3 Things to Know About Morton’s Neuroma

/0 Comments/in , /by

The nerves in your foot can change over time, usually due to consistently applying the wrong type of pressure. If you’ve heard of Morton’s neuroma in Austin, TX, we’ll discuss what you should know about the condition, its symptoms, and the treatments available. 

1. Morton’s Neuroma Refers to Nerve Inflammation 

The term neuroma in Austin, TX, typically refers to a tumor, but Morton’s tumor is the inflammation and thickening of the tissues surrounding a nerve lying between the third and fourth toes. The more it thickens, the more it feels like you’re walking on a small ball. This is not only painful, but it can also throw off your gait in more ways than one. 

2. The Wrong Footwear Can cause it 

Morton’s neuroma is often a reaction to repetitive stress from your shoes. Named for the surgeon who first described it in the 1800s, Morton’s neuroma has become a more common diagnosis over time. This is partially due to increased awareness and partially due to an increase in physical activity and different types of footwear (e.g., high heels, tight shoes, etc.).

3. Symptoms Can Include Burning or Tingling 

In addition to feeling like you’re walking on a marble, symptoms of this disorder can include general burning or tingling of the foot and into the toes. Generally, the best thing you can do is recognize the signs of Morton’s neuroma as quickly as possible. The longer you go without visiting a podiatrist in Austin, TX, the harder it will be to fix the inflammation. In most cases, you can fix neuroma just by changing shoes, but in some cases, you will need surgical intervention to really alleviate the symptoms. 

See a Foot Doctor in Pflugerville, TX 

Whether you need a pair of custom-fit shoes or a corticosteroid, you can’t count on Morton’s neuroma to go away on its own if you don’t first identify the condition’s root causes. If you’ve noticed symptoms of neuroma, visiting the offices of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, could be the first step to feeling better. With offices in Pflugerville and Austin, getting your foot evaluated is easy so you can take the next steps.

 

Should I Wear Over-the-Counter Shoe Inserts?

/0 Comments/in , /by

If you have foot discomfort, you may be tempted to pick up a pair of over-the-counter shoe inserts. These inserts are available at most drugstores. But foot discomfort indicates that you likely have some kind of foot problem that should be seen by a podiatrist. And these types of inserts may cause more harm than good.

One-Size-Fits-All Over-the-Counter Shoe Inserts

The biggest problem with over-the-counter shoe inserts is that they are mostly one-size-fits-all. You won’t get a customized fit simply from trimming down a pair of drugstore inserts and sipping them into your shoes.

Temporary Relief

Drugstore shoe inserts may feel great when you first use them. It may seem like they have truly solved your foot discomfort. But the relief will be temporary if you have a serious foot problem. Serious feet issues can’t be solved with a little bit of extra foam in your soles, as your Austin, TX podiatrist can tell you. You’re much better off getting professional help that will treat the underlying problem of your foot pain.

Exacerbating a Serious Condition

Your foot pain may even be causing you to have pain in other areas of your body. As you may know, the skeletal system is all connected. So if you have certain kinds of foot discomfort, the way you walk and stand to relief that discomfort can cause an imbalance that negatively impacts other joints and muscles. In short, wearing cheap shoe inserts to relieve foot discomfort could actually make a condition worse.

Visit your podiatrist in Austin, TX whenever you have any kind of foot discomfort that’s making you consider shoe inserts. That way, you’ll be sure to address any underlying condition. You’ll get treatment that will keep your feet, and the rest of your body, pain-free. Contact us today to book your appointment.

What to Look For in a Running Shoe

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Running can be a great way to stay in shape. But if you are wearing the wrong kind of running shoes, the act of running can cause more harm than good. Whether you’re a daily runner, a professional athlete or you just run for fun every now and then, make sure you select the best running shoes for your needs.

Consider Your Specific Foot Needs

Your Austin, TX podiatrist can help you when it comes to choosing running shoes. Everyone has a unique foot shape, when it comes to arches. Find out from your podiatrist if you have high arches, neutral arches or flat feet. Your podiatrist can also tell you if you have supination when you step, or overpronation. The podiatrist will explain how each of these affect your gait and how it will influence which running shoes you purchase.

Avoid Trends

Trendy running shoes aren’t usually the best. For instance, shoes with individual toe sections might look cool, but they force the feet into an unnatural position that could cause pain or even harm over the long-term.

Go Bigger

Select a running shoe in a half size larger than your standard shoe size. You’ll want to wear thicker socks when you run, and the extra room will keep your feet from being pinched when they swell after exertion.

Rubber Soles are Best

Stay away from plastic soles. They won’t absorb enough shock when you hit the pavement. Instead, choose shock absorbent rubber soles.

Use Running-Designated Shoes

Quality athletic shoes are made specifically for specific movements. For instance, tennis shoes are made for foot movements that are back and forth, from side to side. Running shoes are made to support the arch and absorb shock. Make you choose shoes specifically made for running, and not a general, “multi-sport” shoe.

When you’re ready to invest in a good pair of running shoes, talk to your podiatrist in Austin, TX for recommendations.

Keeping Feet Safe at the Gym 

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Your podiatrist in Austin,Texas wants you to know that keeping feet safe at the gym is of the utmost importance. While it’s healthy to exercise and even get the socialization that public gyms offer, gyms can also be a threat to the health of your feet. There’s no reason to be overly alarmed as long as you take the following safety precautions.

Begin Slowly

If you’re still recovering from pandemic-mode, you may not have visited the gym in a while. Don’t assume you can just pick up where you left off. The tendons and joints in your feet and ankles may not be ready to handle your toughest workout. Ease back into your routine slowly until you can increase your stamina and strengthen your feet and ankles to where you’re used to.

Wear Proper Foot Gear

Make sure you’re wearing shoes that support your achilles heel and ankle, especially if you do bicycle workouts, cardio or weightlifting. These workouts really put the ankles through their paces, and you’ll want footwear that offers proper support. Ideally, you’ll have a designated pair of sneakers that you wear only to the gym.

Use Correct Technique

Don’t be shy about asking a gym professional to demonstrate correct technique on any gym equipment that you haven’t yet tried. There are all kinds of ways to injure your feet and ankles while working out, but using proper technique will greatly minimize your risk.

Wear Shower Sandals

Make the extra effort to always wear shower sandals or water shoes while inside the locker room. Foot bacteria lurks in warm and damp environments like showers, toilet stalls and locker areas. Avoid going barefoot too, because in any public place like the gym, there is always the chance that someone has dropped a sharp object, pin or something else that could damage your feet.

Visit Your Podiatrist After an Injury

If you do injure your feet or ankles at the gym, book an appointment with your Austin, TX podiatrist right away. Don’t assume it’s nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Maintaining your mobility is paramount to overall good health, and your feet and ankles are the most important factor. Take good care of them at the gym using the tips mentioned above.

What to Look For in Quality Shoes

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Did you know that poorly made shoes can negatively impact spine health? If you aren’t wearing high-quality shoes, you are probably experiencing severe back pain. More often than not, back pain can stop you from doing everyday tasks like lifting heavy objects, exercising, playing with your children, and even working at a desk. Many people with back pain aren’t able to enjoy road trips either. Your Austin, TX podiatrist wants you to know that, instead of wearing poorly made shoes that aren’t good for your spine, you should look for shoes with the following features.

Cushioning

When you’re shopping for shoes, make sure to choose ones with adequate cushioning to greatly reduce impact. A shoe with proper cushioning will successfully absorb shock, lowering stress on your back. Just so you know, the part of the shoe that absorbs shock and provides cushioning is known as the midsole. A great way to test the cushioning is to press the midsole with your thumb. If you typically strike the ground hard when walking or running, shoes with an extremely cushioned midsole will be a lifesaver because you won’t feel a shock going up your legs and straight up your back.

Arch Support

The arch support of a shoe is an extremely important feature because it may be able to get rid of your back pain. Whether you have a neutral, low, or high arch, you should wear the right shoes for your arch type to eliminate excessive pronation. The right shoe will correspond to the natural arch of your foot.

Custom Molded Orthotics

Custom molded orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that are individually crafted to fit your feet. Custom molded orthotics are used to correct a wide variety of foot and ankle-related problems, as well as issues related to the knees, hips, and lower back. Custom molded orthotics are also used to treat different types of problems that affect your foot including Bunions, Hammertoes, Flat feet and problems with the way you walk.

Custom-made orthotics are made of durable materials, that may incorporate both hard and soft features, depending on your specific needs. Custom-made orthotics can be crafted to fit inside most types of footwear, including athletic shoes and high heels.

Dr. LaMour can have custom-made orthotics made for your shoes that are made specifically for your foot. He will begin your custom-made orthotics fitting with a review of your symptoms and an examination of your foot. Then he’ll scan or use a plaster cast to get a mold of your foot. The mold will ensure that your custom-made orthotic will fit perfectly and ensures that the orthotic is tailored to address your underlying problem. Once the mold is created, it’s sent to a lab that specializes in the highest-quality custom molded orthotics.

Low Heel

When it comes to your shoe’s heels, the “lower the better” is generally a good rule to follow. The ideal height of a heel should be one to two inches. For a shoe to be good for your spine, it’s heel definitely shouldn’t be higher than two inches. The beauty of shoes with low heels is that they won’t misalign your spine or cause back pain.

When you wear high-quality shoes, you can drastically improve your posture and back pain. Our podiatrist in Austin, TX can help determine the whether your most commonly worn shoes are contributing to your spinal issues. Contact us today to start experiencing optimal spine health.

5 Signs You Need to Change Your Running Shoes

/0 Comments/in , /by

If you’re a serious runner, then you know how important it is to have comfortable, safe running shoes. You should replace your running shoes about every 300 miles or so, but if your running shoes are not the greatest quality, or if you routinely run over rough surfaces like rocky trails, gravel roads, and other uneven surfaces, then your shoes may wear down more quickly than others. Knowing the signs that it’s time to replace your running shoes can help you take care of your feet.

1. Your Feet Hurt When You Run

Your feet or joints should not feel like they’ve been through a challenging exercise after a run. While it’s ok to feel worn down, tired or winded – you should not experience painful feet after a run. If you do, get new running shoes to see if this helps. If it doesn’t, speak with a podiatrist in Austin, TX.

2. Your Soles Are Worn Down

The soles of your shoes should not be terribly worn down. If they are, this is a sign that your shoes are not holding up well to the wear and tear of your running routine. Whether you’ve hit 300 miles in the shoes or not, it’s time to replace them.

3. You Don’t Know How Many Miles You’ve Run

Did you lose track of how many miles you’ve run in your current shoes? If you’ve had them a long time and you don’t know how long, then you may have already hit the 300-mile mark. Consider replacing your shoes just to ensure that your feet are well cared for.

If this isn’t the first time you’ve had a hard time keeping track of how many miles you’ve run in your shoes, put the date of purchase on the inside of your next pair. If you can estimate how many miles you usually run per week, then you should be able to track when you’ve run 300 miles in your shoes.

4. You Feel The Impact of Each Stride

If it feels like you’re hitting the ground hard with every stride you take, then it may be time for new shoes or custom orthotics. It may also be time for help with heel pain in Austin or Pflugerville TX. Call today to make an appointment.

Summer Flip-Flops: Foot Friend or Foot Foe?

/0 Comments/in , /by

The days are getting warmer in Austin, TX and those flip-flops are calling your name from the closet. With the ability to slip them on quickly, allow your feet to stay cool, and outfit your feet for just a few bucks, flip-flops definitely have their positive qualities. But are these good for your feet? Here’s what you need to know.

Cheap flip-flops don’t offer support for your feet.

One of the things people love about flip-flops is they’re cheap. You can easily invest in ten different pairs in different colors. However, flip-flops also don’t offer a lot of support for the shape of your foot. Most of the inexpensive versions are made out of a piece of foam rubber and a strap. The foam rubber doesn’t have any arch support, which can put a lot of stress on your feet, ankles, and legs when you walk.

Flip-flops leave your feet open to injury.

Flip-flops that are made from cheaper materials do not offer a lot of protection for your feet. Something as simple as a sharp rock could easily pierce the base of the sandal and cause a severe injury to your foot. Many visits to a podiatrist every year stem from injuries to the feet caused by wearing flip-flops. Even though flip-flops can be comfortable, they are not the best footwear when you are out and about.

Not all sandals are bad.

Even though the majority of flip-flops do not offer much in the way of support for your feet, there are some sandals that can be suitable for wear, so you don’t have to toss them all. Look for sandals that:

  • Offer some level of arch support for your feet
  • Have secure straps around your toes to prevent bending your toes to keep the shoe in place
  • Provide a dense enough sole to protect the bottom of your foot

Let Us Help You with Your Feet in Austin, TX

Protecting your feet is vital, even if it means letting go of ill-fitting and ill-protecting footwear. If you are having problems with your feet, reach out to us at the office of Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA.

 

What Should You Look for in a Running Shoe?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Did you know you should retire your running shoes once you’ve run 300-500 miles in them? For runners that average 10 miles per week, that’s a new pair of shoes at least once a year.

Your feet are complicated structures of bone, muscle, and connective tissue that work together to carry you to the finish line. Choosing the right running shoes for your feet is more than just picking out your favorite brand. The wrong pair of shoes can cause blisters, discomfort, and even an injury that keeps you from your runs.

When you buy new running shoes, you should look for a pair that matches your running style and supports your feet properly. Trying on the shoes before you buy and testing them by walking or running briefly is a must.

The choices in running shoes seem endless, and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where we can help. Our podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, regularly helps runners learn more about their feet and find the best running shoes to keep them active. Choosing the right running shoes often involves studying your running habits and examining your biomechanics to find the perfect fit.

Consider your running habits

Do you run a few miles every week or do you regularly run marathons? Your running habits and where you run play a role in your shoe selection.

If you’re training for a marathon, you’ll probably log more miles on your shoes than if you run for exercise alone. Running more means that your shoes will wear out faster. Replacing them in a timely fashion is key because running in worn-out shoes makes you more prone to injury.

Where you run influences your shoe choice, too. Hard surfaces like sidewalks and streets can be higher impact than running on trails or grass or a treadmill.

Running shoes for the road typically have softer midsoles and extra cushioning to absorb shock from solid surfaces like concrete and asphalt. Shoes for running on trails often have thicker soles to protect your feet from sharp rocks as well as thicker treads to keep you from slipping on rocks or mud.

Get your feet and gait measured

Your gait refers to the way you naturally walk and run. We can assess your gait and make recommendations to keep your feet comfortable as you run. A professional evaluation of your feet can make a big difference when you’re looking for the right running shoes. Some gait abnormalities, like overpronation or underpronation, can be corrected by the right running shoes.

Whenever you buy new shoes, you should have your feet measured to make sure you’re getting the right size shoe. Your feet change over time, and shoe manufacturers update their designs regularly, so the exact style of shoe that you bought last year might not fit the same way this year.

When you come for a shoe fitting, bring your old running shoes. Wear patterns on your used shoes will show us how your feet move as you run and help us determine if you might benefit from shoe inserts.

Once you find the right pair of running shoes, it’s a good idea to break them in slowly. Changing shoes can change your gait, and your new shoes might have more support than you’re used to. Take your new shoes out for a few short runs to let your feet get used to them before you go on a longer run.

Still, have questions about choosing a pair of running shoes? Come in to see Dr. LaMour for professional help. He’ll evaluate your feet to help you learn about the type of support you need in shoes, and make personalized recommendations just for you. Call one of our offices in Austin or Pflugerville, Texas, or request your first appointment online today to get started.

The Best Types of Shoes for Flat Feet

/0 Comments/in , /by

According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, “8 percent of U.S. adults ages 21 and older (about 18 million people)” suffer from flat feet. This problem may be prevalent, but that doesn’t make it healthy. Your arch is the baseline for your podiatric well-being and the foundation of your general health. However, you might not even realize you have this condition or have a clue how to handle it. At our Austin podiatry practice, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and his team often assist patients with flat feet. While severe cases may require more intensive treatment or even surgery, flat feet can typically be managed with lifestyle modifications. One of the most important factors to consider in handling flat feet is your footwear. Your shoes could make or break your arch health. In the following blog, we go over the basics of flat feet and provide our recommendations for the best shoes if you suffer from this condition.

Flat Feet Fundamentals

Many people suffer from flat feet without knowing it. The Institute for Preventive Foot Health offers this definition: “Flat feet (pes planus) is a fairly common condition in which the foot does not have a normal arch, and so the entire foot touches the floor when you’re standing.” WebMD explains further, “Tendons—tight bands that attach at the heel and foot bones—form the arch…when the tendons do not pull together properly, there is little to no arch. This is called flat foot or fallen arch.” Basically, the inner middle portion of your feet should be slightly raised to properly support your body weight and maintain a healthy foot structure. If it has collapsed, you suffer from flat feet.

There are a variety of factors that can lead to flat feet, including genetic conditions, tendon damage, foot fractures, aging, obesity, arthritis, and many others. If you suffer from flat feet, WebMD explains, your feet might

  • become tired easily
  • be “painful or achy, especially in the areas of the arches and heels”
  • swell at the heel
  • cause leg and back discomfort
  • strain or be unable to move in certain ways, such as “standing on your toes.”

If you have experienced any of the above, we recommend that you Dr. LaMour for a complete diagnosis and customized treatment plan.

Footwear Characteristics to Consider

If you have flat feet, what kinds of shoes should you be wearing? In her Livestrong article on this topic, Deborah Dunham highlights three features your footwear should have if you’re flat-footed:

1.    Support. She advises against “shoes without any support such as flip-flops, sandals, or high heels,” since “these do not give the arch any lift.” At a minimum, she recommends purchasing footwear with “added support” which simply means the shoes “are technically designed to do what a normal arch is supposed to do.”

2.    Stability. Dunham describes, “People with flat feet tend to pronate, or turn their ankle inward when they walk or run.” Stability shoes are specially designed to control the angle of the foot within the shoe and “correct this pronation.”

3.    Motion Control. Particularly for those with flatter feet, Dunham suggests, “motion control shoes…a step above stability shoes with additional support and control to keep the ankle straight when moving forward.” These shoes are jam-packed with extra material to support your feet and lift your arches up as you exercise.

Keeping these three points in mind should help you make better choices when you pick out your next pair of shoes.

Our Recommendations

If you have flat feet, it might feel like there simply aren’t any good shoes for you, but that isn’t true! Dr. LaMour and our team can assist you in finding great footwear that suits your needs and boosts your podiatric health. For example, FootSmart has a wide selection and allows you to sort by ailment, so you can look for shoes designed specifically for flat feet. Riley Jones’ Complex article suggests the “10 best sneakers for runners with flat feet.” For an elegant, pretty look, Barking Dog Shoes spotlights five different styles of gorgeous flats for women with flat feet, including a pair from Taryn Rose footwear, which was “founded by an orthopedic surgeon…designed with room for the toes to wiggle, substantial arch support, and a layer of PORON® Performance Cushioning which is breathable and won’t break down with wear.” If you know what to look for, your options are virtually limitless!

How We Can Help

In addition to diagnosing your condition and helping you find appropriate footwear, Dr. LaMour can custom fit you for orthotics. These inserts can support your arches, enhancing your existing shoes or adding an extra layer of protection to already-supportive footwear.

Do You Have Flat Feet?

Dr. LaMour and our team can help you enjoy healthier, more comfortable feet. Contact our Austin podiatry practice today to learn more and schedule your appointment!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-diseases/the-best-types-of-shoes-for-flat-feet/

Best Shoes for Plantar Fascitis Relief

/0 Comments/in , /by

Do you suffer from a stabbing pain in your heels? In addition to being irritating, embarrassing, and unhealthy, this sensation can make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. While high heels are some of the most common culprits, certain sneakers or even flats can hurt your feet. If you’re struggling with sore feet and can’t find the right shoes, never fear! Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, is here to help. We can help diagnose your plantar fasciitis and recommend the right shoe styles for your condition. Read on to learn more about plantar fasciitis and find the right footwear for your aching heels.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Although it has a seemingly complex name, plantar fasciitis is actually a relatively basic and unfortunately widespread disorder. As The Walking Company explains: “plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, is inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot.” This band, called the fascia, bears the brunt of the force on your feet. Mayo Clinic describes: “Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. If tension and stress on that bowstring become too great, small tears can arise in the fascia.” A wide variety of situations can put undue pressure on your fascia: excessive exercise, sitting for too long, standing for hours without rest, weight gain, arch issues, and more.

Symptoms

Many people suffer from plantar fasciitis without knowing the name of this disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • A sharp, stabbing sensation in the bottom of the foot near the heel.
  • “Pain at the beginning of exercise that gets better or goes away as exercise continues but returns when exercise is completed,” reports WebMD.
  • Discomfort upon walking up stairs or “after you stand for long periods.”
  • According to WebMD, “stiffness and pain in the morning or after resting that gets better after a few steps but gets worse as the day progresses.”

If you suffer from any of the above, Dr. LaMour can help diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Fasciitis-Friendly Footwear

Certain shoes can help ease the discomfort of your sore heels. Fasciitis-friendly footwear typically provides two key components: excellent arch support to hold your foot in the proper position, and solid shock absorption, with the strength and suppleness to take the place of your pummeled fascia.

Beat Plantar Fasciitis points out: “do realize that finding a pair of shoes that work with YOUR Plantar Fasciitis is going to be a bit of a trial and error,” since each person’s feet are different, and you’ll also need to factor in the types of activities you do and styles you prefer. Accordingly, the site breaks down fasciitis-friendly shoes into categories: running, walking, tennis, hiking, slippers, flip flops, and dress shoes. The Walking Company also offers dozens of styles of sandals, sneakers, and dressier options that are appropriate for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Shoe Finale also ranks the top ten shoes for women and men with plantar fasciitis, as well as categorizing them according to motion control, type, upper material, and number of color options.

How We Can Help

While the above resources are a great place to start, Dr. LaMour can also consult with you to help you find a good pair for your feet. We can also prescribe and custom-fit orthotic inserts for your shoes. While changing your footwear can work wonders, we may also recommend our minimally invasive Topaz Treatment to help your fascia heal and ease your heel pain.

Do You Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis?

Dr. LaMour and our team can help you enjoy healthier, more comfortable feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or another podiatric condition, we’d be delighted to assist you. Contact our Austin podiatry practice today to find out more and schedule an appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/best-shoes-for-plantar-fascitis-relief/