Foot pain may be relieved by selecting and wearing appropriate footwear or even receiving massage therapy that targets the feet. However, there are topical pain medications available in forms such as balms, lotions, gels, creams, ointments, and patches which can alleviate foot pain.

There are distinct types of topical medications, and they fall into one of the following categories:

• Salicylates contain a chemical similar to aspirin and are designed to be absorbed into the skin to relieve pain. These creams are most commonly used for muscle soreness and aches. Common branded products include Ben Gay, Aspercreme, Sportscreme.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen fight pain associated with swelling. They are produced in a gel or cream, like salicylates, designed to be absorbed into the skin. NSAIDs increase the body’s anti-inflammatory response, reducing pain and heat for the injured area. They are available over-the-counter and in prescription form.

• Analgesics are useful in reducing pain in those suffering from mild arthritis. If your pain is focused in your ankle, for example, you might consider the brand name products Capzasin-P, Menthacin, and Zostrix. The cream or ointment works by stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body.

• Counterirritants create warm or cool sensation over a painful joint or sore muscle. Brand name products include Icy Hot, JointFlex, and Flexall.

• Anesthetics are used to relieve “local pain” to a specific area by disabling the nerve endings in the skin. Brand name anesthetic medications include Lanacane and Xylocaine.

Other topical medications include anti-fungal and corticosteroids. Anti-fungal topical medications come in various forms such as cream, powder, or spray, and are used for treatment of athlete’s foot. Some common brand medicines are Lotrimin, Lamisil, and Desenex. See a podiatric physician if anti-fungal creams you’ve tried do not seem to work or if you have any other symptoms related to the infection, such as fever, rash, or sore throat.

Corticosteroids are the most common topical treatment for psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation and slowing the growth and build-up of skin cells. Applying topical creams on the infected areas will help soothe the itch and soften the hardened skin. If you have psoriasis on your feet, it is best to treat it as soon as possible to minimize the risk of spreading infection to your leg and even your toe nails. Consult with a podiatric physician immediately if you suspect you have psoriasis.

Corticosteroids can also be used for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These topical medications can be very helpful in temporarily relieving pain, burning, numbness, and tingling sensations in the feet. Some branded products are Nerve Relief Cream and BioFreeze.

The most recent technologies are now changing the way we look at topical medications. Traditional pain medications in pill form or via IV are now incorporated into topicals. Discuss with Dr. Bowman to see if one will suit your problem.

Topical pain medications are helpful to relieve the pain associated with foot problems but should never be used to “mask” pain. Consult Dr. Bowman for suggestions and proper usage of topical medications. We can be reached at 713-467-8886 or www.houstonfootspecialists.com

The warm, sunny weather of summer invites us to shed our shoes and socks and run barefoot. However, this can be risky because we might get a splinter running or walking barefoot, whether we are inside or outside.

When you have a splinter in your foot, you may feel pain or discomfort and the sensation that something is embedded in your skin. Although wood splinters are most common, tiny bits of plastic, shards of metal or even broken glass can penetrate an unprotected foot.

While you can usually remove small splinters at home, a podiatric physician should remove any large or deep splinters in your foot. Anyone with diabetes should be especially vigilant, because a small splinter can grow quickly into a serious infection.

Follow these steps to safely remove a splinter from your foot:

1. Start by soaking your foot in warm water to soften the skin.

2. Wash your hands, and gently clean the area of your foot in which the splinter is lodged.

3. Once the skin is soft, try to squeeze out the splinter by putting your fingers on either side of the splinter and pinching gently.

4. If the splinter won’t come out by squeezing, disinfect a pair of tweezers and a needle with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or boiling water, then let them dry. If the splinter is still sticking out of the skin, use the tweezers to grasp the end and pull gently but firmly (You want to avoid breaking the splinter, leaving the tail end in the body). To do this, pull the splinter out at the same angle that it entered the body. Most splinters will come out easily.

5. If you can’t grasp the splinter with the tweezers, use the needle to slightly open the skin where the splinter is lodged. Grasp the end of the splinter with the tweezers and pull firmly. Don’t dig for the splinter.

6. Remember to gently wash your foot once you’re done.

Contact a Dr. Bowman if (1) you’re having trouble reaching the splinter, (2) you are making the wound worse, (3) the area becomes red, swollen, or hot to the touch, either after you remove the splinter, or (4) you cannot see any foreign body under the skin. Dr. Bowman will determine how to treat you based upon whatever is embedded in your foot. Deeply embedded foreign bodies may require a surgical procedure. Sometimes a local anesthetic is needed to completely remove a foreign body.

One good way to avoid splinters is to wear shoes both in the house and outside. There are many great options for summer besides bare feet, so keep feet healthy and happy by making good choices and avoiding splinters.

Any Questions or should you need treatment contact Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886 or www.houstonfootspecialists.com

No, I didn’t really run with them.  If anything, I ran after them.  On Saturday January 14, 2012, I had the honor of serving on the medical team for the US Marathon Olympic Trials held in Houston.  The best runners in the United States gathered to vie for being the top three men and women to represent the USA Olympic Marathon Team this summer in London, England.  I treated many of these runners and talked with their coaches and found out how they take care of themselves after a race.  The answer came down to a pneumonic, PRICEMS.  This simple phrase can save you from a lot of pain and get you back running quicker.

Protection from further injury:  Walking as normal as possible will help keep from causing irritation in other areas of your body.  If you are limping, you need to rest your injury and see your local podiatrist.

Rest:  Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you are doing something you shouldn’t be doing, like further running the next day.

Ice:  It helps to decrease pain and swelling.  Place ice in a waterproof bag or use reusable ice packs and apply it directly over the injury site.  Apply the ice for 20-30 minutes three times a day.  Do not apply the ice directly to the skin; use a wash cloth or a small towel to protect the skin from damage.  Do not use ice when you sleep, as this may cause further damage not only to the skin but to the nerves in the foot.  Application of ice may sting or burn for 2-3 minutes which is to be expected then it will help to numb the area.

Compression to squeeze swelling from the foot or ankle injury:  Use an elastic bandage and apply gentle pressure to the area starting just behind the toes to a few inches above the ankle, or see your podiatrist as soon as possible to apply it in the correct manner.  You need enough pressure to help reduce the swelling; however, make sure it’s not so tight to slow the circulation.  

Elevation to help slow or minimize of the swelling to the site:  Remember, the foot and ankle are the lowest parts of your body, and to reverse swelling will require elevation.  We recommend elevation of the foot above the level of the heart by placing the foot on a couple of pillows while lying flat.

Motion or stretching an injured muscle:  Gentle stretching of a tight muscle will aid in recovery.  Never stretch to the point of pain. Hold your stretches for 25-30 seconds.  Proper form is a must, and your foot and ankle specialist can assist in showing you the exact form.

Strengthening an injured muscle, tendon or ligament:  Specific injuries are associated with strength problems. The injury will return if the underlying weakness is not corrected.

Depending on the injury and the severity, your foot specialist may recommend therapy, strapping, or anti-inflammatory medications.  X-rays and an MRI or other tests may be needed to help diagnose the exact problem.  Pain to the foot or ankle that lasts for more than 2-3 days following a marathon needs to be evaluated by your podiatrist.

Dr. Jeffrey Bowman, being a former runner, has a few marathons under his belt and can speak to your specific problems with experience.  Contact us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or by calling 713-467-8886.

When I was young, I dreamed of being an NFL star just like a lot of my friends.   Now, I am glad I never made it that far in football.  Why?  Easy to answer - look at all those injuries. After just watching my home team the Houston Texans, those injuries seem to be even more prevalent this year.  A recently developed treatment has been used on these injured football players and other athletes with very good results.  Texans Mario Williams has used this treatment for foot pain with great results.

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is used more and more often not just for professional athletes, but for everyday people like you and me.  PRP is performed in the office.  The doctor draws blood from the patient’s arm and spins the blood down to separate the platelets.  Next, the patient’s own platelets are injected into the painful or injured area under a local anesthetic.  The growth factors in the platelets have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects and help in the healing process of both acute and chronic injuries by signaling the body to initiate a healing response. Most patients feel relief within a few days to a few months.  

This procedure is being used to treat chronic and acute plantar fasciitis, arthritis, ankle injuries, tendonitis, cartilage damage, and many more conditions.  Research is currently showing PRP mixed with stem cells may work even better.

Is this procedure for everyone?  No.  It doesn’t help every condition and doesn’t take the place of surgery when needed.  Also, even though research shows it is effective, most insurance companies will not cover the procedure. The cost per treatment is approximately $1,000.  For those wanting to avoid surgery and for those whose foot pain can be treated without surgery (such as with tendonitis), this may be a viable option.  

Discuss the PRP procedure with your foot and ankle pain specialist and see if it is an option for you.

Dr. Jeffrey Bowman of Houston Foot Specialists is trained in the PRP procedure and has used it with good results.  To get more information, contact us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call 713-467-8886. One of our friendly staff members will schedule a consultation for you to learn more.