Preventive Steps for Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain

Have you been experiencing pain in your ankle for a long time? If you answered yes, then you may be experiencing chronic pain. The difference between acute and chronic pain is the amount of time you have been experiencing pain. It can vary, but in general pain that has gone on for over six months is chronic pain. Chronic lateral ankle pain is chronic pain on the outside of your ankle and occurs from an injury. Symptoms for chronic lateral ankle pain includes instability, pain on the outside of the ankle, recurring ankle sprains, tightening of the muscles, swelling, tenderness and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.

However, Dr. Bowman has some tips to help prevent chronic lateral ankle pain.  They include the following:

• Watch out for ankle sprains. Ankle sprains that do not heal completely and properly is the most common cause of chronic lateral ankle pain. You can take steps to prevent an ankle sprain by wearing properly fit shoes and performing a warm-up routine before every physical activity.

• Wear the right footwear. Always try on shoes before every purchase. Your shoes need a wide toe box so your toes can move comfortably. Also, avoid shoes with elevated heels, tapered toe boxes or toe springs. Look for footwear that not only adheres to the length and width of your feet, but the exact shape.

• Workout your feet and ankles. Chronic lateral ankle pain can cause damage to your ankle’s nerves. This is present among people with diabetes. Your feet and ankles can suffer a decrease in blood flow because they are the farthest limbs from your heart. Therefore, you should conduct a series stretch and exercises specific to your feet and ankles in order to increase blood circulation.

Chronic lateral ankle pain happens with arthritis of the ankle joint, inflammation of your joint’s lining or a torn tendon. Chronic pain needs to be taken seriously, and treatment should happen immediately. If you have an ankle or foot related injury, or experiencing long term pain, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. If left untreated chronic lateral ankle pain can result in severe damage to your joints and tissues.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_pain
http://www.livestrong.com/article/234542-causes-of-chronic-ankle-foot-pain/
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1746/ChronicLateralAnklePain.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150
http://www.footankledc.com/medical-library/chronic-lateral-ankle-pain/

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A Ballet Dancer’s Guide to Foot Care

Ballet is one of the most intense and competitive physical activities. It puts excessive stress upon your feet, ankles and toes. Ballet dancers put themselves at risk for many painful foot problems, most commonly severe blisters and bone fractures.

Below are some tips for ballet dancers to help keep free from injury. They include:

• Wrap your feet. Most ballet dancers practice on a daily basis. This makes their feet susceptible to aches and pains. Wrapping your feet before every dance can relieve swelling and pain brought on by the pressure. Wrapping your feet can also prevent your feet from blistering.

• Find your correct size. If your ballet shoes allow your feet and toes too much room to move it can result in painful blisters.

• Massage your feet.  

• Give your feet a rest. Practice makes perfect, but too much physical activity can easily lead to an overuse injury. If you begin to experience pain in your feet, toes, or ankles, take a break. Allow your feet time to rest while icing and elevating your affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

Dancing, particularly ballet, places extreme physical demands on your feet, toes and ankles. The physical demands put your feet at risk for injuries or other ailments. Practicing proper foot care on a daily basis is important in maintaining the health of your feet.

If you experience a foot or ankle ballet injury contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://www.dancersfeetct.blogspot.com/
http://houstonfootspecialists.com.edit.officite.com/blog/post/have-fun-dancing-without-injury-to-feet--ankles.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/362111-how-to-wrap-a-dancers-foot/

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Are Crocs healthy for your feet? Or Is It Croc?

Fashion aside, the world has become obsessed with the comfort found in a pair of Crocs. With an assortment of colors from bright patterns to calming pastels, you can be sure to find a pair of Crocs to go with every outfit. However, the true question with Crocs does not lie with fashion, but the most important aspect of this comfy form of footwear is health. Are Crocs healthy for your feet?  Or, do they simply create a cloud of cushion for your walk?

Crocs are extremely light on your feet as heavy shoes weigh your feet down, which make each step a bigger effort. The toe box is wide so your toes can wiggle and tall so the shoe is not pressing down on your toes. They have several holes on the top giving your feet proper ventilation. The Rx Crocs have an antibacterial lining in order to reduce your risk for developing fungal or bacterial infections. Also, crocs give your feet arch support and cushion your feet with every step.

Crocs are a healthy alternative to summer sandals like flip-flops. The classic Crocs are similar in design to that of a clog making them easy to slip on and off of your feet. Crocs are just as easy to slip on, keep your feet cool and maintain your health. They offer your feet greater protection than most other summer sandals while maintaining comfort.

So there you have it, Crocs aren’t just about comfort, but they are all about maintaining the health of your feet. Crocs have the official seal of approval by the APMA, letting you know that Crocs are not only the comfy choice, but the healthy choice. Crocs are perfect for walking and every day use but are not for serious physical activity.

If you have any questions, or require additional information on finding the healthiest footwear for your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman.

References:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/crocs-healthy-shoes-just-comfy
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/video/crocs-healthy

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Feet Smell? Helpful Hints To Prevent Foot Odor

Foot odor is a common occurrence for many people. In fact, your feet contain more sweat glands than almost any other part of your body. Your feet sweat throughout the day and unfortunately shoes can help lock in heat and moisture, which causes a prominent and unpleasant odor.

However, don’t ditch your shoes because they are worn to protect your feet. Instead you can actively prevent nasty foot odor from occurring! Below are some helpful tips to keep your feet healthy and smelling fresh.

• Clean your feet. Wash your feet, toes and ankles at least once a day. You can scrub your feet with soap and warm water to help eliminate bacteria that causes an odor. Also, make sure to thoroughly dry your feet – especially between your toes. 

• Don’t wear the same shoes. Shoes need a full 24 hours to dry out. Try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row especially in a humid climate like Houston.

• Wash your socks. Wearing socks with shoes can help prevent perspiration. However, make sure you change your socks daily as dirty socks can lead to smelly feet. Always wash your socks after every wear.

• Moisture wicking socks. These are available at many sporting good stores and are helpful when trying to prevent foot and shoe odor.

• Dry out your socks and shoes. If your socks become wet, you need to take them off and toss them in the dirty clothes hamper. Also, if your shoes get wet then you need to air them out before using them again. Wearing wet socks and shoes can lead to fungal infections.

• Apply antiperspirant powder or spray. Apply a spray or powder in your shoes, socks and the bottoms of your feet, on a daily basis. This can drastically reduce your perspiration by keeping your feet dry and odor free. Dr. Bowman carries Mico-Mist Spray in his Houston office which works great.

Sure, feet can smell from time to time, but regularly foul foot odor can be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection. Also, sweaty feet create the perfect warm and moist environment for infections and fungus to spread to not only the rest of your foot but to others as well.

If you believe you may be suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection on your feet, contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. Online appointments available at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1816/FootOdorandSmellyFeet.html
http://centralctfootcare.blogspot.com/2012/07/do-stinky-feet-have-you-hiding-in-shame.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1920/Prevention.html

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Do you know to prevent ingrown toenails? Read on for tips from Dr. Bowman!

An ingrown toenail happens when the sides of the toenail grow directly into the surrounding skin of the nail. This condition can be extremely painful and can cause severe inflammation, swelling and tenderness.

Below are some tips to help eliminate ingrown toenails from occurring in the first place. Please follow Dr. Bowman’s helpful tips to keep your feet healthy and reduce your risk of an ingrown toenail.

• Cut toenails properly. You need to trim your toenails on a weekly basis. It’s important to keep your nail from growing over the end of your toe. Trimming toenails straight across is the best way to cut.  You want avoid curving at the ends of the nail, which can direct your toenail to grow into your skin.

• Find your correct fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pressure on your feet, especially your toes. Your shoes need to allow your toes room to move and breath comfortably. Your toes should come close to the end, but not actually touch the end of your shoe. Look for shoes with wider toe boxes that provide a nice amount of room for your toes.

• Injuries. Something as simple as someone stepping on your toe can cause and ingrown nail, be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid high heels. This uncomfortable trend continues to be a common cause of many foot ailments, including ingrown toenails. High heels often have small and pointy toe boxes, which squeeze your toes together. Heels also angle your feet so that your body pushes down upon your toes in overwhelming amounts of pressure.

• Wash your feet regularly. You should scrub your feet and toes at least once a day. Wash with soap and luke warm water.  Also, dry your feet completely, especially between your toes.

• Avoid “Bathroom Surgery”.  Many people try to cut out an ingrown nail themselves.  This will actually make the problem worse by leaving a portion of the nail in the skin that cannot be seen.  This part is called a spicule and will cause more pain and infections.

Ingrown toenails are not only painful, but if you leave them without treatment then it may result in fungal or bacterial infections. Also, the skin on your toes can begin to grow over your toenail. In severe cases, where ingrown toenails lack treatment in a timely manner, they can result in serious infections and the ingrown portion of your nail may need to be surgically removed which is a simple procedure. If you experience an ingrown toenail, please contact our office at (713) 467-8886 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman. See Dr. Bowman’s website for more information at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1878/IngrownToenails.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1877/IngrownNails.html

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Feet Are Not Meant To Hurt!

Pain is not a new phenomenon, but it is unpleasant and inconvenient when it affects your day to day activities. You will experience foot pain at some point because it is brought on by a wide array of injuries, conditions and diseases. Pain is common, but when you experience pain that you cannot account for, you need to seek medical advice from a podiatric physician.

A podiatrist, like Dr. Bowman, can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment, which helps get you back on your feet. Studies show that over seventy five percent of Americans experiences foot discomfort during a twelve month period. Also, an equally high number attribute it to being on their feet for an extended period of time each day.

There are numerous conditions that contribute to foot pain. Several of the most common ones include:

• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprains
• Stress fractures

Many of the causes of foot pain can go away with better choices in footwear. Shoes that conform to the shape of your foot and provide cushioning and support will protect your feet from many of the ordinary, non-injurious woes that affect your feet. Dr. Bowman is a good source of information about shoes that can keep your feet pain free.

Specific conditions sometimes require specific solutions. This allows your pain to be manageable to the extent you are able to continue a normal and active life. Consult with Dr. Bowman and avoid self-medicating.

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints your foot and ankle specialist encounters. It generally results from overuse and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs the length of the foot and provides support to the arch. This ligament may develop tiny tears and can become very painful. Rest is crucial to healing this condition. Pain may also ebb with the application of ice and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.  Custom orthotics which are special inserts for the shoe also add a considerable amount of comfort.

Ankle pain is another complaint that people report. If you have sprained ankles in the past, you may be susceptible to recurring pain in the joint because of a weakening of the soft tissue and its inability to properly support the ankle. After recovery from a sprain injury, you may want to consider using an ankle brace for additional support. Take all necessary precautions and follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not rush the healing process because the likelihood of re-injury increases.

Dr. Bowman’s website (www.houstonfootspecialists.com) offers a lot of information on specific diseases and conditions that he can help with a treatment plan that includes good pain management. Call him at (713) 467-8886 and take the first step toward a more pain free life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1827/Generalinformationtips.html
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1910/painmanagementforspecificconditions.html

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Aligned and Connected: The Cure for Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

Staying connected…
Muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together in their own special ways. They work to allow your body to achieve stability, durability and flexibility. However, to stay in good working order you need to safeguard these functions, and appreciate the mobility that they provide. Adequate exercise is important in order to keep joints strong and limber. If you overwork or injure your body, things may not function as normal, and you may experience pain.

The injury…
Peroneal tendon dislocation/dysfunction is a condition that affects two tendons that originate at the muscles on the outside of your calves and allow your foot to roll to the outside when you stand, as well as, support the arch of the foot. When certain injuries occur, tissue may stretch or tear. This can cause the peroneal tendon to dislocate from its normal groove toward the back of the bone. The tendon then rolls over to the outside of the bone sustaining damage in the process.

Why me…
Peroneal tendon dislocation is most commonly the result of high intensity sports activities such as skiing, football, basketball and soccer. On occasion, sprains have also been known to cause this injury. Don’t eliminate the sport altogether, but you can make sure your footwear is appropriate for the activity.

What happens now?
Treatment for peroneal tendon dislocation may include use of crutches to prevent weight bearing, compression bandage to reduce swelling and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. It is important to remain off the injured foot in order for injury to heal properly. Follow your doctor’s instructions without deviation. Surgical correction is necessary when the tissue damage is bad enough to indicate it may tear completely or easily dislocate.

Saw bones
If you must undergo surgery and during your surgeon discovers you are one of the few who does not have a groove for your peroneal tendon to rest in, he may need to cut grooves in the bone and then install metal screws or pins to hold the bones in place while healing occurs. A six week healing time is normal followed by a few weeks of protected weight bearing, then an additional month or more of physical therapy allowing you to regain strength and mobility.

Caution is the word
Re-injury is always a possibility, but you minimize that risk by following your doctor’s orders. Do not attempt to hurry the healing process. Dr. Bowman has experience treating this condition and knows what’s best for you. His goal is to see you completely recovered. To set up an appointment with Dr. Bowman’s call his office at (713) 467-8886.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1912/peronealtendondislocationdysfunction.html
http://www.ahni.com/specialties/foot-and-ankle/common-disorders/peroneal-tendon-dislocation/

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Psoriasis - the agony and embarrassment!

This common recurring disease of the skin is truly an eyesore. It is inflammatory and is notable by round, reddish dry patches covered by whitish scales. Normally it appears on the scalp, elbows and shins, but on occasion it shows up on the feet. If it occurs on the feet, it may appear a lot like Athlete's Foot or if on the nails it may look like toenail fungus. A sample may be taken to determine if fungus or psoriasis. Sometimes small blisters appear filled with a clear or cloudy fluid.

Psoriasis can affect the joints of the lower legs and feet by causing painful arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications are often chosen to treat Psoriasis. A flare-up of Psoriasis on the hands and feet should not go untreated because not only can it cause pain, but also embarrassment because of the appearance of the lesions. If you are unable to work because of the pain, you may suffer a financial loss as well. In some instances, Psoriasis can break out on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Because these areas of your body are in constant use, this can become very difficult to deal with.

7.5 million Americans affected
Genetically predisposition affects about 10 per cent of the population, but fewer actually get the disease. People who suffer from hands and feet Psoriasis can trigger their own symptoms.

Known triggers: stress and injury
Since injury is a known trigger to the unpleasant outbreak of Psoriasis, people whose hands and feet are affected need to be especially kind to their feet and hands since dry cracking skin is a symptom. These openings can easily become infected. This type of Psoriasis affects more women than men and is generally only found in the adult population.

There are a number of home treatment tips that can help the Psoriasis sufferer:

• Cease smoking as it’s a trigger.

• Avoid stressful situations when possible.

• Protect yourself from foot and hand injury.

• Soak hands and feet twice daily in warm water, then moisturize with a lotion recommended by your dermatologist or podiatrist.

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks made from natural fibers, also wear gloves if needed.

Medical treatment usually involves topical ointments that contain steroids. An ultraviolet light therapy may work to stunt skin cell growth. This is more effective when combined with topical medication. Injectable medications that block the immune system may be used if other medications are not effective.

If you have a skin condition on your feet that you think may be Psoriasis or something else, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His evaluation and treatment plan represents the next step in healthy foot care.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis-treatment-11/hands-feet
http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1921/Psoriasis.html
http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/when-psoriasis-affects-your-feet.aspx

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Plantar Fibromatosis: I’ve got you under my skin!

It’s almost painful just to learn about all of the conditions that afflict your feet as you move into middle age and beyond. When does it all end?

Fibromatosis is a condition where excess collagen (fibroma), or fibrotic tissue, causes the development of small, hard nodules beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot. They may grow and increase in density over a period of time, but eventually this ceases. The good news is that it’s generally non-cancerous. The bad news is it can make walking or standing a nightmare. However, there is a big disparity among men and women. Fibromatosis happens to men approximately ten times more than women.

The most recognizable plantar fibromatosis symptoms are hard nodules under the skin and pain. Although there are circumstances that can “open the door” to the development of plantar fibromatosis, there is no known definitive cause. Trauma, genetics and certain medications or supplements all may play a role in the development of this condition.

Possible causes include:

• Injury
• Genetics
• Medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements

Other contributing factors are chronic liver disease, diabetes, and seizure disorders. These conditions may not contribute, but rather the medications used to heal or treat them are the primary culprits. As the surges in numbers of people suffering these conditions increases, so will the number of cases of fibromatosis continue to rise.

There are many treatment options for plantar fibromatosis, which include invasive or non-invasive.

Invasive treatment options include:

• Injections, which are put directly into the fibroma.
• Surgery, which can include the removal of the fibroma, or the removal of the complete plantar fascia. Surgery includes a long recovery time and may lead to other foot problems.

Non-invasive treatment options include:

• Topical application
• Stretching
• Orthotics
• Padding
• Physical therapy

There are several stretching exercises of the calf and arch that may be beneficial and help with the discomfort. These stretching exercises should first be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. This will ensure that the exercises are done correctly.

If you have symptoms that you think may indicate plantar fibromatosis, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and set up an appointment today. Dr. Bowman will conduct a comprehensive foot evaluation in order to determine your exact symptoms and then develop a treatment plan. He can diagnose and treat any foot condition. Step into his office for unparalleled foot care because you’ll step out feeling better!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/319755-plantar-fibromatosis-exercises/
http://www.pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatisplantarfibromatosis.html

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The Drama of Enchondromas

Enchondromas are tiny non-cancerous tumors that grow inside the bones and are made up of cartilage. They begin to develop during childhood in people ranging from age 10 to 20. As a rule, they are not painful and do not require treatment. They often go undetected until a person has an imaging test, such as an X-ray, for a totally unrelated reason such as an injury or arthritis. These tumors are common and most often appear in the hands and feet, but they can occasionally be found in major long bones of the arm and leg.

The cause of enchondromas is not readily apparent; there does not seem to be any correlation between having the tumor(s) and exposure to chemicals, radiation, or certain activities. When the tumors appear in the hands and feet, they can cause bone deformities due to the small size of the bones.

The symptoms of enchondromas mimic other conditions, so check with Dr. Bowman; however, common symptoms of enchondromas include:

• Pain if the growth is large
• Enlarged fingers or toes
• Pathologic fractures
• Deformities

Once you discover the tumors, it is crucial to monitor them to make sure they are not aggressive or cancerous.

If specific treatment is necessary, it will be on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Bowman will take into consideration your age, overall health, and medical history, as well as the following:

• How far the tumors are progressing
• How well you tolerate medications and procedures
• Whether the tumors can become worse
• What you prefer

In some cases where the growth of the enchondromas has caused the bones to fracture, treatment may include surgery to graft healthy bone taken from elsewhere in the body to replace the fractured and diseased bone. If no indication of bone weakening exists, Dr. Bowman will set up a schedule that allows your condition to be closely monitored. Please contact Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 for all your foot and ankle concerns. His vested interest is in the overall health of your feet in order to safeguard your quality of life.

References:

http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/library/1806/Enchondroma.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchondroma
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00085

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