What Is a Neoplasm in Your Foot?

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A neoplasm is a type of tissue that can form inside the foot. This tissue can be either harmless or cancerous and runs the gamut regarding symptoms and treatments. We’ll look at what you should know about neoplasms so you’re able to get the treatment you need.

Two Types of Foot Neoplasms

There are two major types of neoplasms, and they’re divided based on where the tissue forms. If it’s a bone neoplasm, it will be located around the heel, ankle, or foot bones. If it’s a soft tissue neoplasm, it can be found in the foot’s tendons, ligaments, fat, or muscles. Neoplasm is a broad term that can refer to anything from a cyst to a lipoma.

If you’re asking about the difference between a neoplasm and a neuroma, a neuroma is a specific type of benign tissue located in the nerve tissue. You might see a neuroma form after a trauma or surgery, though there doesn’t always need to be a precursor event to the formation.

It’s worth noting that diabetes does not directly lead to neoplasms, though the condition can increase your odds of developing this tissue. If you’re looking to reduce your odds of getting a neoplasm, the right diabetic foot care in Austin, TX, can help you improve your circulation.

Symptoms of Neoplasm

The most common symptom of neoplasm is a bump on the foot, regardless of the size, shape, or color. You may feel either constant or intermittent pain and experience swelling around the neoplasm. Neoplasms may start off as one shade of red or brown and change over time. You may feel numbness or tingling if the neoplasm is pressing on the nerve.

Neoplasms in Austin, TX

Neoplasms don’t always require treatment and, in some cases, can clear up on their own. However, no matter what type of neoplasm you have, catching it as early as possible is important to rule out more malignant causes. If you’re looking for a podiatrist in Austin, TX, Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, has two locations to serve his patients. Contact us today if you have any unexplained pain or bumps on your foot, as they could be signs of neoplasm.

Capable trained rheumatologist treating patients feet

Why Does My Child Have Terrible Foot Odor?

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You’re at home watching television when suddenly a strange odor fills the room. You look around wondering what could be causing that smell? And then you see it: your child has just taken off their shoes.

This scenario is common and frustrating. If your child has terrible foot odor, you may need help from a foot doctor in Austin TX. Knowing the cause of this problem and what you can do about it can help save your child from an embarrassing and uncomfortable problem.

What Causes Foot Odor in Children?

Many children have foot odor due to bacteria on their feet. The bacteria that lives on your child’s foot creates organic acids that have an odor. For some children, the odor is especially bad because the bacteria on their feet include Kyetococcus sedentarius, a bacteria that also produces volatile sulfur compounds.

What Can You Do to Resolve Foot Odor?

There are many things you can do to help your child resolve their foot odor.

  • Have your child wash their feet every day using warm soap and water.
  • Ask your child to switch shoes each day, so they wear several different pairs throughout the week.
  • Give your child socks for athletes, which are made to be breathable and absorb moisture.
  • Give your child breathable shoes; avoid shoes that are made from non-breathable materials like plastic.
  • Check all your child’s shoes to get rid of shoes that are too tight, as they may cause your child to sweat more and produce more bacteria.

Your child could also have a foot fungus such as athlete’s foot, especially if they’ve been running around in water shoes all summer long. Some foot fungus problems can be damaging as well as uncomfortable. If you’re concerned about your child’s foot health, contact Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA for foot fungus services in Austin, TX.

The picture of ideal done manicure and pedicure.

Are Over-the-Counter Foot Peels Safe?

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Calluses, cracks, dry skin—your feet can get pretty rough due to everyday use and stress. And, most people prefer to keep their feet feeling soft and looking good. Over-the-counter foot peels have grown to be increasingly popular. However, many people call their podiatrist in Austin, TX with questions about the safety of these products. So, are foot peels actually safe to use? Take a look at a few things to know before slipping your feet into a booty filled with foot-peel ingredients.

Common Foot-Peel Product Ingredients

Foot peel products can contain different ingredients depending on the product. However, most contain some type of acid-based exfoliating agent, such as:

  • Glycolic acid
  • Alpha-hydroxy acid
  • Lactic acid

These chemicals break down the outer layers of skin on your feet. Therefore, a few days after using the product, your feet will start to peel. The end result is typically softer feet and fewer calluses.

Do Foot Peels Actually Help Your Feet?

Foot peels can be effective if you have dry or rough patches or mild calluses. The product should never be used anywhere else on your body but your feet. The feet are covered with thicker skin, which sheds slower than the rest of the body. Therefore, foot peels can indeed be beneficial for some people when they are selected carefully and used according to the instructions.

Who Should Not Use a Foot Peel Product?

While foot peels can be fine on occasion to soften your feet, there are some situations when foot peels should not be used. For example, these products can be dangerous for diabetics who may not shed skin or heal at the same rate as someone else. Likewise, foot peels should not be used if you have abrasions, lesions, or cuts on your feet.

Discuss Foot Peels with an Austin Podiatrist

If you are considering a foot peel, be sure to talk to an Austin, TX podiatrist about your plans first. There can be better options available for some people. Reach out to the office of Dr. Jeffery Lamour DPM, PA to schedule an appointment.

Am I at High Risk of Neuroma?

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You may be at a higher risk for developing a neuroma if you frequently wear high heels, have an unusually low or high arch in your foot, or have recently suffered trauma to the nerves in your feet. A neuroma, while painful, is a benign nerve tumor that typically forms between the third and fourth toes. If you’ve been experiencing unusual pain in this area of your foot, a trip to your podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, is recommended.

Is a Neuroma Dangerous?

A neuroma is not a form of cancer. However, it does usually require treatment because the pain may make walking feel difficult or impossible. Neuromas develop when abnormal tissue growth causes a “lump” to form near the toes. Normal activities such as walking, jogging, or climbing stairs may become painful because the neuroma puts pressure on nerves where pressure normally wouldn’t be. This results in pain between the toes, on the ball of the foot, or both. Signs you may have a neuroma include:

  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Numbness

These symptoms will occur in the area between the smaller toes, or it may radiate across the underside of the top of your foot.

What Causes Neuroma?

Several conditions may contribute to neuroma, including wearing shoes that crowd your toes or spending an unusual amount of time on your feet each day. Women develop neuromas more often than men, possibly because they tend to wear higher-heeled shoes.

Injury to your foot may also cause a neuroma to form, and if you were born with high or low arches, these conditions may contribute as well.

Help for Neuroma in Austin, TX

If you need treatment for neuroma in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, call Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour, DPM. PA. today. For more than 20 years, Dr. Jeff LaMour has served the Austin and Pflugerville areas, providing a top-quality of care for patients experiencing foot pain. Call today to schedule an appointment.

3 Signs of Ill-Fitting Shoes

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Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of foot problems, from discomfort, to blisters and worse. It’s a myth that shoes have to be “broken in.” Yes, leather does become softer and more pliable after use, but no one should be walking around in new shoes that make their feet hurt. If the shoes aren’t comfortable in the store or when you first walk around in them at home, then they aren’t the right fit for you. Here are some of the most common signs of ill-fitting shoes to be aware of.

1. Heel Slips When You Walk

Even if you’re wearing “slippery” socks, your heel should not slip out of the back of the shoe when you bend your foot as you walk. This heel slippage is one of the leading causes of painful heel blisters. It can also cause you to adopt an unnatural gait in an effort to avoid heel slippage. If your heel is slipping, the shoes are too long for your feet.

2. Sides of Shoes Pinch Your Feet

If the shoes are pinching your feet at the ball width, they’re too narrow for your feet. The ball width is the widest part of your foot, between the big toe joint and the baby toe joint. This pinching can cause bunions to form if you continue wearing too-narrow shoes. Bunions in Austin, TX are frequently caused by shoes that are ill-fitting or cheap shoes that are not properly formed for the human foot.

3. Space in the Toe

Overly large shoes will have too much space in front of the big toe. If you can push down the toe of the shoe without feeling your toe, the shoes are too large. Wearing shoes that are too large is just as bad as wearing shoes that are too small, because they can cause excess rubbing on the foot, and cause blisters or even ankle injuries.

Contact your podiatrist in Austin, TX for help with conditions relating to your feet health. We look forward to hearing from you.

feet-smell-foot-fungus

My Feet Smell Bad – Is It Foot Fungus?

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Foot odor is a problem that many people have, including people struggling with foot fungus. However, not everyone with foot odor has a fungus. Foot odor can be frustrating for the person experiencing it, and if you don’t know the cause, it can be hard to get rid of. Seeing a podiatrist in Austin, TX may help, depending on the problem. Here’s what you need to know.

Some Feet Naturally Smell Worse Than Others

Sweat and bacteria both occur naturally on the feet, and both can cause feet to smell. Bromodosis is a scientific word for a condition that occurs when sweat on the feet becomes trapped, causing the feet to smell. Some people have naturally sweaty feet, and therefore are prone to this odor.

In addition, the bacteria on the bottom of the feet can create a particularly smelly acid. The type of odor that most people experience depends on the type of bacteria on their feet.

What You Can Do

  • Keep your feet dry
  • Wash your feet daily, and dry them thoroughly when you’re done
  • Wear socks
  • Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row
  • Keep your shoes clean and dry
  • Soak your feet for twenty minutes in two parts warm water, one part vinegar, once per week

Foot Fungus Could Be the Cause

Foot fungus can be the cause of your foot odor. If your efforts to get rid of your foot odor have not worked, you may need treatment for athlete’s foot and other foot fungus in Austin TX. Call Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA to learn more about treatment for athlete’s foot. Call today.

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

What Really Causes Bunions: Shoes or Genetics?

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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.

Close up of medical worker massaging foot

The Effects of Arthritis on Your Feet

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When most people hear “arthritis,” they instantly think of fingers and hands. However, arthritis can affect any joint in your body, including the 33 in each foot. And once it comes to visit, you’ll know something is amiss. 

Arthritis is a painful condition caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that acts as cushioning between the bones. When this protective tissue becomes damaged, it may cause bone-on-bone friction that’s very painful. And with 33 joints, there are many opportunities for arthritis to attack your feet. If you suspect this may be happening to you, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist in Austin, TX.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis in My Feet?

The primary symptoms of arthritis in any joint are pain and stiffness. But there may be other indications as well. These include:

  • Redness of the affected area
  • Swelling
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Tenderness to the touch
  • Inability to stand or walk without pain
  • Pain that continues even when feet are at rest

If you struggle with arthritis in your feet, it can seriously impact your quality of life. Everyday tasks like driving, jogging, or even walking may become impossible. You may experience decreased independence and find yourself confined to a couch or bed until you begin treatment.

Which Type of Arthritis Attacks the Feet?

There are generally three types of arthritis that may target the feet:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis — The immune system attacks the lining between bones
  • Osteoarthritis — Caused by wear and tear as we age
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis — Brought on by injury

Contact Your Podiatrist in Austin, TX

All three types of arthritis in Austin, TX, are treatable by your family podiatrist. In the Austin and Pflugerville areas, call Dr. Jeffery Lamour, DPM. PA. for diagnosis and treatment of arthritis-related pain and discomfort in your feet.

Can You Get Psoriasis on Your Feet?  

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Psoriasis is an itchy skin condition that’s caused by an unusual amount of skin-cell buildup. This happens because skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal in patients who have psoriasis. Most people think of areas such as the scalp, elbows, and knees when they hear the term “psoriasis.” In reality, however, this uncomfortable condition can affect most parts of your body, including your feet. If your feet have become unusually red, dry, or itchy, a visit to your podiatrist in Austin, TX, may bring much-needed relief.

What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

There are different types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. Symptoms may include:

  • Patches of red or silver-colored skin
  • Itching
  • Cracking
  • Bleeding
  • Discoloration of the fingernails and toenails
  • Scales or crust on the scalp

Other types of psoriasis may cause symptoms such as pustules on the soles of the feet, small, red spots on the limbs and torso, shiny, red lesions in the folds of skin in the armpits or groin or under the breasts, and fiery redness on some areas of the skin.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Doctors still aren’t completely sure what causes psoriasis, but they do know that it’s related to the body’s immune system. They know flare-ups are often triggered by events such as strep infections or emotional stress. And they know that this condition tends to run in families.

Relief for Psoriasis in Austin, TX

If you’ve recently noticed the uncomfortable signs of psoriasis on your feet in the Austin or Pflugerville areas of Texas, call Dr. Jeffery W. Lamour today. Dr. Jeff Lamour is an experienced and professional podiatrist who can help you find relief. Early diagnosis of your condition means a better outcome. Call today to set up a convenient consultation.

 

 

Tips For Going Barefoot in Summer

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One of the oldest joys of summer is being able to go barefoot. Going barefoot in summer is not without risks, so your Austin, TX foot specialist wants you to have some tips to keep your bare feet safe.

Wear Sunscreen

Even if you choose not to wear shoes, you still need some sort of foot protection. The tops of your feet are prone to sunburn just like other areas of your skin. Slather a deep layer of waterproof sunscreen on the tops of your feet, toes and ankles, being sure to smooth it into the crevices between your toes. Reapply after going into the water.

Be Sure Your Tetanus Shots Are up to Date

Booster tetanus shots are recommended every ten years. If your foot is accidentally punctured or scraped by a rusty metal object, at least you might avoid serious tetanus illness.

Inspect Feet

After walking barefoot, take a rest and inspect your feet, including the bottoms and in between toes. Take your time with this inspection, because insect bites can appear as very hard to see, small red dots that can be easily overlooked. You might not always feel a recent injury right away, especially if you have an underlying disorder, such as diabetes. Also, small insects are attracted to the spaces in between your toes, so be on the lookout for any “stowaways.”

Avoid Going Barefoot in Tall Grass

Even in your own backyard, tall grass can hide dangers to bare feet. You never know what creature you might accidentally disturb, inciting a protective bite to your precious feet. The safest time to go barefoot in the backyard is after a fresh mow, when slithery creatures (yes, garden snakes) are more likely to hide away in their underground home.

If you run into any problems while enjoying barefoot time this summer, don’t hesitate to contact your Austin, TX podiatrist for care and treatment.