Should I Wear Over-the-Counter Shoe Inserts?

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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.

Finding Shoes When Dealing With Bunions

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If you have bunions, you know how difficult it is to find comfortable shoes. Bunions are malformations on the outside of the joint where the big toe meets the foot. These growths alter the shape of the foot, making it painful to wear almost all shoes. In fact, many people with bunions opt to go barefoot as much as possible when at home, for that very reason. Eventually, though, you need to wear shoes. Here are some helpful tips from your Austin, TX podiatrist for finding shoes when dealing with bunions.

Shop at Wide Width Stores

There are some specialty shoe stores online that specialize in shoes in widths from D on up to EE and maybe even wider than that. Getting wide shoes helps to ensure that you don’t irritate the bunion by having a narrow width. This will reduce the possibility for pain as well as help prevent your bunion from getting worse.

Try Shoes With Elastic Bands Across the Top

Some shoemakers are more sensitive to the needs of those with bunions. There are certain styles of shoes that have elastic bands across the area where your bunion is. This allows more people to fit into the shoe size comfortably.

Opt For Shoes With Gaps on the Sides

In summer, you’ll find more shoe selections with straps instead of a full enclosure. These often have gaps right where the bunion is, allowing absolutely no friction on your bunion from the shoe. Many women find this style both flattering and comfortable, in particular.

Get Treatment For Your Bunions

Of course, the best shoe solution for your bunion is to have the bunion treated. Treatment for bunions in Austin, TX is available at your podiatrist’s office. Contact us today to find out what treatments might be available for you.

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.

Common Symptoms of Neuroma of the Foot

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Oftentimes, patients that visit a podiatrist for diabetic foot care in Austin, TX suspect diabetic neuropathy is causing nerve issues in their feet. However, sometimes, a neuroma of the foot can be to blame. While a neuroma of the foot is nerve-related, they are a separate issue, and the symptoms can be slightly different. Take a look at some symptoms of a neuroma of the foot.

Pain in or Between Your Toes

You may experience pain that feels like it is radiating from either your toes or somewhere in between your toes. The pain may even be most prominent in the forefoot, which is the ridge of tissue that runs just behind your toes. For a lot of people, this means more pain when taking a step since the forefoot and toes are used to propel the body forward while walking.

Odd Nerve Sensations After Long Periods on Your Feet

Neuromas can cause odd sensations in different parts of the foot, but this usually happens after long periods of standing. For example, you may feel like the ball of your foot is numb or prickly and tingling. Or, you may have issues with certain toes having no sensitivity as if they have fallen asleep.

Feeling Like You Have Something in Your Shoes

A lot of people that have a neuroma of the foot will come to a podiatrist with the complaint that it feels like they always have something in their shoe. You may feel like there is a tiny, pea-sized stone just under the ball of your foot when you take a step, for example.

Talk to a Podiatrist in Austin, TX for Help

Ready to discuss nerve issues in your feet with an Austin, TX podiatrist? At the office of Dr. Jefferey Lamour, DPM, PA, we can help. Reach out to schedule an appointment with the foot doctor for a closer look and proper diagnosis.