaluate your condition and symptoms and help find a treatment plan that can make a difference. Call (713) 467-8886 or visit us online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

Related articles

• Restless Leg Syndrome Treatments
• Do Your Legs Drive You Crazy at Night?
• Parkinson's patients and restless legs syndrome

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

Related articles

• Blisters and Abrasions - Too Annoying For Words

  ---

• Wild Parsnip Spreading, Leaving Hikers Blistered & Burned

  ---

• Causes of stretch mark blisters

  ---

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

Related articles

• Health Tip: Is That Bump a Bunion? (nlm.nih.gov)
• Alicia Ciccone: How High Heels Ruined My Feet (And I'm Only 24) (huffingtonpost.com)
• Save our soles: The six most common foot problems - and how to fix them (mirror.co.uk)

Alcoholic Neuropathy - 12 Steps to a Better Life

Many people enjoy the social aspects of drinking, but patterned consumption can quickly get out of hand. If allowed to continue unchecked, it can lead to long term excessive consumption. This, in turn, can result in a wide array of other health concerns, one being alcoholic neuropathy.

Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by the prolonged and excessive use of alcohol. It can be characterized by an awareness of a feeling of tingling, prickling, or needles and pins, usually beginning in the hands and feet. “Excessive” and “prolonged” may be somewhat subjective terms, but research indicates that if you have consumed excess alcohol for 10 years, you are at risk for nerve damage. In addition to the needles and pins, other symptoms may include a general achiness or cramping, nausea, incontinence or difficulty urinating. Men may experience loss of sexual function. 

When the sensation of numbing in the feet occurs, it can lead to loss of motor control, falling, and injury. Symptoms are more prevalent in the legs than in the arms, and it comes on gradually and is progressive.

Treatment begins by removing or treating the cause, which in this case is alcohol or alcoholism. It is suggested the patient enroll in a program that can assist in removing the exacerbating factor and help with behavior modification.  A 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is recommended. Since poor nutrition usually goes hand in hand with excessive intake of alcohol, the patient must also focus on better, more healthful nutrition, especially with regard to the B vitamins.

Once drinking as a factor is eliminated, the symptoms may lessen, but long term prognosis does not suggest the reversal of nerve damage. Loss of motor function, severe pain, and possible disability can occur.  Alcoholic neuropathy itself is probably not a mortality issue, but it definitely impacts life quality.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing alcoholic neuropathy and would like to speak to Dr. Bowman about the long term effects and treatment options, please call our office to set up an appointment.  

Sources:
www.alcoholism-solutions.com/alcoholic-neuropathy
www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/315159-overview
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001733

Related articles

• Do You Have Peripheral Neuropathy? (eastpennfoot.wordpress.com)
• What Causes - The Several Causes of Neuropathy! (swampgas.wordpress.com)
• Is There Hope for Neuropathy and Retinopathy Sufferers? (lewrockwell.com)