Physical Therapy & The Foot Doctor

When you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, the prompt care and treatment sought after makes a big impact on the success of your recovery. Even if an injury is mild, when it does not heal properly or has not had correct treatment, you are at risk for re-injury and chronic problems in that area.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX treats all kinds of foot and ankle injuries on a regular basis. One of the most important parts of the treatment process for many foot and ankle injuries is physical therapy.

After an injury is sustained or surgery is performed, the primary goal is to return health and function to that area. Physical therapy focuses on specific exercises and strengthening techniques to strengthen the injured area, restore range of motion, improve balance and get you back to the level of activity you desire. Dr. Bowman or a trusted professional physical therapist know and understand the mechanics of your body and will use physical therapy to target the weakened area and get you back to living without pain.

After an injury, joints and muscles can become stiff and tight. Physical therapy uses stretching to help release that tension and brings range of motion back to where it should be. After an injury or surgery, the area is prone to developing scar tissue that can inhibit rehabilitation. Physical therapy also helps to minimize the development of potential scar tissue.

If you are struggling after an injury or surgery with the healing process or getting back into your daily activities, please contact Dr. Bowman. Starting an appropriate physical therapy plan may be exactly what is needed. You can schedule an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Best Exercises With a Foot Injury

When trying to stay fit and healthy, there is not much that is more frustrating than when you have foot pain or a foot injury. Your feet are the foundation of your body and even a minor injury can put a halt to your exercising efforts.

How can I stay fit while my foot injury heals?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX regularly helps patients stay fit while recovering from a foot injury. The good news is that there are many fitness options that will still give you a good cardio workout and strengthen your muscles while giving your injury time to heal.

You will of course want to avoid activities that require your foot to bear the weight of your body. These may include walking, jogging, stair climbing and aerobic classes. You want to focus on workouts that still focus on major muscle groups while keeping stress and pressure off the injured foot.

Use a resistance machine to do leg curls. Make sure the lever arm is placed high enough on your ankle to ensure you do not aggravate your injury.

Get in the water. Swimming several times a week will improve your cardiovascular fitness and keep your legs strong even with a foot injury. Avoid during flips or turns against a wall during laps as this could add strain to the injured foot.

Focus on your upper body. A machine such as an ergometer is like a mini bike for your arms and is effective in getting your heart rate up for a good workout.

Be cautious on a stationary bike. Depending on the type of foot injury you have, cycling can be a good way to stay fit that has less impact on your body. Stay at an easy resistance, keep feet snug in pedals and knees should be bent at the lowest point in the rotation.

The right recovery of a foot injury will go a long way in keeping your feet healthy long term and help prevent a re-injury or a chronic problem. Call Dr. Bowman if you are struggling to stay active with an injury. 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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Exercises for After Foot Surgery

Winston Churchill once said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” He definitely was not talking about foot surgery but the same principal can apply. The “tools” you use post foot surgery will make a big difference in its success.

When his patients have foot surgery, Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX, stays involved with each patient from start to finish. With his clearance, post surgery exercises are often an important part of the healing process as they can reduce swelling and provide strength and flexibility to the foot.

Some easy exercises to do after foot surgery include:

Work your toes. With a towel placed on the floor, sit in a chair and place your foot flat on the towel. Use your toes to scrunch the towel towards your foot. You can also use small objects such as coins or marbles to strengthen your toes. Put them on the floor and use your toes to pick them up one by one. These exercises can be done for a minimum of 10 minutes two times a day.

Strengthen your muscles. Sit on the floor with your healing leg straight out in front. Use a towel or an exercise band and loop it around the ball of your foot. Gently press your foot forward as you pull back on the towel or band. Try this 10 times for 3 sets.

Find your balance. This exercise also helps strengthen your foot muscles. When you are a bit farther along in the healing process, try balancing on the foot that is healing with your other foot slightly off the ground. Start with just 30 seconds. You can progress by holding the uninjured foot higher off the ground or by closing your eyes. Always be near something you can grab to prevent a fall.

If you have had bunion surgery, it is common for the big toe joint to be stiff.  Grab the big toe at the base and pull up holding it for 5 seconds then down for 5 seconds.  You will feel some discomfort which is normal. This should be done 30 times 2 to 3 times a day.

There are many more exercises and devices to use and Dr. Bowman will instruct you what is right for you post surgery.

The important thing to remember is that these types of exercises should only be done with Dr. Bowman’s approval. You do not want to start adding stress or pressure until the proper amount of healing has occurred. If you have any questions about foot surgery please contact our podiatric office for an appointment. Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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