Foot Anatomy 101: The Basics Behind Your Feet!

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Most people take their feet for granted. You probably don’t think about them on a daily basis, but they literally carry you through life. In his To Your Life piece on the subject, Dr. Kevin Wong explains: “After all, [your feet] are the foundation of your body, which means keeping your feet healthy can keep you healthy.” He expands on this by describing the “complex set of steps that makes movement seem smooth and easy…it is truly a symphony of movement when we walk.” This great ability is made possible by the foot’s complex anatomical structure.

Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are intensely interested in the magic of feet. As a podiatric practice, we think everyone should know at least a little more about what makes feet so impressive and important. In the following blog, we go over Foot Anatomy 101 so you can better understand and care for what you’re walking with.

Foot Fundamentals

Your feet are much more complicated and carefully calibrated than you might initially realize. In his Everyday Health piece, Eric Metcalf describes: “The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) considers your feet a marvel of engineering. Together, your feet contain more than 50 bones, accounting for about one-fourth of all the bones in your body.” That’s right—25 percent of your bones for your whole body are contained just in your feet! Metcalfe continues: “And somehow they also make room for more than 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold them together and help them move.” We could truly go on for days about the hundreds of puzzle pieces that come together in perfect harmony to form your feet. In the following, we’ll have to settle for giving you some of the basics.

These Bones Are Made for Walkin’

28 bones come together to form your feet and allow you to move about. The Arthritis Foundation describes the basic categories of foot bones:

  • “Talus – the bone on top of the foot that forms a joint…
  • Calcaneus – the largest bone of the foot, which lies beneath the talus to form the heel bone.
  • Tarsals – five irregularly shaped bones of the midfoot that form the foot’s arch…
  • Metatarsals – five bones (labeled one through five, starting with the big toe) that make up the forefoot.
  • Phalanges (singular: phalanx) – the 14 bones that make up the toes. The big toe consists of two phalanges…the other toes have three.
  • Sesamoids – two small, pea shaped bones that lie beneath the head of the first metatarsal in the ball of the foot.”

These bones function like gears in the elaborate machinery of your feet, allowing you to jump, dance, skip, bike, and beyond. Of course, having so many bones in your feet also makes them particularly vulnerable to fracture. You might not even realize you’ve cracked one of these bones, which is why you should come and see Dr. LaMour if you develop any discomfort or notice anything abnormal with your foot structure. We can diagnose and treat all types of foot fractures.

Great Arches

Dr. Wong asks readers: “do you know how many arches each foot has? If you answered one, you answered like 95 percent of people do – incorrectly. Each foot actually has three arches: one on the inside of the foot, one on the outside, and one across the ball of the foot. These arches are all important and must be functioning properly to facilitate healthy movement and weight-bearing.” Just like a great architectural structure, the curvature of your foot is key. Wearing the wrong shoes, exercising improperly, genetic disorders, or a variety of other factors can cause your arches to be too low (causing flat feet) or too high, which is also unhealthy. If your arches aren’t shaped like they should be, Dr. LaMour can help you correct this.

The Rest

Bones and arches may garner most of the attention when it comes to foot anatomy, but there are many other parts at play in your feet. The Arthritis Foundation explains that, in addition to its impressive 28 bones, each foot contains “30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance, and mobility.” We can’t cover all of these (we wish!), but we can shine a spotlight on the superstar tendon of your feet – WebMD explains: “The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscle and is essential for running, jumping, and standing on the toes.” This tissue, which was the downfall of its mythical namesake, is imminently important, but also particularly prone to injury. Fortunately, Dr. LaMour can assist you if you suffer from tendonitis or another related injury to this important tissue band.

Do You Want to Learn More About Your Feet?

Our Austin podiatry practice is here to educate you and help you enhance your foot health! Contact us today to find out more and schedule your appointment with Dr. LaMour.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/foot-anatomy-101-the-basics-behind-your-feet/

Why is the Ball of My Foot Swollen

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The ball of your foot takes the brunt of your foot as you walk, run, dance, and more. This thicker portion of the foot lies between your toes and your heel, and it carries your weight as you move. The ball is already a bigger segment of your foot, but if you notice it getting larger, this could indicate a podiaic problem. Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, is available to answer all of your common foot questions so you can take better care of your feet. One query we often hear from our patients is: “why is the ball of my foot swollen?” There are many potential causes for inflammation in this area. In the following blog, we explain a few of the most common reasons for swelling and explain what you can do to address them.

Ball Basics

While we rely on the balls of our feet to carry us through life, many of us may not fully understand what podiatrists call the “metatarsal,” or the conditions that can affect it. Medical News Today explains: “Metatarsalgia, also known as stone bruise, is a type of pain and inflammation that occurs in the part of the foot known as the metatarsal (ball of foot). It often occurs in the metatarsal heads – where the three middle toes meet the ball of the foot. It is a common problem.” Your metatarsal is so vital to your foot function that swelling in the ball of your foot can significantly disrupt your daily life. In addition, the metatarsal is so versatile that there are many related conditions and activities that can affect it.

Medical News Today goes on: “A lot of physically active people suffer from [Metatarsalgia]…the severity of the pain can vary and may affect just one or two toes – sometimes the whole foot or even both feet might be affected.” Although “it is most common in middle aged females,” Medical News Today notes that “Metatarsalgia can affect males and females of all ages.” It makes sense for all of us to know more about the balls of our feet so we can prevent and treat Metatarsalgia.

The Arthritis Answer

Arthritis is a bone condition characterized by swelling and discomfort in the joints. It can affect every area of the body, including the ball of the foot, so inflammation could very well be due to arthritis. Medical News Today writes: “rheumatoid arthritis – swelled joints in the foot, or gout [arthritis caused by uric acid production] can cause Metatarsalgia.” If arthritis is the culprit, Dr. LaMour and our team offer comprehensive arthritic foot and ankle care to help you manage your condition and reduce swelling.

Nailing Your Feet with Hammertoes

Your feet are carefully calibrated systems designed to carry your weight. If one part is malformed, it can affect the rest quite easily. Therefore, a condition known as hammertoes can lead to Metatarsalgia. In this disorder, one of the middle toes is pulled downward, leading the foot as a whole to look like a hammer. Because they don’t distribute the body’s weight properly, hammertoes can stress the metatarsals and lead to swelling in the ball of the foot. In some cases, hammertoes are congenital, but they are often caused by constantly wearing unhealthy shoes that constrict the foot. If caught early enough, Dr. LaMour can help you treat hammertoes with flexible shoes, special exercises, and comforting devices such as cushions. In advanced cases, Dr. LaMour may recommend surgery.

Arch Issues

The curvature of your foot can also have a major impact on the ball of your foot. Foot Smart explains that one of the “common causes of metatarsal imbalances include[s] a high arch or flat feet, either of which places abnormal pressure across your metatarsals.” Genetic conditions, improper footwear, and a host of other factors can cause your arch to be too high or too low. To help re-balance your metatarsals, Dr. LaMour can fit you for custom orthotics, as well as prescribing other treatments as needed.

Metatarsal Management

Arthritis, hammertoes, and arch issues are some of the most likely reasons for metatarsalgia, but there are numerous potential causes for swelling in the ball of your foot. If you notice inflammation in this region, we suggest that you come in and see us for assistance. The sooner we can determine the underlying cause, the sooner we can treat it and restore your foot health.

Find Out Why the Ball of Your Foot is Swollen

Dr. LaMour and our team can help you diagnose your condition so you can find relief from inflammation. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/why-is-the-ball-of-my-foot-swollen/

My Toe is Purple!

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It sounds like a bizarre nightmare: you look down and see that one of your toes has turned purple. This may seem like a strange symptom, but, actually, there are a number of reasons your toes can become discolored. If the tips of your feet have taken on a purple hue, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are here to help. Our podiatry practice can assist you with a wide variety of foot-related ailments so you can enjoy excellent health. In the following blog, we explain the common reasons your toe may have turned purple and describe how we can help you return it to its natural color.

It Could be Purple Toe Syndrome

The name of this disorder speaks for itself. Reference defines it: “Purple Toe Syndrome is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of the blood vessels in the foot, which hinders the flow of blood to the tissues.” You may have noticed that other parts of your body take on a bluish purple color when they become too cold, or if you wear tight clothing, which can cut off blood circulation. The same can happen to a toe.

Reference goes on to explain: “the blockage is usually caused by the build-up of cholesterol or by a lump of plaque [a waxy substance consisting of things such as fatty acids, cholesterol, and calcium] becoming lodged in the blood vessels of the foot.”  This material can “strangle” parts of your foot, limiting blood flow, destroying cells, and causing the area to become purple “in a process known as cyanosis.” Purple Toe Syndrome is a somewhat serious disorder that “develops suddenly and rapidly and may affect many toes on a foot.” In order to treat this syndrome, you may need to have a stent inserted to facilitate circulation, or, in severe cases, Dr. LaMour may recommend surgery.

Crucial Circulation

One of the primary factors in the color of your skin is your blood flow. While Purple Toe Syndrome is more localized, Livestrong points out that “cold, purple feet signal an abnormality with the arterial circulation, the part of the circulatory system that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the body organs and tissues…Peripheral artery disease is the most common culprit for these symptoms.” If your feet are discolored due to PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease), they might also appear pale or white when your circulation is poor, and then become “purplish-red as blood rushes back into the foot.”

PAD can be a serious issue, especially since it can affect your whole body, but “PAD of the lower extremities is a treatable condition—and the sooner, the better.” Particularly if you suffer from diabetes or high cholesterol, come and see Dr. LaMour as soon as you notice a purple color in your feet (which may also be accompanied by a cold feeling). We will assess your feet, recommend appropriate treatment, and refer you to an appropriate specialist if needed.

Blood Blues

While Purple Toe Syndrome and PAD may be the most well known, virtually any disorder that can interfere with blood function can cause your toes to turn purple. Livestrong mentions “Buerger disease… an inflammatory condition that affects small-to-medium sized arteries…inflammation of the involved blood vessels triggers formation of clots that obstruct blood flow.” The website also notes: “Acrocyanosis is another uncommon condition characterized by abnormal regulation of blood vessels.”

Similarly, Heal Treat Cure names “poor blood circulation in your blood” and “anemia or low iron in your body” as potential reasons for purple nail beds. The connection between overall blood flow and purple toes is an excellent reminder that your feet are an important part of your holistic health care. If you notice purple toes, definitely come and see us so we can run diagnostic tests and determine the proper course of treatment.

The Flush of Fungus

A fungal infection could be the root of your purple toe, particularly if the tint is in the toenail. Nice Feet describes: “a fungal nail infection can cause discoloration of fingernails and toenails. Toenail fungus can cause the nail to appear dark.” Fungus can create a whole rainbow of toe colors, including purple, yellow, and green, to name a few. If you have a toenail fungus, Dr. LaMour can help you treat it with our advanced Pinpointe™ FootLaser™ and other excellent options.

Toe Trauma

If you’ve recently banged up your feet, your purple toe could be the result of your injury. Bruises often appear purple, and bleeding beneath the toenail can also cause a darker appearance. Dr. LaMour and our team offer a wide variety of options to assist patients with podiatric injuries.

Is Your Toe Purple?

Have you noticed a purple tint to your toe? Dr. LaMour and our team can help you figure out why your toe has changed its color and help you get the treatment you need to return your natural hue. Contact our Austin podiatry practice today to find out more and schedule your appointment!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-diseases/my-toe-is-purple/

Numb Toes: Why it Happens & What It Means

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Have your toes ever gone numb? Numbness in any part of your body can be unsettling and uncomfortable. Loss of sensation in your toes can make it difficult to exercise, walk, or even stand, depending on the severity. In addition, you might think nothing of the numbness, but it could be a symptom of other conditions, so it’s important to pay attention to it, especially if it is more intense or frequent. Austin foot doctor, Jeffery LaMour, and our team are here to assist you with every aspect of your foot health, from heel to toe. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about your feet. In the following blog, we cover the phenomenon of numb toes. We explain why this happens and what it means.

Symptoms

If your toes are numb, you may experience:

  • A complete loss of sensation, so that you can’t feel it when you touch your toes.
  • A cold feeling in your toes.
  •  The perception that ants are crawling on your toes, which is often associated with numbness or an area of the body “falling asleep.”
  • General tingling in and around your toes.
  • A lessened ability to move your toes.

Most likely, if your toes are numb, you’ll know it. If this occurs on a frequent basis or is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, we recommend that you come in and see Dr. LaMour for assistance.

Numbness and Nerves

To answer questions about why toes lose sensation and what this means, it’s important to understand how nerves and numbness go together. Nerves are the fibers in your body that send messages so you can feel and sense things. If you’re experiencing numbness, this means that something is interfering with proper nerve function. As Medicine Net explains: “numbness of the toes generally is a result of conditions that affect the nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the foot.” While there are many specific circumstances that could be causing numbness, a disruption in nerve transmission (and blood flow, which affects the nerves) is the basic root of the problem.

Common Causes

What in the world is making your feet go numb? There are many potential factors, but some of the most prevalent include:

  • An injury. Trauma to your toes can make them go numb. Livestrong explains: “An injury that causes the tissue in the foot to swell, or causes direct damage to a nerve, can lead to foot numbness.”
  • Flat feet. If your foot doesn’t have a sufficient arch to support your weight and the pressure you exert through activity, the nerves in your feet could become compressed when you move, numbing your toes.
  • Spinal issues. Your spine is a major control center for nerves, so if your toes become numb, it could actually be due to a more general spinal condition. Heathline lists spinal stenosis and a herniated disc as potential causes of toe numbness, for example.
  • Ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes that pinch your toes could restrict blood flow and compress your nerves.
  • Colder conditions. If your toes become too cold, this could cause them to go numb.
  • Prolonged sitting or standing. Staying in one place can put undue pressure on your toes and impair the nerves. Wiki How notes: “Often numbness in the feet or toes occurs when you have sitting or standing in one place for a long time…numbness is often triggered by seating positions that pinch the nerves in your legs and/or feet.”
  • Morton’s neuroma. If your numbness is specifically between your third and fourth toes, you could be suffering from a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This occurs when the tissue becomes denser around a particular nerve.

Dr. LaMour can help you determine exactly what your numb toes mean and why they’re happening when you come see us for an examination. We will conduct thorough assessments to make an accurate diagnosis and create a customized treatment program just for you!

Are Your Toes Numb?

Find out why and what you can do about it! Come see Dr. LaMour at our Austin podiatry practice. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-diseases/numb-toes-why-it-happens-what-it-means/