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.

arthritis-causing-heel-pain

Can Arthritis Cause Heel Pain?

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Heel pain can be a sign of any number of issues, including joint inflammation, bone infection, or tendonitis. In rare cases, though, it can be a sign of an underlying problem. Arthritis doesn’t usually manifest as heel pain, but it’s important to have it on your radar. Becauseheel pain in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, can show up before any other symptoms of arthritis, it’s important to get heel pain taken care of so you know what’s behind the discomfort.

Arthritis and Heel Pain 

While it’s rare for arthritis to cause arthritis, it may help to know how different types of arthritis manifest in heel pain:

  • Rheumatoid: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints in the foot. It can also wear down the pads of the foot that protect the heel and the ball of the foot.
  • Psoriatic: This condition mimics rheumatoid but targets different joints. The actual results are the same in terms of how your heels feel, but in addition to the pain and swelling of the joints, you may also see differences in the skin or the nails.
  • Reiter’s: Reiter’s Disease is joint pain that’s usually caused by an infection. Reiter’s will manifest as heel spurs, and a podiatrist may be able to use those symptoms to catch infections.

Podiatrists in Austin or Pflugerville

Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, a podiatrist with offices in Austin and Pflugerville, TX, knows that pain in the foot can come and go. However, if you have heel pain that’s unexplainable or doesn’t clear up in a week or two, it may help to get the situation checked out. Contacting our staff for an appointment means that you can pinpoint the cause, whether it’s a common problem like plantar fasciitis, or something rarer like arthritis.

person with pain in heel

Will My Heel Pain Go Away on Its Own?

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In some instances, heel pain may go away on its own, but there could be risk involved. Mild pain can become severe if left untreated. For this reason and others, it’s always a good idea to ask for help. If you’re suffering with heel pain, there’s no need to go it alone. Your podiatrist in Austin, TX, has a treatment that’s sure to help. From bursitis to heel spurs, relief is available. But the sooner you call a professional, the sooner treatment can begin, and the sooner your pain will end.

What Could Be Causing My Heel Pain?

There are many reasons why your heel may hurt, but plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are probably the two most common. Neither of these conditions will clear up without treatment, so if you’re struggling with sudden pain, it’s important to call your podiatrist. Other causes of heel pain include:

  • Heel spurs
  • Inflammation
  • Stress fracture
  • Bone infection
  • Arthritis
  • Neuropathy

The pain associated with several of these conditions can be severe, and the condition may worsen without treatment. However, most are simple enough for your podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville to treat when you schedule a consultation.

What Type of Treatments Work for Heel Pain?

Often, your foot doctor can prescribe medications to ease pain and reduce inflammation in the heel. Or, they may refer you to physical therapy, where a professional therapist can stretch and manipulate your foot to ease your pain. Your podiatrist may also give you exercises to do at home between visits to help alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Steroid injections and surgery can also be helpful.

Help for Heel Pain in Austin, TX.

If you need help with pain in your heel, and you live in Austin, Pflugerville, or the surrounding areas, Dr. Jefffery LaMour, DPM, PA is available to take your call. Schedule a consultation today.

Heel pain, hand on heel

Who is most at risk for heel pain issues?

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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.

Heel Pain

Top 3 Causes of Heel Pain and How to Treat Them

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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.

Top 3 Treatments for Healing Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

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Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This occurs as the “fascia” (muscles, ligaments) across the bottom of the foot connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis has many signs and symptoms, including stabbing pain when walking, especially after more extended periods of rest. The most common symptom is immediate extreme pain after waking up in the morning, with the pain gradually decreasing throughout the day.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Causes range from identifiable issues to simple overuse. Most Americans will feel some heel pain throughout their lives. Those who are overweight, spend considerable time running, or are aging could experience more extreme pain in their ligaments.

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

There are not many at-home remedies that are used to treat Plantar Fasciitis. There are certain things you can do to relieve some of the pain, including

  • Applying a cold, then hot, compress the area
  • Light stretching
  • Light movement every 15 minutes
  • Resting the area when swollen or in pain

To tackle the root of the issue, three main techniques used by Dr. Lamour of Austin, TX are:

TOPAZ

This is the least invasive procedure. The procedure involves using a “wand” device that delivers radiofrequency waves to the affected area. The energy that is created naturally stimulates circulation and healthy tissue repair.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is a naturally occurring substance found in your blood. A sample of your blood is processed and reinfected into the painful area. Over time, the injections help to promote natural healing within your body to regenerate the fascia.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT)

Similar to TOPAZ, this therapy comprises waves of energy that are directed to the skin, which promotes a quick healing response. It is non-invasive and used to treat more milder issues.

Experienced Podiatrist in Austin, TX

Dr. Lamour is a licensed podiatrist who has dedicated his life to proper foot care for his patients. During your free consultation, he will be able to provide an appropriate course of action based on your unique situation.

How to Know if You Have a Heel Spur

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Heel spurs contain a bony outgrowth made up of calcium deposits. They develop under the skin and can be difficult to see, but you can usually feel them. One of the most common reasons that people develop heel spurs is that they have plantar fasciitis. The cause of plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that stretches across the bottom of the foot and connects the heels and toes together.

Other Causes of Heel Spurs

Heel spurs can also develop in response to other underlying conditions, including arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Here are some additional reasons you may develop a heel spur:

  • Wearing non-supportive or improperly fitted footwear such as flip-flops.
  • Overuse injuries that develop from jumping and running on hard floors and other surfaces. These actions can cause heel spurs by wearing down the arch and heel of your foot.
  • Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on your feet and can eventually lead to heel spurs.

Typical Symptoms Associated with Heel Spurs

Although heel spurs are not always visible without an X-ray, some people notice a small protrusion on the area of their heel where they feel pain. Other common symptoms include:

  • Hot and burning sensations
  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Tenderness in the heel makes it difficult to walk barefoot or with non-supportive shoes

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, your local podiatrist in Austin, TX, if you notice any of these symptoms. He will examine your foot and take an X-ray to help him make a formal diagnosis.

Heel Spur Treatment

Resting your foot and placing ice on the heel is the first-line treatment for heel spurs. Dr. Lamour will also give you stretching exercises and advise you to take anti-inflammatory medication if needed. Physical therapy, special orthotic shoes, and cortisone injections are additional options to consider.

Using Amniotic Fluid Injections for Heel Pain

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Your body has an uncanny ability to heal injuries, but it does have its limits. Plantar fasciitis and other repetitive stress injuries, for example, overwhelm your body’s healing abilities, leaving you in pain more often than not. Fortunately, your podiatrist in Austin TX can help boost the healing power of your body with cutting-edge treatments, like amniotic fluid injections for heel pain. Wondering how this treatment jumpstarts the natural healing process? Here’s what you need to know.

How Amniotic Fluid Injections Work

Amniotic fluid injections surround damaged tissues with stem cells, giving your body the building blocks needed for healing. The influx of new, healthy cells helps reduce inflammation, while promoting regeneration of the damaged tissues. The reparative process continues for about 12 weeks, although it’s possible you could experience relief far faster than that.

Signs You Could Benefit from Amniotic Fluid Injections

You might benefit from amniotic fluid injections if:

  • You have a serious injury to your heel, foot, or ankle
  • Initial treatment methods did not provide the desired results
  • You’d prefer to stick with non-steroid treatments for pain

A wide range of conditions respond well to these injections, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendinitis, and serious ankle sprains. Your podiatrist will need to assess if you’re a good candidate before starting this treatment.

Find Relief with Help from Your Austin Podiatrist

Are you hoping that amniotic fluid injections can help with your heel pain in Austin TX? If so, you need to call 512-451-3668 and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. LaMour. Through a complete examination, it’s possible to find the best treatments for your heel pain – and help you get on the path to healing. So, please feel free to call the clinic today to find a great time to vis

Heel Pain

7 Signs It’s Time to See Your Podiatrist

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If you’re experiencing foot pain, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist in Austin, TX. Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as plantar fasciitis and diabetic neuropathy begins with a comprehensive foot exam. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, make that call today.

1. Pain in the Heel

Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. This condition happens when there are small tears along the band of tissue that connects the heel with the toes. Often a result of athletic injury or overuse, plantar fasciitis may be immensely painful.

2. Painful Toenail

Ingrown toenails make it difficult to wear shoes without significant pain, and this can be a problem for those who spend a lot of time on their feet. If left untreated, pain can worsen, and your toe may become infected. S

3. Redness and/or Swelling in the Foot

Redness and swelling could be an indication of gout. Gout flareups are terribly painful and often attack the big toe. This condition is caused by a form of arthritis, and early diagnosis and treatment will save you unnecessary pain and discomfort.

4. Bruising

Bruising on or around your feet is usually a sign of injury. Making an appointment with your podiatrist may help prevent trauma from worsening.

5. Tingling or Burning Sensations in the Feet

Burning and tingling sensations in the hands and feet are sometimes linked to diabetic neuropathy. If you think you may have nerve damage from diabetes, it’s vital to seek medical attention right away.

6. Severely Dry, Cracked, or Bleeding Skin

Severely dry or bleeding skin is painful, especially skin located on your heel. Seek medical attention if you notice issues with dry skin in this area. It could be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

7. Open Sores

Open sores on your feet could be another indication of diabetes. You must take special care to address sores, so they don’t worsen or become infected. Your podiatrist in Austin, TX, can help.

Care for your feet just as you do the rest of your body, and address foot problems in Austin, TX, promptly. Call Dr, Jeffery LaMour, DPM today for early diagnosis and treatment.

Heel pain Austin TX

Heel Pain Causes, When to Contact a Doctor, and More

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The heel is a densely thick and rounded bone in the base of the foot. This one bone delivers the primary support for the full weight of your body when you are standing and taking steps. If you have heel pain, it can be detrimental to your ability to get around.

What are the common causes of heel pain?

Heel pain can stem from a list of conditions, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bone spurs in the heel
  • Achilles tendinitis

Heel pain that comes on suddenly is most often related to an injury. The heel is a thick, dense bone, but it can sustain a fracture just like other bones. you may sustain a fractured heel during a fall, by jumping or falling from an especially high place, or if you have osteoporosis that weakens the bone.

Some people may also experience heel pain by wearing shoes that do not offer enough support or are poorly made. For example, flip-flops don’t always have enough cushioning for the heel and the lack of support for the rest of the foot can put more stress on the heel as well.

When should you seek a doctor’s opinion?

Any time you have a sudden onset of heel pain it is a good idea to seek a doctor’s opinion. In any other situation, it is best to see a podiatrist if your heel pain persists beyond a few days or is interefering with your ability to stand and walk.

How is heel pain treated?

The podiatrist in Austin, TX will examine your heel, perform physical tests to pinpoint the location of your pain, and may require an x-ray or MRI to get a closer look at the bone structures and tendons of your foot. Once they have determined the source of the problem, they will proceed with a treatment plan specific to your case. Something like a heel fracture may require medications to help with pain and inflammation and prescribed rest, while something like a heel bone spur may require surgery to correct.

Find Out More About Your Heel Pain with the Help of an Austin Podiatrist 

Heel pain may not always be something that comes and goes. Sometimes, it can signify the presence of an injury or deeper issue. Reach out to us at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour DPM, PA to talk to our Austin podiatrist about your heel pain.