How Your Gait Can Cause Back Pain

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Back pain is a common health problem that can significantly impact your daily life. Although many factors can cause back pain, your gait, or the way you walk, can also contribute to it. IN fact, your back’s health depends in large part on your gait.

Understanding Gait

Gait refers to the pattern of movement when you walk or run. It involves complex interactions between muscles, bones, and joints throughout the body. A healthy gait is essential for maintaining balance and stability while walking or running. However, an abnormal gait can cause problems such as back pain.

How Your Gait Can Lead to Back Pain

An abnormal gait can contribute to back pain in several ways. Poor posture during walking can cause your spine to become misaligned, leading to stress and strain on your back muscles and joints. Orthotics in Austin, TX can help correct these issues. Your gait can also cause back pain if you have an underlying foot or leg problem. For instance, if you have flat feet, your feet may roll inward excessively (overpronation) when walking, leading to an imbalance in your hips and lower back.

Preventing Back Pain from Gait Problems

Fortunately, you can prevent back pain caused by gait problems. One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to wear the right footwear. Shoes with good arch support can help correct any abnormalities in your gait and reduce stress on your back. Working with a podiatrist can also help identify any underlying foot or leg problems that may contribute to your gait problems. The podiatrist can provide custom orthotics or recommend exercises to improve your gait and reduce the risk of back pain.

Your gait has a strong influence on your back health. By working with a podiatrist in Austin, TX and wearing proper footwear, you can improve your gait, reduce the risk of back pain, and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.

The Connection Between Ankle Pain and Back Pain

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When you think about ankle pain in Austin, TX, you might not immediately connect it to back pain. The two body parts may seem far enough apart that you would feel it more in your legs than you would in your back. We’ll look at why ankles can be a sneaky cause of back pain (even chronic back pain) and what you can do to help stave it off.

New Walking Patterns

When you hurt your ankle, your body and walking patterns will start to shift to accommodate for the injury. You might limp to avoid pain or start to use new muscles to carry the load. The more you do this, the more strain you put on the rest of the body. It also doesn’t take a severe injury to notice a difference in your back. A podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX can tell you that even a small annoyance can affect your stability, which, over time, can manifest in serious pain.

Treating an Ankle Injury in Austin

The back is already vulnerable to pressure, and this is true even if you never hurt your ankle. The best thing you can do when it comes to an ankle injury is to treat it as thoroughly as you can. This may mean staying off of it for a while until it has the chance to properly heal. From rest to compression, there are numerous home care remedies that can make a difference.

If you’re experiencing back pain with no discernible cause, it might help to visit a foot doctor in Austin. At the office of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, you’ll meet an expert who can tell you more about everything from your gait to your weight distribution affects the body as a whole.

How to Prevent Foot Fungus This Summer

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Foot fungus is more prevalent in summer due to the high heat and humidity conditions. While foot fungus is usually not serious, it can lead to serious problems if not properly treated by a podiatrist in Austin, TX. Besides being incredibly uncomfortable, foot fungus can lead to problems wearing shoes, walking and generally participating in life’s most enjoyable activities. Here are some simple ways to prevent foot fungus this summer.

Avoid Tight Shoes

Thick and tight shoes trap moisture, creating a perfect environment for fungi to grow. This makes your feet more prone to developing athlete’s foot. Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and stay dry.

Invest in Quality Shoes

Shoes made of plastic heat up faster and have a poor breathability score compared to leather or canvas shoes. Investing in quality shoes can help reduce the risk of getting athlete’s foot.

Avoid Public Swimming Pools and Gyms

Athlete’s foot-causing bacteria thrives in warm and humid environments like public swimming pools and gyms. Consider other exercise options, especially if you have a weaker immune system.

Keep Feet Dry

To prevent athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry. Moisture and heat are two things that fungi need to thrive. Use antifungal talcum powders to keep your skin dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Remove Shoes After Exercising

Remove your shoes after exercising and clean your feet with antibacterial soap to kill any harmful bacteria on your skin.

Wear Socks Made of Natural Fabrics

To reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot, wear socks made of natural fabrics such as cotton or silk. These materials are more breathable and help keep your skin comfortable and cool during the summer.

Athlete’s foot may be prevented this summer by taking these simple steps. If you do get athlete’s foot in Austin, TX, contact your podiatrist for advice and treatment. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

How Do I Know When I Need Diabetic Foot Care?

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Diabetes causes a number of different issues with your body, which can make for a busy schedule. When you’re not taking medicine or headed to a doctor’s appointment, you’re likely checking your blood sugar or exercising.

However, if you want to keep your feet healthy, you may need to pay a little more attention to them on a regular basis. We’ll look at when you need diabetic foot care in Pflugerville, TX and why it’s so important not to wait.

Why Are Feet So Vulnerable to Diabetes?

The health of the nerves and blood vessels in your feet is directly related to the levels of your blood sugar. The more glucose you have, the more likely you are to damage these precious parts. When your circulation decreases, you’re more likely to suffer from a variety of problems with the feet, which can include anything from fungal infections to blisters.

Being Aware

As with so many health concerns, a key part is just general awareness. This means checking your feet even when you’re feeling fine. If you notice a cut that’s taking a long time to heal or your feet are more tingly than usual, it might be time to check them out with your doctor. Plenty of people who have nerve damage will notice changes when it occurs, but some won’t have any symptoms at all. It’s important not to make assumptions if you have diabetes.

Find a Foot Doctor in Austin, TX

If you’re looking for a foot doctor in Austin, TX who can both evaluate your feet and offer customized treatment options, Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA is here to help. Contact us today to make an appointment to understand more about what it will take to stay on your feet.