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.

Do I Have to Only Wear Flat Shoes Forever?

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If you have had trouble with your feet, your Austin, TX podiatrist may have indicated that at least part of the trouble may be with your footwear. Improper footwear can cause a host of problems with feet and other parts of the body. But don’t take that to mean that you can only wear flat shoes for the rest of your life. Both high heels and flats can cause feet trouble.

The Trouble With High Heels

High heels are fashionable, but they aren’t the best kind of footwear for your feet. They can cause and exacerbate several problems, like:

Forcing Feet into an Unnatural Position

Excessively high heels place undue pressure on the metatarsal and sesamoid bones as well as the bones in the toes. This leads to inflammation because of the stress and pressure. Frequent wear may even cause hairline fractures in these bones.

Heel Pain

The hard area at the back of standard high heels rubs against the ankle bone at the back of the foot. This painful pressure can cause bursitis, swelling, blisters and intense discomfort in the Achilles tendon.

The Trouble With Flats

Flat shoes aren’t necessarily the answer, either. They have their own issues:

Lack of Arch Support

Popular shoes such as ballet flats and flip flops offer zero support for the arch of the foot. This can cause problem called plantar fasciitis in Austin, TX, which is when the band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched, torn or inflamed. Lack of arch support in shoes is often the culprit behind “mysterious” back, knee and hip pain.

Moderate Heels Are Okay

The solution may be to opt for moderate heels that are no more than two inches in height. This type of shoe lends itself to the natural shape of the foot and supports the arch.

Never ignore foot pain, as it can indicate serious problems that could be helped with timely treatment. For any kind of foot pain or other issues, visit Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, your Austin, TX podiatrist.

What is a Foot Neuroma and How Can You Treat It?

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A neuroma is a painful foot condition that develops between your toes. You may also hear your podiatrist in Austin, TX refer to a foot neuroma as a nerve tumor or simply a pinched nerve. Foot neuromas are a benign condition caused by an overgrowth of nerve tissues.

Symptoms and Causes of Foot Neuromas

The symptoms of neuromas sometimes mimic those of other food conditions, making it difficult to determine a diagnosis without visiting a podiatrist. The most common things to look for include:

  • Pain in the ball of the foot when you apply pressure to it
  • Pain towards the front of your foot and in between your toes
  • Numbness and tingling in the ball of your foot
  • Swelling between your toes

Foot neuromas are more common in women than men, mainly because women wear high heels and other types of shoes that can contribute to the problem. Be sure to wear shoes with low heels that provide your toes with adequate room to move to avoid developing neuromas. Look for shoes with laces or buckles that make it easy for you to adjust the fitting and avoid squeezing your feet too tightly. Other potential causes of foot neuromas include:

  • Having flat feet or feet with high arches
  • Repeated stress, such as a job that requires you to stand all day
  • Trauma to the nerves of the foot

Your shoes should also have thick and shock-absorbent soles along with insoles to take pressure off the foot. Wearing additional padding in your shoes near the toe area can also help prevent nerve damage to the toes that results in neuromas.

This problem typically gets worse without treatment. Dr. Jeffrey Lamour will determine if you could benefit from custom orthotics in Austin, TX or any other remedies during your initial appointment.

Modern hardworking young female feeling tired after long walk on

Recognizing and Treating a Ganglion Cyst on Your Foot

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Ganglion cysts contain jelly-like fluid and form a hard lump at the point of a joint or tendon. The word ganglion refers to the knot-like lump or mass that forms beneath the surface of your skin.

Causes and Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts of the Foot

Despite being the most common type of benign soft-tissue mass, doctors still do not know the precise cause of ganglion cysts. The most logical explanation is that they develop in response to repeated micro-traumas or a single trauma. Your ganglion cyst may change size and even appear to go away for a time only to return. Typical symptoms include:

  • Appearance of a hard lump
  • Pain and irritation when wearing shoes due to the friction caused between the lump and shoe
  • Burning or tingling sensations if the cyst has developed near a nerve
  • Dull ache or pain if the cyst presses against a tendon or joint

If you suspect you could have a ganglion cyst on your foot, schedule an appointment for podiatry services in Austin, TX right away.

What Are Your Treatment Options for a Ganglion Cyst?

If the cyst does not cause you pain or affect your walking, Dr. Lamour may decide to monitor it to see if it will go away on its own. Wearing different shoes or a temporary slipper shoe can also help. Draining the fluid from the cyst and injecting it with steroid medication in a process called aspiration and injection can also help. You may need to complete the process more than once, and the cyst may grow back even larger in some cases.

Surgical removal of the cyst is another possibility and it has a much lower recurrence rate than aspiration and injection. As an experienced podiatrist in Austin, TX, Dr. Lamour will discuss all treatment options and allow you to choose the one that seems right for you.

How Diabetic Neuropathy Affects Your Feet

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Approximately two-thirds of people with diabetes develop some type of nerve damage. Neuropathy, which mainly affects the limbs, is the most common. You are at highest risk of developing neuropathy if you have uncontrolled blood sugar levels for a long time. Your age and the number of years you have had diabetes also play a role in whether you develop diabetic neuropathy and the severity of the nerve damage.

How Peripheral Neuropathy Affects the Feet and Legs

As the most common type of neuropathy in diabetics, peripheral neuropathy typically affects the feet and legs first followed by the arms and hands. Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet include:

  • Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
  • Tingling sensation best described as the feeling of pins and needles against your feet
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Sores and ulcers that heal slowly and can lead to other complications
  • Numbness
  • Intolerance to hot and cold temperatures
  • Problems with balance and coordination

People with diabetes are also more prone to developing toenail fungus, cuts, blisters, and calluses on the feet. Due to diminished sensations in your feet from the peripheral neuropathy, you may not notice these problems until you have developed an infection. Left untreated, each of these diabetic foot problems can cause an ulcer that could lead to amputation of a foot or lower leg.

Prevent Serious Diabetic Foot Problems by Working with an Experienced Podiatrist

Routine foot check-ups are vital when you have diabetes. Dr. Jeffrey Lamour will assess your feet at each visit and recommend appropriate treatment for any problems he detects. He can also recommend custom orthotic footwear and provide you with tips to properly care for your feet at home. With something as important as your mobility at stake, you cannot afford to overlook the importance of quality care from your local podiatrist in Austin, TX.