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

I have had many patients ask this exact question.  While I think the phrase “toe jam” is rather funny, it could be a serious matter.  The stuff between your toes usually consists of sock fibers, dead skin cells, fungi, dirt, and bacteria.  No, it’s not pretty to look at, but does it require a trip to your foot doctor?

First, wash your feet and in-between your toes with a mild soap and dry your feet well, especially in between the toes.  Next, wear your normal socks for 2-4 hours, then remove the socks and look between your toes.  If no sock fibers or dirt is there but you notice some other substance, it does warrant a visit to your podiatrist.  It could be eczema, psoriasis, fungi, excess sweat, or even a corn or bone spur.

The chance that toe jam is a corn needs to be ruled out.  If you have a thick lump between your toes or a hard knot, it may be a corn, which is made up of dead skin due to extra bone developing under the skin, usually caused by friction or improper shoes.  This can be dangerous and painful.  If you are a diabetic, you need to get it checked promptly before it opens up and causes an infection or ulceration.

The bacteria between your toes may be harmless, but in more serious cases it can cause infections and require prompt attention. If you have severe itching, rash, redness, swelling, odor cracks, drainage, or dead looking skin, it will need medical attention by your foot doctor.  The possibilities of something more serious are always there. Why take a chance?

Though toe jam itself is harmless, excellent hygiene should prevent something more serious.  If you suspect anything else as a possibility, don’t wait. Call Dr. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists at 713-467-8886 or visit us online to make an appointment at www.houstonfootspecialists.com
   

As we now enter the cold winter weather, many of us will be skiing, sledding and shoveling snow. Many people will get cold feet as well as wet feet. Having “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” sounds great when Nat King Cole sings it, but it’s no fun when affected by serious cold weather hazards – frostnip and frostbite.

Extreme exposure of your feet to cold over a prolonged period can lead to a serious condition called frostbite. Frostbite starts by producing pain and a burning sensation in the exposed areas. This is a followed by numbness in toes or feet and changes in skin color, from pale or red to bluish-gray or black.

Children, elderly, and diabetics are more prone to frostbite because of the size of their extremities or poor circulation. People who live or work outdoors also have higher likelihood of contracting frostbite because of their increased exposure to the cold.

There are various degrees of frostbite with frost nip (first degree), being the most common to most people who live in very cold climates or do a lot of outdoor activity in the winter. Skin may feel stiff to the touch, but the tissue underneath is still warm and soft

Superficial frostbite (second degree) and deep frostbite (third degree) are serious medical conditions that need to be treated by trained medical professional. Skin will feel hard and frozen to the touch and blistering will happen. In some severe cases, amputation may occur to prevent severe infection.

Mild frostbite can be treated by initially getting out of the cold and moving to a warm environment. Keep the feet dry and warm; warm the skin gradually by using warm compresses or immersing the feet in warm water (101ᵒ to 104ᵒ F) until sensation returns - do not use direct heat such as heating pads or fire; and do disturb any blisters.

Frostbite is very serious and if you suspect that you have it, seek professional help from a podiatric physician for any foot and ankle-related concerns. Their prompt diagnosis and proper treatment is essential – they can literally save your toes.

This blog comes from Happy Feet Insoles blog site.  Dr. Jeffrey N. Bowman, D.P.M., M.S. was featured as a guest blogger on the Happy Feet Insoles blog.  To see the original blog on Happy Feet Insoles' blog site, click on this link: http://happyfeetinsoles.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/foot-rash-or-something-else-contact-dermatitis-what-is-it/

I frequently get asked by my patients, “Why did I develop this rash on my foot?”  More often than not, they have Contact Dermatitis.  Contact Dermatitis is inflammation caused by direct skin contact with an irritating substance or allergen (allergic reaction).  This is different from an allergic reaction to medications.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis, the most common type, results from direct skin contact with acids, soaps, detergents, leather dye, or other chemicals and does not require a prior sensitization.  The reaction often resembles a rash or burn. Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that appears 24-48 hours after the exposure.

The reaction varies from a mild irritation and redness to open sores or very small blisters and may vary in the same person over time.  A history of any type of allergy increases the risk for this condition.

The diagnosis is usually based on the skin appearance and a history of exposure to a new product, such as soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, or other irritant.  Treatments include removal and avoidance of the offending agent, topical corticosteroids or in severe cases oral steroids.  If you see this or something unusual, you will want to contact your physician right away for treatment.  Contact Dermatitis is quite common but if left untreated can lead to infections or other problems.  Quick treatment is a key to getting rid of the problem.

To learn more about foot health, you can visit Houston Foot Specialists. You can also connect with Dr. Bowman on Facebook and Twitter.