Treatment Options for Ankle Pain

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Many things could cause that pain in your ankle, including injury or chronic disease. Before your podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX, can treat your ankle pain, they must discover the source of your discomfort.

Achilles Tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon is the band of tight tissue that connects the heel of your foot to your calf muscles. And when you cause damage to this tendon, your body will let you know in several ways, including pain that feels as though it’s located in your ankles. Sports injuries are the most common causes of damage to the Achilles tendon, and as long as the damage is mild, such as from overuse, simple treatment plans will help alleviate pain. Treatment may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Simple stretching exercises
  • Orthotic devices, such as wedges worn in shoes to deflect pressure from the tendon
  • Surgery

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that can affect the ankle joint by wearing away the protective cartilage that separates the bones. Treatment for osteoarthritis may include:

  • Pain relieving medications
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections
  • Surgery

Sprained Ankle

Sprains happen when you roll or twist your ankle so severely that it damages the surrounding ligaments. If you’ve ever had a sprain injury, you understand just how painful they can be. If your podiatrist diagnoses a sprained ankle, they may prescribe the following treatments:

  • Wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage
  • Rest
  • Application of ice
  • Pain medication

If you’re suffering from the discomfort of ankle pain in Pflugerville or Austin, TX, call Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA to set up an appointment today. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369025

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprained-ankle/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353231

Why Foot Care Is So Important for Diabetics

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Diabetes is a serious medical condition that may cause nerve damage and loss of sensation in your legs and feet. While this may sound preferable to the pain of neuropathy, it comes with its own set of challenges. Without the sensation of pain, you may not be able to tell when you’ve suffered an injury. As a result, even something so small and insignificant as a blister can cause bigger problems when left untreated. Your podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX, can help you manage your foot care if you struggle with diabetes.

How to Care for Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

When it comes to diabetic foot health, prevention is key. Catching problems early or preventing them from occurring altogether is the best plan of attack. There are many things you can do at home to take care of your feet, including:

  • Always wearing socks, shoes, or slippers
  • Washing and checking your feet daily
  • Exercising care when trimming toenails
  • Elevating your feet when sitting
  • Keeping regular appointments with your podiatrist for routine exams

These simple activities can go far in preventing injuries. They will also help you spot any injuries you can’t feel. In this way, you can seek treatment before your condition worsens.

Diabetic Foot Care in Pflugerville, TX

If you have diabetes and need help managing your foot health in Pflugerville, TX, call Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM. PA, today. One of our friendly associates will be happy to schedule a convenient time for you to come in for a diabetic foot exam. We’ll give you pointers on how to keep your feet healthy at home and when to seek medical help. Call today to learn more.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html

Diabetic Foot Care

Achilles Tendonitis Austin TX

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinitis

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Your Achilles tendon is the large band that attaches the heel of your foot to your calf muscles. It’s the largest tendon in your body, and without it, you wouldn’t be able to walk, run, jump or do any number of other activities you enjoy daily. Your podiatrist in Austin, TX, can tell you more about the importance of keeping your Achilles tendon in good shape, and they can treat any problems that might arise, such as Achilles tendonitis.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

Sports injuries are a common cause of Achilles tendon complaints. Overuse of this tendon can cause a condition known as Achilles tendinitis. This is a painful condition that usually begins as mild pain in the back of the leg. It may feel as though the pain radiates down into your foot and ankle, and it usually causes stiffness and decreased range of movement.

Runners and sprinters are especially at risk for Achilles tendonitis, but it can happen to anybody. Climbing steps can contribute to the condition, so can any repetitive movement that causes you to flex your toes or jump.

What Can Be Done for Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is easily diagnosed, and it’s just as simple to treat in most instances. Your podiatrist will first perform a comprehensive exam to diagnose your condition. Afterward, they’ll discuss treatment options that may include:

  • Pain relievers
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Exercises you can do at home
  • An orthotic device, such as a wedge, that slips into your shoe
  • Physical therapy

In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the Achilles tendon. Usually, this is unnecessary for Achilles tendonitis. However, if your condition worsens with time, your podiatrist may recommend it.

Achilles Tendinitis in Austin, TX

For help with Achilles tendinitis in Austin, TX, call Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA, today.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369025

Heel pain, hand on heel

Runners and Heel Pain: What’s Normal

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Running offers numerous benefits for the athlete, but there’s a reason why not everyone signs on for this type of exercise. The pressure that you put on your joints and feet can be enough to scare anyone away, particularly if they have a history of injury. Of course, others love the sport so much that anything short of a broken leg wouldn’t stop them. If you’re a staunch runner who’s happy to work through heel pain in Austin, TX, you should at least know the score before you get back out there.

What Causes Heel Pain?

The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, also known as an irritation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot. If you have it, it might be because of the age of your shoes, the speed of your strides, or the surface upon which you run. In some cases, it might just be due to plain old genetics. Less common causes include a pulled muscle or muscle imbalances.

Is the Pain Normal?

The short answer to this question is no, heel pain is a sign that something is going wrong as you run. The much bigger question is whether you really need to take action? Some people can run through heel pain and still have it clear up a few days later. Others might find themselves in a chronic pain situation.

Visit a Podiatrist in Pflugerville

The best way to tell if your heel pain is normal is to visit an expert. If you could use a reputable podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, has two locations for his patients. If you’ve noticed that your heel pain is either off and on or it’s been going on quite sometime now, he’s the one to talk to.