Medications:  Take all prescriptions as directed.  Do not use any other medications including aspirin, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen unless you have consulted your podiatrist first.  Most patients will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help prevent infection.  Pain medications may cause constipation and you may want to discuss taking a stool softener with your doctor.  Do not drive or use dangerous equipment while taking pain medication.  Finish all antibiotics given as directed.

Walking:  Depending on what procedure you have, your podiatrist will tell you to stay off your foot for at least 48-72 hours following surgery.  You should limit your walking to just the bathroom during this time.  Some procedures require you to be non-weight bearing on crutches.  This is extremely important and means no weight on the foot at all, sometimes not even resting the foot on the floor while not walking.

Elevation:  The more you keep your foot elevated the less pain and swelling you will have.  If not elevated, you may feel throbbing pain and the bandages may feel tight.  Elevation above the heart is key. While lying down place 2 pillows under the foot; this is usually enough to get the foot above the heart.  It is important to keep your foot or ankle elevated whenever you are not on it. If you can keep it elevated for more than 48-72 hours you should do so.

Post-Op Shoe/Boot:  Always wear the post-op shoe or boot that is dispensed to you whenever you are walking.  Walking without the shoe/boot will cause damage to the surgical site and will cause an increase in pain, and the procedure may not heal correctly.

Keep Bandages Clean and Dry:  The bandages are in place for a purpose and will help to hold the surgical correction in place so it can heal.  If you get the bandages wet, your infection chances increase.  To help keep the bandages dry, get a waterproof cast protector usually available from your podiatrist’s office.  If your podiatrist’s office does not carry them, any medical supply house will have them.  Trash bags with tape do not work, so please do not use them.  The cast protector will fit over your shoe or boot and should be used every time you bathe.  Never remove the bandage without contacting your doctor’s office.

Ice:  Ice should be used for 48-72 hours following your procedure.  If using re-usable ice packs have two so one can be freezing while the other is being used.  Ice should be place on the foot or ankle for 20-30 minutes per hour during waking hours only.  You do not have to use it during the middle of the night.  Some podiatry offices use cold machines which work on their own, and you will be shown how to use it prior to or directly after surgery.  Ice will help reduce pain and swelling.

Blood:  It is normal to notice some blood on the bandage, so do not become alarmed if you see a small amount.  Free-flowing blood is not normal, and you should contact your surgeon’s office immediately.

Feeling Dizzy:  It is normal to feel dizzy or lightheaded the first few days following surgery.  If possible, use assistance when walking.  If you have been lying down, sit up slowly and remain sitting with your feet over the edge of the bed for at least one minute before standing.

Numbness:  The local anesthetic used during the surgery may last up to 48 hours.  This means you may not feel anything or be able to move your toes for this time period.  The numbness may make it hard to feel the effects of not following the directions.  If you have not elevated your foot above your heart, not walked only to the bathroom, not used cold to minimize swelling, or not taken your medication as prescribed, you may have more discomfort than anticipated once the anesthetic has worn off.

Swelling:  You will get a certain amount of swelling following any foot or ankle surgery.  Elevation above the heart will help reduce this.  If the bandage or cast feels too tight, touch the end of your toes to see if they blanch white then pink within a few seconds.  If so, then this is normal.  If it takes longer for the normal color to return or a blue color is noted, call your doctor’s office immediately.

Prevent Blood Clots:  Unless you are in a cast, it is good to move your foot at your ankle for a few minutes each hour.  If you feel severe pain to the back of the leg, knee, or upper leg with redness and heat call your surgeon’s office right away.

Fever:  It is normal to run a low-grade fever for up to 72 hours following surgery.  If the fever persists or exceeds 100 degrees, call your doctor’s office.

Keep all appointments:  It is essential to keep all follow up appointments with your podiatrist to ensure you are healing properly.  Redressing may be performed to your foot or ankle.

These are general tips to follow.  Your foot and ankle surgeon will likely give you his or her own written instructions.  If you have any questions at any time, you should contact your doctor.  As Dr. Bowman always tells his patients, “no question is too stupid to ask.”

Dr. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists can be reached at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or by calling 713-467-8886

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.

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.

Defining Diabetes

Type 1:  An autoimmune condition in which the body cannot make insulin, the hormone needed to move sugar from the blood into cells for energy and storage.  This is most common in kids to teens.

Type 2:  The most common form of diabetes, usually found in adults.  The body does not produce enough insulin to respond to sugar properly.  Strongly linked to obesity.

The Signs:

-    Thirsty? When your body gets rid of the fluid from the glucose build-up, you become thirstier and feel the need to drink more often.

-    Constantly running to the bathroom?  When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, glucose builds up in your body and comes out in your urine.  If you are urinating often you may be diabetic

-    Overweight?  Even if you are only 15 to 20 pounds overweight, you are increasing your risk of developing diabetes.  If your child is overweight, make sure he or she is checked by your pediatrician.  Often just losing 5% of your body weight can reduce your risk and possibly help to get rid of the need for medication.

-    Losing weight without trying?  Most often this occurs with Type 1 diabetes, but sometimes can happen in Type 2 diabetics.  When your body can’t make insulin, the glucose from food can’t be used by the body’s cells for storage or energy.  Fat starts to break down and the result is weight loss.

-    Blurry vision? Increase is blood sugar levels cause glucose to build up in the eyes, making it more difficult to focus.

-    45 years of age or older?  Diabetes risk goes up with age.  The American Diabetes Association recommends you get checked for diabetes every 3 years starting at age 45, even if you don’t have any symptoms.

-    Not exercising?  Not exercising will increase the storage of blood sugar.  Even walking 3 times a week at a brisk pace can reduce the risk.

-    Ring around your neck?  When the body produces too much insulin, skin receptors often respond by producing extra pigment.

Not exercising, our love affair with food, and increased portions are reasons the diabetic population has increased so much.  There are 25-30 million diabetics in the United States alone, and this number is estimated to double in the next 30 years.

Do yourself and your family a favor and get checked for diabetes.  For further information please contact Dr. Bowman at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call 713-467-8886.

First, and most important is to ask your podiatrist before the procedure any questions you may have.  If your podiatrist has written orders for lab work, X-rays, or MRI, have them done in advance so your foot and ankle surgeon is prepared -  and, yes, surgeons have to prepare just like the patient.

Tips for Before Surgery:

Have a cooler set up by the bed or couch with ice packs and food and drinks so you don’t have to get up and down.

Have a waterproof cast cover to keep your foot dry when you bathe.  Trash bags with tape do not work, and if your bandage gets wet your chance of infection increases.

If you are on blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen, stop taking it at least 5 days prior to surgery unless your doctor specifically authorizes its use.

If your surgery requires crutches, get them in advance to practice using them.  Your podiatrist or staff can show you how to get used to them.

If given a post-op shoe or a walking boot, make sure you bring it with you to surgery.

Have all prescriptions filled before the surgery.

Remember, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the day before the surgery.

Tips the Day of Surgery:

It is normal to be nervous the day of surgery.  The surgery center or hospital will give you something to help with this.

Wear loose fitting clothing.

If advised, take any medications you normally take with just a sip of water.

Do not wear any jewelry, makeup, nail polish, body piercings, contacts leases, or dental appliances.

If you have any metal in your body, make sure you tell the pre-op nurse.

Leave all valuables at home.

Bring photo ID (such as your driver’s license) and health insurance card with you.

Bring your post-op shoe or walking boot if given one.  Some doctors have them at the surgery center or hospital for you.

Have a friend or family member with you to drive you home.

Most foot and ankle surgeons will have written post-operative instructions with do’s and don’ts.  Make sure to read these before your surgery and have them handy after.  If you follow the instructions carefully, you will have much less post-operative pain, swelling, and chance of complications.  Every patient is different, so your instructions may be tailor-made for you.

Your recovery will go more smoothly if you are prepared before surgery. If you have any questions, it is important to ask before surgery.   Dr. Bowman is available to answer any questions you may have.

The ankle joint is a complex joint made up of Tibia, Fibula, and Talus bones and numerous ligaments.  Chronic ankle sprains or instability occur when one or more of the ligaments are either ruptured or stretched to the point that the ankle continually subluxes or “turns under”.
When you meet with your foot and ankle specialists, he or she will perform a simple non-painful test called an anterior drawer sign.  If the test is positive, you have damaged the ligament to the point where it no longer can do its job.  An X-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.  

The next question we get usually get is, “When can I return to my activities?”  This depends on the severity of the injury to the ligament.  Treatment is RICE : Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  Your podiatrist may strap the joint with tape in a certain position or place you in a brace or walking boot for a period of time.

If the ligament is completely ruptured, it will often need surgical repair..  The good news is if surgery is needed, the ankle will be difficult to injure again. After they heal, most patients will often say, “My ankle feels so much stronger compared to the uninjured ankle.”  

The most important information is how to prevent an ankle injury.  If an injury is due to trauma, like a fall at work or car accident, then there isn’t much you can do to prevent it.  If you are participating in sports or strenuous exercise, then your podiatrist can show you simple strapping techniques or fit you with a brace to wear in your athletic shoe that will help prevent an injury.

If you do injure your ankle, you should always have it checked by a podiatrist the same day it happens if at all possible.  Many times fractures can occur and need immediate treatment.   Most podiatrists have digital X-rays in their office and can get the results in 30 seconds.  Treat any injury to the ankle as a serious issue to help prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.

If you suspect you have chronic instability of the ankle, contact Dr. Bowman’s office at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or call 713-467-8886.

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis that occurs in the foot.  It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body from excessive digestion of rich foods and alcohol.  Gout usually starts with a sudden onset of intense pain in one or more of the joints; most common is the big toe. The joint is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, heat and stiffness in the joints.  For most people the first attack wakes a person from sleep and typically there is no recollection of injury to the joint prior to the onset of pain.

While symptoms usually occur in the big toe joint, any joint may be involved.  Other common sites are the instep of the foot, the ankle and the knee.  When the foot is involved, wearing shoes id very difficult and painful, as are attempts to move the joint or stand on the foot.  Seeking treatment and early diagnosis form a podiatric physician is crucial as gout can cause damage and in serious conditions, disability in the affected area.

If the attack is in the toe, elevate the foot, avoid standing and walking, and wear only a loose slipper until seen by a podiatric physician.  In general, treatment for gout works by reducing the levels of uric acids in the body.  Dr. Bowman’s first line of treatment is administering NSAID’s or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and often a blood test to measure the amount of uric acid in the body.  Some corticosteroids (oral or injection) may be prescribed as well.  Certain medications to lower the levels of uric acid may be also be given.

If Gout attacks continue despite the treatment, excessive deposits of gouty crystals or Tophi within the joint, or if arthritis causes continual discomfort, surgical treatment by Dr. Bowman may be necessary to remove the crystals and repair the joint.

Your Podiatrist may prescribe the following general foot care tips during treatment of gout.  These tips will help in relieving and avoiding pain during recovery.  These will also help in prevention of future attacks from taking place:

    -    Ensure your feet are comfortable by wearing appropriate foot wear.  Shoes with ample space for the toes to move and they should fit properly.

    -    Avoid activities that put stress on the joints such as standing for long periods of time.

    -    Do stretching of the feet regularly; this will assist in strengthening of the affected joints and promote increased blood circulation.

    -    Eating a healthy gout diet; this mainly involves a reduction of foods and alcohol that have a high concentration of purines (i.e. liver, red meats, dried beans and peas, etc.) while trying to substitute them with alternative foods.   Dr. Bowman can give you a list of foods to avoid.

    -    Try to maintain a healthy body weight, as being overweight may result in stress and pressure being exerted on joints located in the feet.  The stress and pressure may also cause pain and slow down the gout treatment you are undergoing.

Gout is one of the most painful medical conditions known.  For further information or to get your questions answered feel free to contact Dr. Jeffrey N. Bowman at www.houstonfootspecialists.com or by calling Houston Foot Specialists at 713-467-8886.

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.

Some of the common winter and snow sports injuries related to the foot and ankle include:

    •    Frostbite – The symptoms of frostbite include skin-color changes, from blue to whitish, feeling of burning or numbness.

    •    Blisters – Friction in winter sports footwear often cause blisters.

    •    Neuromas – Enlarged benign growths of nerves between the toes are caused by friction in tight footwear and can result in pain, burning, tingling, or numbness. Neuromas require professional treatment, including an evaluation of skates and boots, from a podiatric physician.

    •    Sprains and strains – The stress of skiing and skating can result in sprains and strains of the foot and ankle. They can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If pain persists, seek medical attention from a podiatric physician.

    •    Subungal Hematoma – Pressure in the toe box of a ski or skate can cause bleeding under the toenail known as a subungal hematoma.  Such a condition should be treated by a podiatric physician to prevent the loss of a toenail.

Podiatric physicians recommend properly fitted shoes or boots to prevent winter and snow injuries. With planning, adequate preparation and proper equipment, most injuries common to winter and snow sports can be prevented.

    •    Maintain an adequate fitness level all year round. This is the best way to avoid many sports-related injuries in winter.

    •    Never participate in winter sports alone. Use a buddy system.

    •    Warm up thoroughly before activity. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Make sure to cool down thoroughly afterwards as well.

    •    Wear several layers of light, loose and water-and-wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection.

    •    Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.

    •    Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves, and padding.

    •    Wear a blend sock that ‘wicks’ sweat away from the skin. Consult your podiatric physician for recommendations.

    •    Drink plenty of water before, during and after sport.

    •    If your feet get wet, move to a warm/dry environment. The skin tissues of wet, cold feet are in danger of freezing (frostbite).

If you have any questions on proper winter sports footwear or anything else foot or ankle related, please contact us so that we can answer them for you.

The first step in evaluating whether the Mini Bunionectomy is right for you is to understand what causes the bunion or “Hallux Abducto Valgus” deformity. The space between the first and second metatarsal bones (the long bones in your foot) is called the Inter-metatarsal angle or “IM angle”.  As the angle increases, so does the growth at the base of the big toe (Hallux) from shoe pressure.  The big toe usually drifts toward the second toe, sometimes overlapping or underlapping the second toe.  Some of the factors causing this include weak ligaments, trauma, improper fitting shoes, tight high heels, flat feet, and hereditary factors.  When bunion pain first starts, it should be treated conservatively.  If this fails, then surgery is usually indicated.

There are numerous bunion procedures, and your podiatrist will take X-rays and perform a biomechanical exam to determine which procedure is the one that is correct for you.  The bone enlargement is removed in all procedures and the big toe is placed in a straighter position.  

Most bunion procedures are named after the surgeon who developed them.  One procedure that isn’t named after a doctor is the minimally invasive procedure called the “Mini-Tight Rope” procedure.  It is extremely important that a patient realize this procedure is not meant for everyone.  As with any surgical procedure, complications could develop.  Your podiatrist will determine whether you are a candidate for surgery and whether the “Mini-Tight Rope” procedure is right for you.  What does the “Mini-Tight Rope” procedure involve?  Two small incisions are made: one to remove the enlarged bone at the base of the big toe, and the second incision is placed over the second metatarsal.  Next, a very strong type of suture is placed into the first metatarsal then passed through the second metatarsal to pull the first metatarsal over toward the second, in essence narrowing the foot.  This is secured in place by two small “buttons” on either side of both bones.  A shift is needed in all procedures to help minimize any return of the foot deformity and again, your podiatrist will determine if this procedure or another is better to correct your bunion.

If you suffer from pain at the base of the big toe or Bunion Deformity, please see your podiatrist.  At Houston Foot Specialists, we perform and are experienced in all types of bunion procedures.  Contact us at www.houstonfootspecialists.com for details and ask a question on our “Contact Us” page.  Or, you may call Dr. Bowman at 713-467-8886, and one of our caring and friendly staff members will be glad to help.  Our goal is to stop your foot pain and get you back into all the shoes you want to wear with comfort!

Over time, the deformity gets worse. Patients start getting symptoms that range from tired feet to severe pain in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, and even lower back.  Many will notice their shoes are wearing out quicker or the heels of their shoes are slanted.  This is due to abnormal structural changes of the foot.

Flat Foot Deformity can start at an early age, and parents need to check not only their own feet but those of their children.  A simple way to check is to stand in front of a full length mirror and see if the inside of your ankle bone is slanted toward the floor.  Also, if you can’t put your index finger under your arch without lifting it, you may have flat feet.  Another simple test is to wet your feet and stand on paper and look at the shape of the imprint.  If the arch does not curve in, the foot is flat.  Also, have someone look at the back of your heels, and if the heels are slanted out while standing you likely have flat feet.

The pain may begin slowly, and other deformities may develop like bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain or abnormal gait.  Dr. Bowman will take X-rays to determine the extent of the deformity, analyze your gait, and perform a biomechanical examination.  Treatment can be as easy as wearing proper shoes, physical therapy, or a custom made device for your shoes called Orthotics to control the structure of your foot and place it in its anatomically correct position.

In severe cases or when conservative treatment fails, surgery may be recommended to realign the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones which are meant to give the patient a more stable and functional foot without pain.

If you have this problem, or any of the symptoms mentioned, see your foot specialist for an evaluation and examination.  We urge parents not to wait because catching it early and treating with conservative methods may prevent many deformities from occurring.  Visit Dr. Bowman’s Web site and view the educational videos to learn more at www.houstonfootspecialists.com

Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by fungus and, unfortunately, is contagious.  It is one of the most common fungal infections and can affect all areas of the feet.  However, it particularly occurs in the area between your toes and can be contracted in places where bare feet come in contact with fungus, such as dressing rooms, showers and swimming pool locker rooms.          

This fungal infection has uncomfortable symptoms. Many times, athlete’s foot causes itching, stinging and burning between the toes.  People have also been known to have cracking, peeling or excessive dryness on the bottoms or sides of their feet.  Blisters can also happen on the feet, which lead to cracking of the skin.  The infection can also spread to the soles of your feet and toenails.  Keep in mind that this infection is not just contained to your feet, but can spread to other parts of your body, like the groin and underarm areas.  That’s why it’s important to wash your hands if you’ve touched the infected area, wash sheets and towels, and avoid sharing shoes.
You can prevent athlete’s foot by washing your feet daily with soap and water, and drying your feet -  especially between the toes.  Avoid walking barefoot in public rest rooms and wear shower shoes.  Change your shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture and use a foot powder daily.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.  There are many over the counter medications and powders to help clear up and keep your feet from getting worse.  However, if you try over the counter medications and still don’t see improvement after five days, it would be in your best interest to contact our office.  Dr. Bowman would love to help you get rid of your Athlete’s Foot!

References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/athletes-foot/DS00317

     The way to treat a sprained ankle is RICE - Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.  Make sure you rest by keeping off your injured ankle as much as possible.  Also, ice the ankle a couple times a day, as it will reduce swelling.  Make sure you don’t put the ice directly on your skin, but rather it’s best to put the ice in a zip lock bag and then wrap it in a small hand towel.  That way, the ice won’t burn your skin.  Always keep your ankle wrapped in compression bandages, which will help stabilize your ankle so that the tendons and ligaments can heal.  If your doctor tells you that the sprain is more severe than a common sprain, your doctor might have you keep a splint or small cast on the ankle.  This will keep your ankle in one position, allowing the tendons and ligaments to heal. Additionally, your doctor might order an MRI.  Lastly, while you rest and ice, keep your ankle elevated above your heart.  This helps reduce swelling.  

     Ankle sprains might be common, but they are preventable.  If you are prone to ankle sprains, wear ankle braces when participating in sport activities.  Check out your shoes.  Make sure that your shoes keep your feet parallel to the ground, not rotating one way or the other.  If your feet tend to rotate in when you walk, get shoes that have a thicker sole under your arch.  If you tend to rotate out, get shoes that have a thicker sole on the outside of the foot.  This, plus the addition of custom orthotics insider your shoes,  will help stabilize the ankle and prevent ankle sprains.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Houston Foot Specialists.

    You might be wondering if the brace is bulky and that you’ll have to buy new shoes just to be able to wear the brace, but the brace is designed to be discreet, making it able to fit into all shoes.  Meaning you won’t have to go out and buy new shoes just to wear with your brace, but it will fit in the shoes you already own.  So are you interested in learning more?  First take a look at Colorado Custom Brace at this link - http://www.rmolink.com/rocky_mountain_custom.html, and also look around the Rocky Mountain Orthotic and Brace Company’s website to see what else they have to offer.  Next step would be to go and ask your podiatrist to help you get into one of these braces.  If you don’t have a podiatrist, we would love to talk to you and answer your questions. 

    Check out our website at http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/ or give us a call at 713-467-8886.  Don’t put off taking care of your feet anymore, but make sure your feet are happy feet and injury free!

New Balance is a great mid-priced shoe brand that makes quality shoes.  They are durable and supportive, all while being comfortable shoes.  New Balance even makes shoes to help protect people who pronate, meaning they walk with most of their weight on the outside of their feet, or supinate, which is people who walk with most of their weight on the inside of their feet.  It protects their ankles from spraining by forcing their weight into the middle of their foot. The employees in New Balance stores have been trained to fit your feet correctly to ensure the right fit for you.  They even have been educated by podiatrists to fit shoes with orthotics too. 

If you are interested in visiting a New Balance Shoe store, you should search for the one closest to you on either Google Places or go to the New Balance website, which is http://www.newbalance.com.  Also if you are in the Houston area, there is a store on Post Oak near the Galleria.  We strongly urge you to go check it out.  If you have any questions on buying shoes, need to get a professional fitting for shoes, or have any additional questions as to which shoe would be right for you or your children, give us a call at 713-467-8886 or visit our website at http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/.  Make sure you walk, run and play pain free!

“What types of foot and ankle injuries are there?  Well, the obvious injury for our celebrity basketball player is stress fractures and Alex Trebeck is dealing with the Achilles rupture.  Then there are the ones that most people have heard of before, like ankle sprains, bunions, and corns but there are those that cause foot pain that not everyone knows about, like hammertoes, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.  If you want to know more about these types of foot and ankle injuries, you should check out our website at http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com for more information on all different types of foot and ankle problems that can arise.

How do you prevent foot and ankle injuries?  While each injury or problem that arises can have specific prevention techniques, here are a couple basic instructions you can follow to prevent many foot and ankle injuries.  One would be to take a good look at your shoes.  Are you wearing the right shoes for the activity your involved in?  Are the shoes supportive and well built?  Can you fold them in half? (that’s not a good thing).   If shoes aren’t good, throw them out!  Your feet will thank you.  If your ankles are prone to sprain, make sure you wear ankle braces, especially when playing sports or engaged in highly active events.  If you want to know any other prevention instructions for certain foot or ankle problems, check out http://www.houstonfootspecialists.com/services.html and click on the “Educational Videos” and scroll down to read up on some foot and ankle problems.  We are happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have on this blog, please call 713-467-8886

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote podiatric awareness as a vital part of your healthy, active lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including the latest developments in podiatry, podiatric treatments and helpful foot care advice from Dr. Jeffery Bowman and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure the long-term health of your feet.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

-- The Advanced Diagnostic Foot & Ankle Specialists of Katy Team

A Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the nails and is often occur with an Ingrown Nail.  This condition is usually caused by an injury to the surrounding tissue of the nail from picking at the nail, improper trimming of the nail and trauma. 

The main symptom of a Paronychia is a painful, red area with swelling to the nail fold.  More often than not pus or drainage is present.  There may be pus filled blisters with a bacterial infection.  Acute Paronychia is typically caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus Aureus.

Treatment is often to perform a minor procedure in the office where the area is drained and a culture will be taken to determine the bacteria.  A small portion of the nail may need to be removed as well.  The patient will be given oral antibiotics and soaks with a topical antibiotic.

A chronic Paronychia is one that “comes and goes” or one that clears up on its own but then reoccurs. Chronic conditions can cause permanent damage to the shape of the nail and spread of infection to other areas, including tendons, bone, or blood stream.

If you see pus or drainage from a toenail, contact your local podiatrist right away before the condition spreads.

Dr. Bowman is a Foot and Ankle surgeon with Houston Foot Specialists and can be contacted at www.houstonfootspecialists.com  or by calling 713-467-8886.

If you have any questions on heel pain, contact Dr. Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists.