Heel pain, hand on heel

Who is most at risk for heel pain issues?

/0 Comments/in /by

While anyone can face problems with heel pain, specific individuals seem to have more problems than others. If you ever suspect you need heel pain treatment in Austin, TX, it may be worth looking at your personal risk factors so you know what to expect going forward. Check out who is most at risk of dealing with heel pain at some point in their life.

Physically Active Individuals

Certain activities put a great deal of stress on the heel, as well as the ligaments and surrounding tissues. Runners, dancers, and people who do a lot of aerobics or jumping can be especially prone to heel pain. Certain sports are also related to a heightened risk of heel pain, such as people who play basketball or soccer.

People Who Spend a Lot of Time Standing

Long hours on your feet can make you more likely to have stress pain in your heels. While wearing good shoes and supportive orthotics can make a difference, it is common for individuals that stand for work to have problems.

Individuals Who Are Overweight

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of severe heel pain, and this condition is most likely to affect people who are overweight. Carrying extra weight puts a lot of strain on the primary ligaments that support the heel when you take a step. Over time, stress injuries to the plantar fascia leading to inflammation and ongoing pain.

Are you looking for heel pain treatment in Austin, TX?

Heel pain can make it really difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. Thankfully, an Austin, TX, podiatrist may have treatment options that can help. Reach out to the office of Dr. Jeffery Lamour, DPM, PA, to schedule an evaluation today.

Bunion on the woman's foot. Big toe problem.

What Really Causes Bunions: Shoes or Genetics?

/0 Comments/in /by

Bunions are both frustrating and painful and are a common reason for podiatric treatment in Austin, TX. But what actually causes them? Some people claim bunions are caused by high-heels or pointed-toe boots, while others are adamant that bunions are a genetic problem. Which is the true underlying cause? Here is a closer look.

Bunions Can Have More Than One Underlying Cause

While it is a common assumption that bunions are usually related solely to either genetics or the shoes you typically wear, most people face more than one underlying cause. Shoes, genetics, and even how you walk can be to blame.

Shoes

If you usually wear excessively tight shoes on your toes, this can be a contributing factor to bunion formation. Over time, the pressure on your big toe pushes the big toe inward, which puts a lot of pressure on the joint and can cause a bunion to form. Shoes that either fit poorly or have a pointed toe are the most common types of shoes to blame.

Genetics

Genetics also play a role in whether you ever have problems with bunions or not. Some people inherit certain foot shapes that can make you more likely to have problems with bunions.

Gait Patterns

Dealing with bunions? Take a look at how you walk. If you walk in a way that puts a lot of pressure on your big toe joint, this may be part of the problem. While you may not be able to change how you walk, custom orthotics or wearing certain types of shoes may help take some pressure off the affected joint.

Looking for bunion treatment in Austin, TX?

Bunions may have a lot of underlying causes, but many of these painful formations can be treated. If you are looking for a podiatrist in Austin, TX, to help with bunion pain, reach out to the office of Jeffery Lamour, DPM, PA, to schedule an appointment.

Modern hardworking young female feeling tired after long walk on

Treatment Options for Neuromas

/0 Comments/in /by

Treatment Options for Neuromas  

 

A neuroma is not as ominous as it sounds, so if your podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX, diagnoses you with a neuroma, there’s no need to panic. In reality, while this condition can become quite painful, it’s not dangerous and is usually simple to treat. Neuromas happen when an abnormal bundle of nerves grows somewhere on your body — in this case, your feet. This is called Morton’s neuroma, and it usually appears between the third and fourth toe. If you develop Morton’s neuroma, it may feel as though you constantly have a pebble in your shoe.

What Can Be Done to Treat Neuromas?

Your podiatrist will have several options for treating your neuroma and may be able to recommend lifestyle changes you can make on your own to help lessen the pain. Treatment options include:

Padding and Taping

This treatment involves placing a small piece of padding beneath the painful area of your foot and then loosely taping it into place using zinc oxide tape. It’s purpose is to reduce the pressure on the painful nerve bundle. Your podiatrist will be careful to apply the tape using just enough, but not too much, pressure. Wrapping tape too tightly around a foot that has developed Morton’s neuroma can worsen the condition. But when done correctly, it can bring immediate relief from pain.

Orthotics

Your podiatrist may recommend custom-made shoe inserts to ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma. If so, they’ll examine and take molds of your affected foot to send away to a lab for fabrication. Your custom shoe insert will be made of thermoplastic material, which lasts for years. It will be specially designed to ease pressure beneath your neuroma.

Medication

Sometimes, anti-inflammatory medications can help ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma. Cortisone injections may also be helpful. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. In Pflugerville, TX, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA can help ease the pain of Morton’s neuroma. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Heel Pain

Top 3 Causes of Heel Pain and How to Treat Them

/0 Comments/in /by

Our heels are one of the most important structures in our feet and are prone to injury and weakness. Many Americans complain about issues regarding their heels, which any number and combination of issues can cause. Regardless of your condition, you can be sure that your local podiatrist in Austin, TX, can provide you with the confidence and solutions necessary to restore your quality of life.

What is Heel Pain?

Any number of issues can cause heel pain, but it is important to identify where the pain or lack of movement stems from. For example, some patients may complain of a certain pain in their heel, but the issue may be occurring further along their foot or somewhere near the base of their leg. It is important to have a professional treat and diagnose your exact issue.

Common Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is an extremely common condition and one of the driving factors of heel pain. This occurs when the tendon between your heel and toes is inflamed, stressed, or overworked. The most common causes are overactivity, poor shoe quality, or aging.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition not necessarily localized to the heel area. Arthritis is the inflammation of your bones and joints, which often restricts movement in the surrounding ligaments. Psoriatic arthritis is the most common cause of arthritis-related heel pain.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are malformations that develop around the base of your heel, which pokes and stresses the other ligaments and tendons of your foot. This can also lead to fractures and loose bone fragments.

Your Local Quality Foot Care in Austin, TX

When resting, stretching, and exercise are not enough, it may be time for professional treatment. During your next appointment with Dr. Jefferey Lamour of Austin, TX, the team can properly identify and resolve your issues, giving you the quality care you deserve.