Houston Foot Specialists

Monday, July 9, 2012

Hammering Those Toes Back Into Shape

English: Podiatrist Kamran Jamshidinia in the ...

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

Monday, July 2, 2012

The Ankle Bone is Connected to the Knee Bone…

English: Three Kistler force platforms imbedded in a laboratory walkway (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your feet represent the foundation of your body, as they are the weight bearing mechanism. Your feet contain nearly twenty-five percent of the bones in your body. When they do not operate in an optimal manner, you may have pain in your legs, knees, hips, and lower back.

One of the most common dysfunction in the foot is over-pronation, which occurs when the foot flattens too much and the ankle rolls inward. Over-pronation forces other muscles and bones to work extra hard to compensate and eventually causes pain. Over-pronation means the foot has difficulty stabilizing the body’s weight. When the foot pushes off for the next step, it is doing so with the big toe and second toe putting forth all the effort.

If you experience ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain and have not gotten relief by changing your foot wear to a motion control type shoe, contact Dr. Bowman. He has the ability to analyze your gait and determine where the weakness may be in the way you move your body from point to point. Gait analysis may be done on a treadmill or by making a visual assessment as you walk or run, revealing any biomechanical abnormality. After Dr. Bowman completes a thorough evaluation, he can make recommendations to improve your situation. This may require a change of foot wear or, perhaps, custom orthotics worn in the shoes. Custom orthotics can bring your body into proper alignment so muscle and bone function is improved, helping to alleviate pain.

If you suffer ankle, knee, or hip pain, or are bothered by muscle cramping in the legs or lower back, the actual source of the pain may be traced back to your feet. It may seem like a long stretch from the feet to lower back pain, but an abnormality in foot function can cause pain elsewhere in the body.

Contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and advise him if you are experiencing pain in your feet. He can use his knowledge and experience, as well as his scientific arsenal, to properly diagnose the source of your discomfort and help you lead a more pain free life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sports-specific/running-injuries/gait-analysis

Monday, June 25, 2012

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

Monday, June 18, 2012

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

Monday, June 11, 2012

BOLO Watch - Be On Lookout, Signs of Skin Cancer

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are concentrated areas of pigmentation of the skin called freckles and moles. However, there is a difference between the two. A freckle is a pigmentation of the innermost layer of the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin. Freckles occur as a result of exposure to the sun and most often appear on the shoulders or face and the tendency to develop freckles may be inherited. Freckles are benign and do not usually require any treatment. Freckling is not associated with cancer, but people with fair complexions are more susceptible to skin cancer.

A mole is a cluster of cells called melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the skin pigmentation) which is located in the top layer of the second skin layer (dermis). Moles are usually visible at birth and become more noticeable as you grow older. Moles tend to be small, but occasionally can grow large. They are most often benign, but sometimes can become cancerous.

You should watch moles carefully for changes and see your doctor immediately if concerns develop. Be observant for changes in:

Size
Shape
Color
Painfulness

Moles may be isolated or appear in clusters. People who have moles should examine their bodies carefully for changes. A mole that you have had may change, others may develop or become painful should have careful attention paid to them.

You can remember this by remembering A, B, C, D and E.

Asymmetry, when half of the mole changes in size
Border, when the edges of a mole are jagged
Color, if color is uneven and changes from tan, brown, black, blue, red or white
Diameter, if it is larger than a pencil eraser
Elevation, when height variation is present

There are several different types of skin cancer and most are treatable if detected early and treated quickly. The real lesson here is, don’t forget to consider your feet when it comes to sun protection. The skin on the top of your feet is delicate and has not been sun exposed all winter. Make sure you don’t forget SPF 50 and rub it in! Skin cancers can be removed by cutting them away and closing the skin with a stitch or two. Or your doctor may use a treatment where they freeze the area. Regardless of the treatment, you will have a more clear idea of what to look for in the future. Dr. Bowman knows exactly what to look for. If you have suspicious moles or other spots on your feet, contact him at (713) 467-8886 and get his professional advice. Don’t let these spots go unchecked.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/info/v1pt00/skin-cancer?s_kwcid=TC|21765|skin%20cancer||S|e|9570087974&xid=g_dlp-v1pt00
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm

Monday, June 4, 2012

Go Ahead - Rub It In

Have you ever examined your skin under a magnifying glass? Do you see all those little white lines? Congratulations! You’re like millions of others, and you have dry skin.

It’s time to moisturize. The problem is with all of the marketing, advertising, and celebrity hype, how do you know what works? You have to shop the ingredient label and know the quality of the ingredients. Most of the popular brands that are heavily advertised spend their budget not on quality ingredients but on ADVERTISING!

Ingredients in lotions you want to avoid, or at least see at the bottom of the ingredient label, may include:

Benzalkonium chloride - a preservative known to be an extreme eye irritant as well as cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress.

Fragrance - not such a good thing when many of them are known carcinogens. The only purpose they serve is adding an aroma.

Mineral oil - a product derived from crude oil that may be disguised under a variety of other names.

Dioxane

Thankfully, there are manufacturers who bottle quality products and still reasonably price their product because they don’t have the advertising overhead. These products contain natural moisturizers such as olive oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, in addition to other ingredients. However, these more healthful and preferred lotions might not be available at your local super retail center. Look for them at Dr. Bowman’s office, he carries different types for your needs.

Your skin is your body’s frontline when it comes to protecting you from infection. If this first defense layer is compromised because of cracked or dry skin, you open up the possibility of infections. It is particularly important for people with diabetes to protect the skin on their feet and be very vigilant. The potential harm to their feet is compounded due to loss of sensation. Also, people with skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis should be treated medically.

During the summer months if you wear sandals or spend any time barefoot on the beach, get a lotion with 50 SPF sunblock added. Dr. Bowman can recommend a good brand of lotion for you, one where all of the chemical additives don’t do more harm than good. For dry, cracked skin on your feet or heels, contact him at (713) 467-8886. Look for a healthy product, then--rub it in.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

When a Sprain Becomes a Real Pain

An ankle sprain is a very common injury and can occur to anyone. Sprains are not reserved for athletes and show no age discrimination. Twenty-five thousand sprains happen on a daily basis. A sprain occurs when the ligaments - fibrous elastic-like tissue - that hold the ankle joint in position get stretched beyond their normal range of motion and lose their ability to return to their normal position. The ankle joint has a limited capacity to roll, twist and turn. When a force is exerted that exceeds the normal capacity, some of the fibers may tear or the ligament may tear completely.

There are three grades of sprains determined by the amount of force. A grade 1 sprain is characterized by minimal damage to ligaments, usually just a slight stretching, accompanied by a small amount of swelling and mild discomfort. A grade 2 sprain shows tearing of some, but not all, ligament fibers and some instability may result. Also, you’ll notice increasing tenderness and swelling with a limited range of movement. A sprain is classified as a grade 3 when there is complete tearing of a ligament and gross instability. While grades 1 and 2 can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation and immobilization. A grade 3 sprain will require immobilization, a lengthy period of rest and no weight on it, followed by physical therapy to recoup strength, function and flexibility. It often may need surgical reconstruction.

The need for surgical repair becomes apparent when the ankle doesn’t properly heal after a lengthy period of non-surgical treatment and attempts at rehabilitation. There are two types of surgery: arthroscopic and reconstructive. In arthroscopic surgery, a doctor uses special equipment to view inside the joint to see if there are bone fragments or if the ligament may perhaps be caught in the joint. In reconstructive surgery, the doctor repairs the torn ligament by suturing it or using other tissue from the foot or ankle to replace or repair the damaged tissue.

The amount of time it takes to recuperate after surgery varies. It depends on the injury itself and the amount of surgical repair required. Don’t expect immediate results. Recovery may take many weeks.

We certainly don’t wish a painful grade 3 sprain on anyone, but don’t neglect or ignore any sprain. Sometimes what may feel like a sprain could be disguised as a fracture. Call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and get treatment as soon as possible.

References:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html

Thursday, May 24, 2012

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

Monday, May 14, 2012

Come On, Take A Hike! But Make Sure The Boots Are Right!

With spring in full bloom, what better way to enjoy the season than to hit the trails. Walking is great exercise, and hiking the trails kicks it up a notch and strengthens the feet and ankles. You’ll need a good pair of trail hiking shoes or boots. Most people prefer boots because of the added protection they offer, but this depends on the environment that you are hiking in and your personal preference.

Before you make your purchase, let’s review a few practical suggestions:

· Know what kind of terrain you are hiking and for how long.

· Shop for footwear at the end of the day, as your feet will swell throughout the day.

· Measure both feet while standing, and fit the larger foot.

· Always try boots on at the store. Universal sizing standardization can play tricks on you.

· Walk around a bit to make sure there are no pressure points.

· If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, take them with you.

· When shopping for boots, wear the type of sock you will wear hiking.

Movement and perspiration cause friction, which is a recipe for blisters. Cotton socks do not wick moisture. When damp, they lose their cushioning and bunch up. Look for socks made of alpaca, acrylic, or silk. You will find a good selection at a retailer that specializes in camping, hiking, and trail gear.

Hiking boots should fit close to your foot without pressure points or chafing. The heel should fit snug with very little movement. Look for boots with the following features:

· Scree collar, a covered foam collar that fits snug to the lower leg that prevents debris from entering your boot;

· Full grain leather or nubuck uppers for the high country; fabric uppers are adequate for flat terrain;

· Thick and impact-absorbing soles with a slight rocker shape for comfort and efficiency;

· Heel lock feature that allows the boot to be laced snugly at ankle height;

· Waterproof boots with a full gusseted tongue;

· Fiberglass or steel shank for the best support;

· Interior lining that absorbs or aids in evaporation of moisture.

Keeping these pre-purchase suggestions and recommended features in mind will allow you to make a wise decision regarding hiking boots. Purchase your boots from a retailer specializing in hiking and trail gear. They are knowledgeable and experienced in product selection.

Should the good outing go bad and you have a mishap or sustain an injury, contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. He can help get you trail fit for the next hike.

Do you have a hiking story to tell? Please take a moment and share your hiking story with us.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/educational-videos.html
http://www.novatrails.com/features/hikingboots.php
http://www.streetarticles.com/outdoors/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-new-pair-of-quality-hiking-boots

Monday, May 7, 2012

Healing Solution for the Dry Skin Problem

Dry, cracked skin isn’t just a winter condition, especially of the feet. Pay close attention to the condition of your skin. It may foretell other problems. If you have areas of dry, thick, cracked skin, you need to pay attention right away. You have many options available, but let’s discuss home remedies first.

Here are some home remedies you can try to help your dry, cracked skin:

· Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Internal hydration is important for all organ function, and your skin is the largest organ of your body.

· Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture left between the toes becomes a haven for bacteria that can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

· Gently remove buildup of dry skin with a pumice stone. If you have some serious work to do, don’t try to correct it all at once. This could cause open sores, which are painful and might lead to infection.

· Apply lotion to your feet. Read the ingredients on the bottle. If it consists mainly of water, look for a lotion richer in emollients. Do not apply lotion between the toes. Application of lotion can be done several times a day and should be done just before bedtime, then cover your feet with clean, white cotton socks.

If your feet don’t begin to respond to this treatment within several days, you need to consider making an appointment with Dr. Bowman. There may be another cause that Dr. Bowman will need to diagnose. You could have a fungal infection or dermatitis. Dr. Bowman will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you suffer diabetes, you must examine your feet daily for cracks or sores and see your podiatrist on a regular basis. What begins as a small problem can quickly get out of hand and result in infection. Your feet are more at risk and require extra special care.

If you have a painful dry, cracked skin condition you are unable to control, contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 and let Dr. Bowman lend a hand to your feet.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/dry-skin-solutions.aspx
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/#hurtfeet

Monday, July 9, 2012

Related articles

Monday, July 2, 2012

Related articles

Monday, June 25, 2012

Related articles

Monday, June 18, 2012

Related articles

Monday, June 11, 2012

Related articles

Monday, June 4, 2012

Related articles

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Related articles

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Related articles

Monday, May 14, 2012

Related articles

Monday, May 7, 2012

Related articles