3 Important Facts About Blood Circulation in Your Foot

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Most people know that the body will try to protect the core first. This is why your hands and feet will start to feel colder if you’re in a cold environment. Your hands and feet are important, but they’re not as important as your heart. We’ll look at what else you should know about blood circulation in the foot and what you can do to keep everything moving.

1. Poor Circulation Can Manifest in Different Ways

Poor circulation can show up as anything from cramping to skin ulcers. If you have pain, tingling, or numbness, it could be due to poor circulation. It’s worth noting that if your foot falls asleep occasionally, this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you’re constantly feeling the sensation, it might be time to see a foot doctor in Plugerville, TX.

2. The Vessels in Your Feet Are Small

Even more than your hands, your feet are more likely to have poor circulation. Not only are these extremities furthest from your heart, making them less likely to get the nutrients they need from the blood, but they’re also packed with smaller blood vessels that can be easily damaged.

3. There Are Things You Can Do

There are plenty of ways to manage poor blood circulation, regardless of what types of conditions you face. From regular exercise to better shoes to keeping diabetes and high blood in check to seeing a podiatrist, it’s important to take steps to keep your circulation as peppy as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about how to do what’s best for your feet, whether that’s diabetic foot care in Austin, TX, or just general questions about your symptoms, the offices of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, is here to help.

What Is Fibrous Scar Tissue?

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When your body is injured, whether it’s from a fracture or a burn, it will get to work trying to heal itself. It’s one of the body’s most tremendous assets, but the healing process can also leave its essence behind. We’ll look at how fibrous scar tissue is formed and what you can do to treat it.

The Process of Fibrosis

The body can generate what’s known as fibroblast cells, which have the proteins needed to repair tissue if your foot has been injured. It takes some time for the proteins to work together as one, but once it does, you’ll start to feel better one day at a time.

However, everyone’s healing process is different, both in terms of how long it takes and how exactly the body reacts to the dangers at hand. If your body produces too many proteins or those proteins can’t quite all work in harmony, you’ll end up with fibrous scar tissue. This type of tissue doesn’t present with a lot of external symptoms.

You won’t feel a bump in the foot due to it, nor will you find yourself itching it from time to time. The best indication that you have is that the tissue will feel thicker or stiffer at certain parts of the foot.

Treating Foot Pain in Pflugerville, TX

If you’re looking for treatment options for ongoing foot pain in either Austin or Pflugerville, the offices of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, has two locations to serve you better. There are several ways to help break up scar tissue so that your body can take care of the problem on its own. If you’re looking for the best course for you, talk to us to get a better idea of what to do next.

Why Foot Care Is So Important for Diabetics

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Diabetes is a serious medical condition that may cause nerve damage and loss of sensation in your legs and feet. While this may sound preferable to the pain of neuropathy, it comes with its own set of challenges. Without the sensation of pain, you may not be able to tell when you’ve suffered an injury. As a result, even something so small and insignificant as a blister can cause bigger problems when left untreated. Your podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX, can help you manage your foot care if you struggle with diabetes.

How to Care for Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

When it comes to diabetic foot health, prevention is key. Catching problems early or preventing them from occurring altogether is the best plan of attack. There are many things you can do at home to take care of your feet, including:

  • Always wearing socks, shoes, or slippers
  • Washing and checking your feet daily
  • Exercising care when trimming toenails
  • Elevating your feet when sitting
  • Keeping regular appointments with your podiatrist for routine exams

These simple activities can go far in preventing injuries. They will also help you spot any injuries you can’t feel. In this way, you can seek treatment before your condition worsens.

Diabetic Foot Care in Pflugerville, TX

If you have diabetes and need help managing your foot health in Pflugerville, TX, call Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM. PA, today. One of our friendly associates will be happy to schedule a convenient time for you to come in for a diabetic foot exam. We’ll give you pointers on how to keep your feet healthy at home and when to seek medical help. Call today to learn more.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html

Diabetic Foot Care

Girl legs in sandals on summer vacation

4 Features to Look for in Feet Supporting Sandals

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With summer well on the way, you may be geared up to trade in your boots and shoes for warm-weather sandals. Remember, you can get custom orthotics in Austin, TX, even for sandals. However, before heading off to the shoe store in search of the best flip-flops and open-toed sandals, check out a few features to look for in summer footwear that can actually properly support your feet.

1. Well-Cushioned Heels

The heel takes the brunt of your weight when stepping. Therefore, make sure the sandals you are considering have a sturdy heel formation with a bit of cushion to absorb the shock of each step.

2. Arch Support

Sandals are relatively notorious for not offering enough arch support. However, walking on a flat footbed when your foot has a natural arch can put a lot of stress on the tendons in your foot. Therefore, make sure the sandals have at least a small amount of arch support. Adding orthotics may be an option if you have especially deep arches.

3. Durable Sole and Footbed Material

Take a look at the sole of the sandal and consider:

  • Can the sole protect your foot from jagged rocks or sharp objects?
  • How much traction does the sole of the sandal have?
  • Does the sole have some level of rigidity when you flex it?

4. Good Fit

It may go without saying, but well-made sandals are only good if they actually fit your feet. Make sure to try sandals on before buying them. Ensure your feet rest inside the frame of the footbed with no hangover, even the tips of your toes. Also, make sure the sandals stay secure on your feet when you take a step. Shifting and movement can cause issues with blisters and chafing but also put you at risk of a fall.

Get Advice About Footwear from an Austin Podiatrist

Good shoes can work wonders for your foot health, possibly even preventing a visit to see an Austin podiatrist. Need advice about the best footwear or custom orthotics? Reach out to the office of Jeffery Lamour DPM, PA to schedule an appointment.

It’s Grass-Mowing Season: Use These Top Tips for Preventing Heel Pain

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Springtime rolls around every year, and if you’re using a push mower to cut your grass, it may feel like most of the rolling happens over your feet. Heel pain can be just as much a harbinger of spring as the sighting of the first tulip in bloom. So take the advice of your podiatrist in Austin, TX, and use these timeless tips to make that springtime yard work a little less painful.

Wear the Right Shoes

Yardwork like mowing and trimming can put real stress on your feet. You may end up with heel pain, blisters, and more. For these reasons, it’s important to find shoes that are compatible with outdoor work. Choose ones with good tread to prevent slipping, a water-resistant coating to keep feet dry and comfortable, and plenty of padding. Make sure they fit well and don’t crowd your toes, either.

Wear the Right Socks, Too

You probably never think about your socks, but they’re just as important as shoes when it comes to preventing heel pain. Compression socks are a good choice for preventing problems such as heel pain, swelling, and inflammation because they apply pressure, which supports the arches of your feet. They also help to increase blood flow to the area.

Do Some Warm-Ups Before Working Out on your Grass

Mowing grass is a pretty physical activity, especially when you’re using a mower that’s not self-propelled. This means you need to stretch and warm up beforehand, just as you would before hitting the gym or the jogging trail. Just a few minutes spent stretching your calf muscles and Achilles tendon may be enough to save you from the discomfort of heel pain.

Find Help for Heel Pain in Austin, TX

If you need help with heel pain in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour is just a phone call away. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

3 Chronic Diseases That Can Affect Your Feet

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Many medical conditions can impact the health and function of your feet. Three of the most common include arthritis, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Your podiatrist in Austin, TX, can tell you more about how to protect your feet if you’ve recently received a diagnosis.

Arthritis

There are roughly 100 different types of arthritis that affect the foot and ankle. All make it difficult to perform simple, everyday tasks such as walking to the mailbox or standing in line to see your favorite movie.

There’s no cure for arthritis, but symptoms can be managed to improve your quality of life. The first step in managing arthritis of the foot and ankle is to see your podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis. Treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Assistive devices
  • Medication
  • Surgery

Diabetes

Patients who struggle with diabetes need specialized foot care because high levels of sugar in the blood can cause painful nerve damage. Decreased blood flow to extremities can also cause numbness, making it impossible to tell when you’ve cut or punctured your foot. Wounds like these heal much more slowly in patients who have diabetes, and it’s much easier for infection to set in.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s vital to seek routine care from a podiatrist. It’s also important to learn how to manage your condition so that your blood sugar levels remain at healthy levels most of the time.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease is caused by too much plaque on the walls of your arteries. Eating a diet high in fat and living a sedentary lifestyle may both contribute to peripheral artery disease, and sores may form on the toes and feet that refuse to heal. Your podiatrist can help you manage peripheral artery disease through lifestyle changes and medication.

If you recently received a diagnosis of arthritis, artery disease, or diabetes in Austin, TX, Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour, DPM, PA, can help you manage it. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Common Myths About Neuroma of the Foot

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You may feel as if you have a rock or marble tucked into your shoe, which is incredibly uncomfortable. What is causing this? You could be dealing with a neuroma of the foot. Custom orthotics in Austin, TX may help, but it is also important to better understand this painful foot condition. Take a look at a few common myths associated with foot neuromas.

Myth: The neuroma is cancerous.

Foot neuromas are not cancerous, even though the name itself seems to apply the growth is cancerous. And, a neuroma is commonly associated with what is often referred to in medicine as a tumorous growth. However, the neuroma is actually not even a tumor; instead, the condition is characterized by thickened tissue that sits around the nerves of the digits.

Myth: Neuromas only affect the two toes next to your pinky toe.

While neuromas are most commonly found developing in between your third and fourth toe, a neuroma can develop in other areas as well. For example, a neuroma can develop between your second and third toes just the same.

Myth: Shoes have nothing to do with neuromas.

While what causes neuroma development in the foot is not entirely known, the shoes you wear on your feet can have some bearing. Your shoes or most commonly worn footwear can have a great deal with the development of a foot neuroma because they affect the toes and the nerves between the toes. Women are actually more likely to develop a neuroma than men because women are more likely to wear shoes that squeeze the nerves between the toes.

Find Out More About Foot Neuromas from an Austin Podiatrist

Are you dealing with a great deal of foot pain, and you’re not sure of the cause? It may be time to speak to an Austin podiatrist for advice. Reach out to the office of Dr. Jeffery Lamour DPM, PA to schedule a visit today.

 

How Your Gait Can Cause Back Pain

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Back pain is a common health problem that can significantly impact your daily life. Although many factors can cause back pain, your gait, or the way you walk, can also contribute to it. IN fact, your back’s health depends in large part on your gait.

Understanding Gait

Gait refers to the pattern of movement when you walk or run. It involves complex interactions between muscles, bones, and joints throughout the body. A healthy gait is essential for maintaining balance and stability while walking or running. However, an abnormal gait can cause problems such as back pain.

How Your Gait Can Lead to Back Pain

An abnormal gait can contribute to back pain in several ways. Poor posture during walking can cause your spine to become misaligned, leading to stress and strain on your back muscles and joints. Orthotics in Austin, TX can help correct these issues. Your gait can also cause back pain if you have an underlying foot or leg problem. For instance, if you have flat feet, your feet may roll inward excessively (overpronation) when walking, leading to an imbalance in your hips and lower back.

Preventing Back Pain from Gait Problems

Fortunately, you can prevent back pain caused by gait problems. One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to wear the right footwear. Shoes with good arch support can help correct any abnormalities in your gait and reduce stress on your back. Working with a podiatrist can also help identify any underlying foot or leg problems that may contribute to your gait problems. The podiatrist can provide custom orthotics or recommend exercises to improve your gait and reduce the risk of back pain.

Your gait has a strong influence on your back health. By working with a podiatrist in Austin, TX and wearing proper footwear, you can improve your gait, reduce the risk of back pain, and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Prevent Foot Fungus This Summer

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Foot fungus is more prevalent in summer due to the high heat and humidity conditions. While foot fungus is usually not serious, it can lead to serious problems if not properly treated by a podiatrist in Austin, TX. Besides being incredibly uncomfortable, foot fungus can lead to problems wearing shoes, walking and generally participating in life’s most enjoyable activities. Here are some simple ways to prevent foot fungus this summer.

Avoid Tight Shoes

Thick and tight shoes trap moisture, creating a perfect environment for fungi to grow. This makes your feet more prone to developing athlete’s foot. Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and stay dry.

Invest in Quality Shoes

Shoes made of plastic heat up faster and have a poor breathability score compared to leather or canvas shoes. Investing in quality shoes can help reduce the risk of getting athlete’s foot.

Avoid Public Swimming Pools and Gyms

Athlete’s foot-causing bacteria thrives in warm and humid environments like public swimming pools and gyms. Consider other exercise options, especially if you have a weaker immune system.

Keep Feet Dry

To prevent athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry. Moisture and heat are two things that fungi need to thrive. Use antifungal talcum powders to keep your skin dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Remove Shoes After Exercising

Remove your shoes after exercising and clean your feet with antibacterial soap to kill any harmful bacteria on your skin.

Wear Socks Made of Natural Fabrics

To reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot, wear socks made of natural fabrics such as cotton or silk. These materials are more breathable and help keep your skin comfortable and cool during the summer.

Athlete’s foot may be prevented this summer by taking these simple steps. If you do get athlete’s foot in Austin, TX, contact your podiatrist for advice and treatment. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

full-length-portrait-from-back-male-traveler-exploring-summer-forest-vacation

3 Ways to Take Care of Your Feet In the New Year

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Are you taking good care of your feet? You should be! Taking good care of your feet helps ensure that walking around is as comfortable as possible. There are many small things you can do to take care of your feet. Below are a few things you can do to help ensure that your feet stay healthy in the new year.

1. Wear Shoes that Fit Right

Wearing shoes that don’t quite fit can lead to problems like blisters, infections and ankle injuries in Austin, TX. It’s important to wear shoes that fit right. There are many ways to tell if a shoe fits correctly, and many shoe stores will offer a professional fitting to tell you which size is right for your feet.

As a general rule, if you can slide one finger between your heel and the heel of your shoe, and the fit is snug but not too tight, then the shoe probably fits your feet well. If your feet rub the sides in a way that is painful, you may need extra wide shoes.

2. Wear Clean, Dry Socks

Socks help wick away moisture from your feet and shoes. If your socks are too moist, this can cause fungus growth in your shoes. Change your socks every day, and wear clean, dry socks.

3. Moisturize Your Feet At Night

Feet can develop a layer of rough, dry skin that can crack. To avoid this problem, moisturize your feet at night.

Are you experiencing foot pain? See the foot doctor in Austin, TX. At Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, we can help you take care of your feet. If you’re experiencing foot pain, call today to make an appointment.