Heel Callus: Walk the Texas State Fair Pain Free

One of the greatest sources of entertainment in Texas is the State Fair of Texas, running for 24 days this year from September 27th to October 20th, 2013. It has been held yearly at Dallas’ Fair Park since 1886 and was the place where the corny dog made its first appearance!

As you take in the sights, sounds and tastes of this incredible event, something else that could make an appearance is foot pain. Walking all day long in the wrong shoes, especially if you have an underlying foot problem, could lead to many types of injuries including shin splints, blisters, arch pain and heel calluses.

What is a heel callus?

It is essentially a patch of dry skin, but there is more about this problem that you need to know. When your foot, especially the heel, is exposed to frequent rubbing or pressure, it builds up a raised layer of hard skin as a form of protection. Wearing a tight shoe that squeezes your foot, or a loose one that causes your foot to rub against the shoe, can both lead to the formation of a callus. Wearing shoes with a thin sole or sandals without socks can also put you at risk.

If you generally wear well-fitting shoes but still notice calluses forming, it may be due to structural problem in your feet. Sometimes certain bones in the foot are longer or lower than others and strike the ground with more force that they can handle. A callus can form under these bones as a response to the extra impact. A large callus on the heel can make walking and wearing shoes painful. Dry patches of skin are also prone to cracking and infection.

If you are going to head to the fair this fall, start the day off right and stop a callus from forming with a good pair of shoes. If it’s too late and a day of fun has left you limping, please call Dr. Jeff Bowman for help. Our office has the right treatments to get rid of your heel problem and get you back walking without pain. Call Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• What Is Callus?
• The Question All Podiatrist’s Get Asked
• Running with Heel Spurs

Are Shoes with Flat Soles Better for Your Child’s Feet?

There is one word that many associate with fall – festivals! For kids and adults alike, a fall event such as the Humble Fall Festival in Humble, TX is a time to enjoy all that the season has to offer. On Saturday, October 26th, the whole family can enjoy music performances, carnival games, trunk-or-treat and costume contests. Whether you are taking your children to enjoy the day at a festival or fitting them for school, equip them properly with the right pair of shoes.

There is a vast array of options to choose from in the children’s shoe department, but not all are appropriate, particularly ones with heels. Children’s feet are still growing, and an ill-fitting pair of shoes will not provide the necessary comfort and support. When it comes to dress shoes, companies are providing styles for little ladies that are comparable to adult high heels. As cute as this may be, this type of shoe can be damaging on young feet as pointed toe boxes squish toes and higher heels cause the balls of feet to bear all the weight in the foot.

There are also studies that report on the negative impact that running shoes with thick heels have on children’s feet. Highly cushioned running shoes with thick heels can make it difficult for a child to learn how to run with the front of their foot. Landing with the heel causes more impact on the foot. These studies advise parents to provide children with a pair of flexible, flat shoes that will help them learn how to run in a more natural manner.

Between your children’s preferences and the price tag, finding the right pair of shoes can be tricky. A little investment and time will go a long way in protecting their growing feet. If your child is complaining of any type of foot pain or is sitting out of activities because of a foot problem, please call Dr. Jeff Bowman for help. Their foot health is important and proper care now sets the stage for the future. Make an appointment with Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Running with Heel Spurs
• Finding a Perfect Running Shoe - Not Hard but Necessary!
• Best Shoes for People with Flat Feet

Fish Pedicures: Are They Safe?

If you haven’t heard of “doctor fish” then you probably haven’t spent much time inside a pedicure salon. Some salons and spas call it the latest in pedicure luxury – a foot bath filled with fish that nibble on and clean your feet. If the thought of it sounds a little gross or suspicious, you aren’t alone, as US and British health officials are warning patrons about the dangers of this practice.

Garra rufa fish are tiny toothless carp that are imported from abroad to salons that offer fish pedicures. They are dropped into foot baths of water to clean dead skin off callused toes and heels rather than use the usual razor method. While you may feel a part of an elite group by engaging in this trendy method, you are also putting yourself at risk for infection. Tests on these fish by authorities have shown them to be infected with numerous strains of bacteria that could lead to pneumonia and serious bone and tissue infections.

Not only can the fish themselves carry bacteria, they also deposit their waste in the water that feet are soaking in. It then becomes more difficult to properly sanitize tubs between patrons, leaving everyone at risk for infection. Anyone with an open sore or cut, or an underlying condition such as diabetes, could find his or her self in a serious situation and should steer clear of this type of foot bath.

Pedicures are relaxing and leave your feet looking beautiful, but done improperly or at a place that doesn’t have high cleanliness standards, they could leave you with a significant foot problem or injury. If you have a pedicure story, we would love to hear it! We would also love to help you if you have any foot pain or problems that interfere with your daily life or make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Call Houston Foot Specialists today at (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment or visit our website. Dr. Jeff Bowman has everything you need to know to keep your feet safe and healthy.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Getting Rid of Athlete's Foot
• Beauty Ritual for Feet
• 5 Precautionary Steps to Take Before Getting a Pedicure

What is Better: Working Out at Home or at the Gym?

A recent article on huffingtonpost.com highlighted celebrities who truly love to work out. Vanessa Hudgens, Matthew McConaughey, Minka Kelly and Michelle Obama cite exercise as the thing to beat stress, burn calories, clear the head, gain energy and boost a low mood. If you need all of these in your life, maybe it’s time to give exercise a try. The question is: do you stay at home or join a gym?

The answer depends on a few things but here are some factors to consider when deciding where to land. If cost or time is an issue then at home will be your best option, as it is free and you don’t have to drive anywhere. At home you can fit in a workout anytime of the day and you don’t have to be concerned with what you look like in public!

If you are someone who needs accountability and encouragement, a gym is a great place to find workout buddies who will keep you motivated and on track. A gym has a vast amount of equipment to work on and classes to take, which can bring a bit more variety to your exercise. At home you can get distracted with the TV, phone and the fridge, while at a gym there is more of a chance to be focused.

A recent press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that, “only one in five adults meet overall physical activity guidelines.” Physical activity is linked to long-term health. Wherever you decide to exercise, the bottom line is just to do it. If at any time during your efforts, you are halted with foot pain, don’t hesitate to contact Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX. Dr. Jeff Bowman can evaluate what is going on and provide the exact treatment you need to get back on track. Call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Best Exercises For Burning Calories
• Gym or home workout? Just feel comfortable...
• Should You Join a Gym?....Pros and Cons

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

Related articles

• Mycical for Osteomyelitis Treatment
• My Legs are Not Swollen, They are “Swol”
• The Joys of Aging Include, but are not Limited to Diabetes:

Bunion Treatment – What You Can Do Instead of Surgery

If you have a bony bump on the side of your big toe, it is most likely a bunion. Have no fear, you join the ranks of countless others with this common foot problem. Ladies, many celebrities you may fashion your sense of style after are often caught on the red carpet with bunions protruding from the sides of their strappy sandals. Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham are just a couple who have had their bumpy feet photographed.

Watching your feet morph into an abnormal shape can be a little scary, not to mention painful, as a bunion problem worsens. While surgery may be the only option for some to truly get relief, there are many ways to avoid going down that path. You may be at risk for developing bunions if you have inherited a foot structure prone to this problem. If that is the case, or if you just want to keep your feet looking beautiful, some time and precautionary measures will go a long way.

The best place to start is to take an inventory of the kind of shoes you wear on a regular basis. While footwear isn’t a true “cause” of bunions, it can certainly contribute to the condition developing earlier and cause it to worsen more quickly. Avoid high heels and shoes with tight, pointy toe boxes in particular. Bunion pads can prevent irritation to the side of your foot, and applying ice will help reduce any swelling or pain. It can also help to massage the ball of your foot and gently manipulate your big toe joint in all directions.

At Houston Foot Specialists, Dr. Jeff Bowman is highly experienced in helping patients with bunion problems. Custom orthotic inserts are a proven way to support feet and prevent this problem from worsening. Call us at (713) 467-8886 and make an appointment today to find out how we can help you avoid surgery.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Can Children Have Bunions?
• Health Talk: Bunion - the king of foot deformities
• Findlay Foot Surgery Helps Alleviate Painful Bunion Problems

Running with Heel Spurs

The Run or Dye 5K, taking place on September 14th in Houston, TX is calling all runners to come out and have some colorful fun! Get blasted with safe colored dye and pass the finish line in Technicolor fashion. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just looking for a reason to get out and have fun, this race is for you.

The joy of a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this can be seriously dampened with a foot condition such as heel spurs. If you run regularly and have been experiencing sharp pains in your feet when you get up in the morning, dull pain during the day and discomfort while walking or running, a heel spur could be the cause.

A heel spur is actually a calcium deposit that forms on the heel usually stemming from a primary condition such as plantar fasciitis, an injury where tendons in the foot become inflamed. Running puts tons of stress on your feet and while a condition such as spurs can be painful, it can be managed to keep you on the road.

If you are gearing up for a race such as The Run or Dye Houston, take some rest from training beforehand. Icing for ten to fifteen minutes a few times a day will help to ease swelling. Before you get back on your feet, assess your footwear. If they do not have the support, shock absorption and cushioning your feet need, especially in the heel area, shell out the dollars for a new pair. The brands New Balance and Brooks offer some great running shoe options for people with spurs.

One of the best things you can do as a runner is to have a podiatrist such as Dr. Jeff Bowman be a part of your team. He can diagnose any pain, provide the right treatment and offer valuable advice to keep you healthy and able to run! Call Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX today at (713) 467-8886 with any questions or if you need treatment.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Heel Spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel pain
• Some Suprising facts about Heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis
• Learn How To Get Heel Spur Pain Relief With A Findlay Foot Surgery Procedure

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 

Related articles

• Don't Ignore Your Heel Pain That May Give You Trouble In Future
• How To Get Heel Spur Pain Relief With A Findlay Foot Surgery Procedure
• Of Plantar Fasciitis and Heartburns

Lesions – Should You Be Concerned About That Spot on Your Skin?

2008 Worldwide Incidence for Melanoma of the Skin - Statistics from GLOBOCAN (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anytime you have an abnormal growth or an area on your skin that is different in appearance, it is generally considered to be a lesion. Some lesions are present at birth such as moles and birthmarks while others develop over time. These would include acne, warts, allergies abrasions and sunburns.

When do I need to be concerned?

Most of the time spots on the skin are harmless but they can turn into something that needs serious attention. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a result of overexposure to ultraviolet light. Lesions on your skin are the warning signs that this dangerous cancer may be developing or has developed and needs immediate treatment. A common site for malignant melanoma is on legs and feet. It causes 75% of deaths related to skin cancer mostly due to the fact that it is often not discovered until it has progressed to a dangerous state.

You can avoid this situation by monitoring any spots or lesions on your skin, especially on your feet and legs. A good place to start is the ABCD’s of melanoma: A-Asymmetry, B-Borders that are irregular, C-Color that is inconsistent, and D-Diameter bigger than 5 or 6 mm. If you notice any of these specific changes with even the smallest spot, it is time take action and get it checked out. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and quick treatment will help avoid a potential life-threatening situation.

If after reading these warning signs you know of a lesion on your leg or foot that you should have looked at, please call Dr. Jeff Bowman. You can trust his expertise and effective treatment to catch any serious problem quickly and keep you in good health! Call our office in Houston, TX to make an appointment (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• How to perform a self-exam for skin cancer
• How to prevent melanoma
• Single injection may revolutionize melanoma treatment

Achy Joints? Roll out Your Mat and Try Yoga!

Arthritis is often misunderstood as an “old people” problem but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! According to the Arthritis Foundation, this disease “strikes one of every five adults and 300,000 children and is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Arthritis causes inflammation in your joints often leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Recent studies have found that yoga is an activity that could help ease your discomfort if you have this disease. Never tried it or think you need to be young and flexible? Take a moment to read some information to put your mind at ease and give you the confidence to give it a try.

We can all breathe and could probably use some relaxation right? Studies have found that the breathing and relaxation practiced during yoga helps to reduce joint tenderness and inflammation. The movements in yoga can also exercise and stretch muscles, ligaments and bones, strengthen the spine and relieve tired feet and legs. There are many types of yoga to choose from so it is advised to start with a gentle form that is suitable for your needs. If you have a mobility problem, there are ways to incorporate this activity from a chair as well. A physician who knows your needs and a certified yoga instructor will be able to suggest the most beneficial movements and monitor your health along the way.

For anyone struggling with the pain of arthritis, improving joint health and physical function can significantly affect their quality of life. If you have foot or leg pain as a result of this common disease, please contact foot specialist Dr. Jeff Bowman for treatment. Make an appointment at our office in Houston, TX by calling (713) 467-8886. Let us step in and help bring relief to your achy joints today!

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Broccoli's Benefits in Preventing Arthritis
• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Reminds Us That Children Are Hurting From A Sedentary Lifestyle
• How To Relieve Your Symptoms Of Arthritis