Foot Anatomy 101: The Basics Behind Your Feet!

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Most people take their feet for granted. You probably don’t think about them on a daily basis, but they literally carry you through life. In his To Your Life piece on the subject, Dr. Kevin Wong explains: “After all, [your feet] are the foundation of your body, which means keeping your feet healthy can keep you healthy.” He expands on this by describing the “complex set of steps that makes movement seem smooth and easy…it is truly a symphony of movement when we walk.” This great ability is made possible by the foot’s complex anatomical structure.

Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are intensely interested in the magic of feet. As a podiatric practice, we think everyone should know at least a little more about what makes feet so impressive and important. In the following blog, we go over Foot Anatomy 101 so you can better understand and care for what you’re walking with.

Foot Fundamentals

Your feet are much more complicated and carefully calibrated than you might initially realize. In his Everyday Health piece, Eric Metcalf describes: “The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) considers your feet a marvel of engineering. Together, your feet contain more than 50 bones, accounting for about one-fourth of all the bones in your body.” That’s right—25 percent of your bones for your whole body are contained just in your feet! Metcalfe continues: “And somehow they also make room for more than 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold them together and help them move.” We could truly go on for days about the hundreds of puzzle pieces that come together in perfect harmony to form your feet. In the following, we’ll have to settle for giving you some of the basics.

These Bones Are Made for Walkin’

28 bones come together to form your feet and allow you to move about. The Arthritis Foundation describes the basic categories of foot bones:

  • “Talus – the bone on top of the foot that forms a joint…
  • Calcaneus – the largest bone of the foot, which lies beneath the talus to form the heel bone.
  • Tarsals – five irregularly shaped bones of the midfoot that form the foot’s arch…
  • Metatarsals – five bones (labeled one through five, starting with the big toe) that make up the forefoot.
  • Phalanges (singular: phalanx) – the 14 bones that make up the toes. The big toe consists of two phalanges…the other toes have three.
  • Sesamoids – two small, pea shaped bones that lie beneath the head of the first metatarsal in the ball of the foot.”

These bones function like gears in the elaborate machinery of your feet, allowing you to jump, dance, skip, bike, and beyond. Of course, having so many bones in your feet also makes them particularly vulnerable to fracture. You might not even realize you’ve cracked one of these bones, which is why you should come and see Dr. LaMour if you develop any discomfort or notice anything abnormal with your foot structure. We can diagnose and treat all types of foot fractures.

Great Arches

Dr. Wong asks readers: “do you know how many arches each foot has? If you answered one, you answered like 95 percent of people do – incorrectly. Each foot actually has three arches: one on the inside of the foot, one on the outside, and one across the ball of the foot. These arches are all important and must be functioning properly to facilitate healthy movement and weight-bearing.” Just like a great architectural structure, the curvature of your foot is key. Wearing the wrong shoes, exercising improperly, genetic disorders, or a variety of other factors can cause your arches to be too low (causing flat feet) or too high, which is also unhealthy. If your arches aren’t shaped like they should be, Dr. LaMour can help you correct this.

The Rest

Bones and arches may garner most of the attention when it comes to foot anatomy, but there are many other parts at play in your feet. The Arthritis Foundation explains that, in addition to its impressive 28 bones, each foot contains “30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance, and mobility.” We can’t cover all of these (we wish!), but we can shine a spotlight on the superstar tendon of your feet – WebMD explains: “The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscle and is essential for running, jumping, and standing on the toes.” This tissue, which was the downfall of its mythical namesake, is imminently important, but also particularly prone to injury. Fortunately, Dr. LaMour can assist you if you suffer from tendonitis or another related injury to this important tissue band.

Do You Want to Learn More About Your Feet?

Our Austin podiatry practice is here to educate you and help you enhance your foot health! Contact us today to find out more and schedule your appointment with Dr. LaMour.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/foot-anatomy-101-the-basics-behind-your-feet/

Numb Toes: Why it Happens & What It Means

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Have your toes ever gone numb? Numbness in any part of your body can be unsettling and uncomfortable. Loss of sensation in your toes can make it difficult to exercise, walk, or even stand, depending on the severity. In addition, you might think nothing of the numbness, but it could be a symptom of other conditions, so it’s important to pay attention to it, especially if it is more intense or frequent. Austin foot doctor, Jeffery LaMour, and our team are here to assist you with every aspect of your foot health, from heel to toe. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about your feet. In the following blog, we cover the phenomenon of numb toes. We explain why this happens and what it means.

Symptoms

If your toes are numb, you may experience:

  • A complete loss of sensation, so that you can’t feel it when you touch your toes.
  • A cold feeling in your toes.
  •  The perception that ants are crawling on your toes, which is often associated with numbness or an area of the body “falling asleep.”
  • General tingling in and around your toes.
  • A lessened ability to move your toes.

Most likely, if your toes are numb, you’ll know it. If this occurs on a frequent basis or is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, we recommend that you come in and see Dr. LaMour for assistance.

Numbness and Nerves

To answer questions about why toes lose sensation and what this means, it’s important to understand how nerves and numbness go together. Nerves are the fibers in your body that send messages so you can feel and sense things. If you’re experiencing numbness, this means that something is interfering with proper nerve function. As Medicine Net explains: “numbness of the toes generally is a result of conditions that affect the nerves and/or blood vessels that supply the foot.” While there are many specific circumstances that could be causing numbness, a disruption in nerve transmission (and blood flow, which affects the nerves) is the basic root of the problem.

Common Causes

What in the world is making your feet go numb? There are many potential factors, but some of the most prevalent include:

  • An injury. Trauma to your toes can make them go numb. Livestrong explains: “An injury that causes the tissue in the foot to swell, or causes direct damage to a nerve, can lead to foot numbness.”
  • Flat feet. If your foot doesn’t have a sufficient arch to support your weight and the pressure you exert through activity, the nerves in your feet could become compressed when you move, numbing your toes.
  • Spinal issues. Your spine is a major control center for nerves, so if your toes become numb, it could actually be due to a more general spinal condition. Heathline lists spinal stenosis and a herniated disc as potential causes of toe numbness, for example.
  • Ill-fitting footwear. Wearing shoes that pinch your toes could restrict blood flow and compress your nerves.
  • Colder conditions. If your toes become too cold, this could cause them to go numb.
  • Prolonged sitting or standing. Staying in one place can put undue pressure on your toes and impair the nerves. Wiki How notes: “Often numbness in the feet or toes occurs when you have sitting or standing in one place for a long time…numbness is often triggered by seating positions that pinch the nerves in your legs and/or feet.”
  • Morton’s neuroma. If your numbness is specifically between your third and fourth toes, you could be suffering from a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This occurs when the tissue becomes denser around a particular nerve.

Dr. LaMour can help you determine exactly what your numb toes mean and why they’re happening when you come see us for an examination. We will conduct thorough assessments to make an accurate diagnosis and create a customized treatment program just for you!

Are Your Toes Numb?

Find out why and what you can do about it! Come see Dr. LaMour at our Austin podiatry practice. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-diseases/numb-toes-why-it-happens-what-it-means/

New Years Resolution Ideas- Healthy Feet!

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Happy 2017! Chances are, earlier this week, you made some New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you want to further your career, make better dietary choices, or spend more time with your family. These are all admirable goals! One important New Year’s resolution you might not have considered is improving your foot health. At our podiatry practice, Austin foot doctor, Jeffery LaMour, and our team understand just how crucial caring for your feet is. Your podiatric health can affect your lifestyle, overall well-being, and happiness. We’ve made it our mission to help our patients enhance their lives by repairing, maintaining, and enhancing their feet. In the following blog, find out about our recommendations for starting 2017 out on the right foot.

Don’t Shower Your Feet with Disease

Many people don’t realize just how sensitive and susceptible to infection their feet are. Dr. LaMour always recommends wearing waterproof shoes to protect your feet from the fungi, bacteria, dirt, and who-knows-what-else that lurks in gym showers, on locker room floors, and generally on any public, moist floor. NHS advises: “wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot [a type of fungal infection] and verrucas [tough growths similar to warts that can develop on the bottoms of your feet] when you use public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools, or hotel bathrooms.” Of course, if you do become infected with a condition like athlete’s foot, Dr. LaMour and our team can treat you, but prevention is the best medicine.

Practice Good Podiatric Grooming

Having long, dark, hard toenails and feet covered in calluses can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Implementing some simple techniques can help you enjoy feet that look and feel great this year. Washing your feet daily cuts down on odor and reduces your risk for infections. You should also trim and file your toenails at least once per month. In addition to making you feel more confident in open-toed shoes, giving yourself a routine pedicure can help save you the discomfort of ingrown toenails.

If you want to go above and beyond for beautiful feet, you can follow Rebekah George’s tips in her Prevention piece, “Secrets of Perpetually Pretty Feet.” She provides easy, at-home solutions for a wide variety of foot maintenance concerns, from thick toenails (“coat nails nightly with Vaseline”) to calluses (“exfoliate daily”).

Get Regular Podiatric Check-Ups

One of the best things you can do for your feet in the New Year is to stay updated with your podiatric care. Dr. LaMour and our team would be delighted to see you for your annual examination. At this appointment, we can teach you more about foot care, catch any conditions before they worsen, and provide more customized suggestions for attractive, healthy feet this year.

Enjoy Healthy Feet in 2017

Are you ready to make a resolution for your foot health? Simply applying any one (or even all) of the above tips could help make this year the best yet for your precious pads. Contact us today to find out more and schedule your next appointment with your Austin foot doctor!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/healthy-diet/healthy-foot-challenge/new-years-resolution-ideas-healthy-feet/

How Do Flat Feet Affect Your Body?

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As a podiatry practice, we know that your feet are the foundation of your overall well being. Lacking a healthy arch can have an impact on many areas of your body, literally from head to toe. Flat footedness is exactly what it sounds like. Mayo Clinic defines this chronic condition: “You have flat feet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up.” Being flat-footed may not cause you immediate issues—in fact, you may not even notice the change in your arches—but this disorder can seriously disrupt your body’s alignment. Austin foot doctor, Jeffery LaMour, strives to educate our patients about their podiatric health so they can take better care of their feet. Read on to learn how flat feet affect your body.

How to Tell if You Have Flat Feet

It may be difficult to tell for yourself if your arch has flattened, so it’s best to come and see Dr. LaMour if you suspect you suffer from this condition. However, Foot Smart offers a few tips to determine the state of your pads. If you “feel discomfort/pain in your feet and ankles…[or] feel uncomfortable walking or standing for long periods of time,” these could be symptoms of flat-footedness. In addition, if your “foot turn[s] outward at your ankle” or your “posture [is] strained, especially in your hips and lower back,” these could be outward indicators.

You can also “do this simple test on yourself: Get your feet wet. Stand normally on a flat surface where you can see the imprint of your feet, such as a sidewalk. Step away from your imprints and look at the wet marks.” The “inside curve of your foot” should be “missing,” since, if your feet are appropriately aligned, it would be elevated off of the ground. If you don’t notice a dry portion in your imprint, you should most definitely contact us for an appointment with Dr. LaMour.

Common Causes

There are many possible sources of flat-footedness. Of course, it is “normal in infants and toddlers, because the foot’s arch hasn’t yet developed,” explains Mayo Clinic. Certain abnormalities can lead the arches never to develop fully. In addition, Foot Smart notes that “weakened muscles in the foot, ankles, and lower leg from aging or weight gain” can flatten the foot, as can “standing or walking for long periods of time” in uncomfortable shoes “without proper arch support.” NHS also warns that you may have flat feet if you notice your” shoes…wear out quickly,” since “the feet rolling inwards to much (overpronation)” is associated with flat-footedness.

Also, failing to properly treat podiatric issues such as ankle sprains or fractures can cause long-term damage and result in flat-footedness. This is why it is particularly important to seek medical attention if you injure your feet or notice irregularities.

A rare but relevant form, called “tibialis posterior tendonitis,” is an adult-acquired flatfoot” that progresses due to swelling or tears in the arch, and typically causes greater discomfort than normal flat-footedness.

The Wide-Ranging Repercussions

Foot Smart describes the holistic effect of flat feet: “Because your feet help support your entire body, having strong arches is important to your body’s health. When those tendons and ligaments weaken, your arch collapses…with a fallen arch, your tendons and ligaments weaken and cause intense pain throughout your feet, ankles, and lower leg muscles,” as well as creating “a weakened posture and discomfort through your hips and lower back.” Improper posture can also cause head and neck problems over time.

In fact, in her Daily Mail article on the subject, Jenny Hudson reports: “many thousands…suffer headaches and other problems as a result of the effect that flat feet have on your posture…poor posture is linked to approximately one in four severe headaches” Furthermore, flat-footedness and its associated symptoms can worsen every time you walk, run, dance, or put any pressure on your fallen arches. Due to its ripple effect throughout your body, flat feet could affect any area.

Treatment Options

If you’re dealing with flat feet, Dr. LaMour will examine your arches, consider your general condition, and devise a customized treatment plan to help you. This could include simpler remedies such as wearing supportive tape or braces, putting orthotics in your shoes, doing physical therapy, or taking anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, caused by bone or tendon damage, surgery may become necessary.

Do You Have Flat Feet?

The sooner you seek treatment for flat-footedness, the better, as it will be easier to address, and help you avoid the far-reaching effects of this condition. Dr. LaMour is here to help you take charge of your foot health and maintain a healthy arch. Contact our podiatric practice today to schedule an appointment and find out more about your feet.

 

Top 4 Causes of Ankle Pain

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Our ankles are one of the most sensitive areas of our bodies. Most people have probably experienced ankle pain at least once in their lives. It isn’t always easy to identify exactly what’s causing that sharp sting or dull ache in your ankle, however. That’s where your Austin foot and ankle doctor, Jeffery LaMour, comes in. Our experienced, knowledgeable team is happy to help you diagnose and treat any podiatric issue so you can enjoy healthy feet. In this week’s blog, we cover the top four causes of ankle pain, so you can prevent, spot, and treat them.

1. Achilles Tendon Conditions

In the Greek legend, a man named Achilles was completely invulnerable, except for a single spot on his heel. Many modern Americans deal with the same difficult area. The so-called “Achilles tendon” spans from the bottom of he heel up through the calf. Disorders having to due with this tissue often cause ankle pain. Athletes sometimes struggle with Achilles tendinitis, damage and aching due to overuse. A more advanced version of this injury is Achilles tendon rupture. According to Mayo Clinic, this occurs when the “strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone” tears, or ruptures, “completely or just partially.” Ankle pain is a symptom of both conditions, as well as other injuries relating to the Achilles tendon.

2. Fracture

The ankle is the meeting place of three major bones: the talus, tibia, and fibula. If any one of these breaks, you may experience ankle pain. More severe fractures may be obvious, but if you’re suffering from persistent discomfort and can’t figure out why, you may have a smaller, hairline break in one of these bones around your ankle.

3. Arthritis

Although there are many kinds of arthritis, the vast majority of them can cause ankle pain. The Arthritis Foundation explains: “actually, ‘arthritis’ is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease,” and notes: “more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis,” making it quite common, regrettably. Since the ankle is a crucial, and often especially sensitive, joint, it is often affected by arthritic conditions. Ankle pain could be a sign that this joint has begun to break down, swell, become infected, or suffer from some other sort of disorder.

4. Sprain

WebMD reports: “Every day in the U.S., 25,000 people sprain their ankle.” This type of injury is so common that patients tend to label virtually any kind of ankle pain a “sprain,” but it does have a more specific, exact definition. Mayo Clinic defines it: “a sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist, or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tougher bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together.” Chances are, if you’re dealing with ankle pain, you’ve suffered a sprain. However, since the ankle is a delicate joint and there are many potential causes, it’s important to get it checked out by a foot and ankle doctor like Jeffery LaMour. In addition, a simple sprain could lead to further complications if not appropriately addressed.

Dr. LaMour Can Assist with Your Ankles

Of course, it’s possible that the cause of your particular ankle pain isn’t on this list. If you’re experiencing discomfort at this joint, we strongly recommend you come in for an appointment at our Austin practice. Dr. LaMour will conduct a thorough examination of your ankle, perform any necessary diagnostic tests, pinpoint the source of your discomfort, and provide a customized treatment plan designed just for you.

Do You Suffer from Ankle Pain?

We can help you understand why and provide the treatment you need to find relief. Contact your Austin foot and ankle doctor today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Healing Cracked Heels and Dry Skin

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Most of us never even consider the skin of our heels—that is, until they become dry and cracked. Dealing with scratchy, dehydrated, broken heel skin can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. As the Institute for Preventive Foot Health explains, “cracked heels, also called ‘heel fissures,’ are a fairly common foot condition,” unfortunately. While “for many people they are merely a nuisance or cosmetic problem,” they can also become “painful” or even “bleed.” Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, and our team are here to help you handle any foot-related condition you come across. Read on to learn more about cracked heels and dry skin.

The Hassles of Heels

Even people who don’t otherwise have dry skin can suffer from cracked heels. In their article on the subject in Foot Vitals, Dr. Marc Katz and Dr. James Milidantri note: “The skin on our feet is naturally dry, unlike the skin on the rest of the body. The skin on our feet has no oil glands, so it relies on hundreds of thousands of sweat glands to keep our feet moisturized.” Heels are especially prone to this dry sensitivity, which can progress into split skin. Knowing that all heels have this tendency, it’s important to take particularly good care of yours.

Symptoms

Dry heel skin comes in several stages. Foot Smart describes: “One of the first signs of dry, cracked heel is formation of thick, discolored callus tissue that may cause pain with everyday pressure-related activities like walking or running.” Your skin may also turn red, yellow, or white, peel, flake, itch, or develop a rash. At this point, it is incumbent upon you to remedy your skin before it worsens. If you fail to treat this roughening skin, “you may eventually notice small or even deep breaks that may cause bleeding to occur.” This development could make being on your feet uncomfortable or even impossible. Furthermore, if still not handled, this open heel skin may swell or become infected, inflicting further damage on your feet.

Causes

There are many potential sources of dry, cracked feet.

Many include behavioral factors, such as:

  • Bathing in very hot water.
  • Using moisture-stripping soaps.
  • Turning up your home’s heating system, which can dry out the air.
  • Exposing your heels to excessive sun.
  • “Standing for prolonged periods of time, specifically on hard floors,” according to Live Strong.
  • Wearing “thin-soled shoes that expose the heel of the foot,” per LiveStrong.

Fortunately, these are relatively easy to avoid, thus protecting your pads in the process.

Chronic conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disease, obesity, kidney problems, deficiencies in certain vitamins, or diabetes may also contribute to this disorder. In addition, many patients’ heels tend to become drier as they get older.

Healing Heels

Fortunately, dry skin and cracked heels are typically quite simple to treat, especially if you catch this condition early enough. If your skin is beginning to become dry, simply ceasing risky behaviors (such as extra-hot showers or wearing thin-soled shoes) could do the trick. Dr. LaMour also recommends soaking your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in warm water and carefully exfoliating the skin with a loofah. You can also use a foot moisturizing lotion daily, particularly those with peppermint. If you’re willing to try an overnight treatment, you can also apply petroleum jelly to your heels, sealing it with thick socks while you sleep and it soaks in. Dr. LaMour only suggests this approach, however, if your heels have no open skin.

If dry, cracked heels have begun to take a toll on your ability to walk, putting bandages over the affected areas may help them heal. Dr. LaMour can also fit you for a custom-made orthotic to help take the pressure off of your heels.

In severe cases, Dr. LaMour and our team can help you treat bleeding or infection with prescription medications or procedures, as needed. However, we hope to help you handle your feet such that this isn’t necessary.

Contact Your Austin Podiatrist Today

Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels or another bothersome foot condition? Austin podiatrist, Dr. LaMour, can help. Contact our podiatry practice today to find out more and schedule an appointment.

Repair Your Feet with this Advanced Treatment

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We live in a time of great technological transformation. It seems like every day brings a new innovation to help us live better lives. In the twenty-first century of medicine, Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are committed to using state-of-the-art technology. We want the patients at our practice to benefit from the best our field has to offer. We’re especially excited about a tool or technique if it allows our patients to recover faster, ease their discomfort, and enhance their foot health without taking more invasive measures. That’s why we’re proud to provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Discover more about PRP therapy and what Dr. LaMour can do for you in the following blog.

The Power of Platelets

Basically, PRP therapy involves harnessing the power of your very own blood to help you heal yourself. As the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society explains, “platelets are small cells in the blood that help form clots to stop bleeding.” Platelets protect you from excessive bleeding when you injure yourself. PRP therapy involves pumping up the platelets in your own blood so that this plasma can be injected into your foot. Concentrated platelets “[contain] a large number of growth factors…[which] stimulate healing.” As the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society notes, “the goal [of PRP therapy] is not only to relieve symptoms but to create actual healing. In some cases, PRP may reduce the need for medication and/or surgery.”

This cutting-edge treatment has been widely discussed in the medical community over the past two decades. In her 2009 Scientific American article on the topic, Carina Storrs highlights how “athletes such as Tiger Woods and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hines Ward have undergone platelet-rich plasma therapy.” She notes: “It is safe. We’re using it. Anecdotally it certainly seems to have some positive effects.” More and more people are experiencing the advantages of this high-tech, minimally invasive treatment every day.

How it Works

Despite the sophisticated systems involved, the PRP therapy process is relatively simple for the patient. First, Dr. LaMour will evaluate your foot health and determine if PRP therapy is an appropriate choice for you. We will create a customized treatment plan for you, possibly incorporating our many other services. Next, we will draw a small amount of your blood. We will then spin it in a centrifuge to heighten the platelet proportion. Other components of the blood will separate out, leaving us with a 93 percent platelet concentration. Finally, Dr. LaMour will inject this beneficial substance into the symptomatic area of your foot and ankle. You’ll need to be gentle with your feet for a few weeks, especially around the injection site. We may recommend that you wear a protective boot. Once you’ve recovered, you can go back to your regular routine, hopefully with much healthier feet.

Who Can Benefit from PRP Therapy?

This trailblazing technique can help treat a variety of conditions. Dr. LaMour recommends it for:

  • Chronic foot and ankle issues (such as persistent pain from an ankle sprain or arthritis).
  • Sports injuries. PRP therapy is popular among athletes because it helps their feet, ankles, and lower legs bounce back from the strain of their activities.
  • Plantar fasciitis. In their Podiatry Today piece on the subject, Dr. Babak Baravarian and Dr. Lindsay Mae Chandler argue that this “heel pain caused by deterioration of the plantar fascia [the ligament in the arch]” is often an ideal case for PRP therapy. They have “seen promising results with the use of PRP in plantar fasciitis for decreasing pain, improving function, increasing activity, and decreasing recovery time.”
  • Tendonitis, or inflammation in the “Achilles” tendon, which runs along the calf to the heel. PRP therapy can help patients more quickly recover from this common condition.

Austin podiatrist Dr. LaMour can examine your feet and ankles to determine if you could benefit from PRP therapy.

Experience Cutting-Edge Podiatry Technology

Would you like to learn more about the latest ways to maintain and improve your foot health? Contact your Austin podiatrist today to schedule an appointment at our beautiful practice.

Morton’s Neuroma: Causes and Treatment

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Do you know that infinitely irritating feeling when you get a small rock stuck in your shoe? Can you imagine having that feeling constantly? This is one of the main symptoms of a foot condition called Morton’s neuroma. Most likely, you’ve never heard of this disease. Many people are not familiar with foot disorders, which makes maintaining their podiatric health much more difficult. Austin foot doctor, Jeffery LaMour, is well versed in a variety of podiatric conditions, he can assist with virtually any ailment that might befall your feet. In this week’s blog, we’ll describe the basics of Morton’s neuroma so that you can learn more about your feet and find out what to do if you suffer from its symptoms.

A Quick History Lesson

Unfortunately, people have been suffering from Morton’s neuroma for centuries. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society explains: “Morton’s neuroma was first described by Queen Victoria’s surgeon chiropodist…in 1845.” It got its namesake in “Thomas G. Morton of Philadelphia” in 1876. While he correctly described the symptoms, he didn’t get the cause quite right. A fully accurate medical account of Morton’s neuroma came “in 1940, [when] L.O. Betts confirmed that Morton’s neuroma pain was attributed to the swelling of the interdigital [between the toes] nerve.”

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

This foot condition is characterized by a distinctive discomfort. Those who suffer from Morton’s neuroma experience a particular kind of pain between their third and fourth toes—often sharp, sometimes burning, occasionally numb, and, in many cases, the persistent feeling of a pebble in the shoe. This sensation may also spread throughout the ball of the foot or surrounding toes.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes the physical circumstances that create these symptoms: “a neuroma is a benign tumor of a nerve. Morton’s neuroma is not actually a tumor, but a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes.” While it isn’t cancerous, and it usually doesn’t cause a visible lump, this growth can cause significant discomfort.

What Causes It?

While podiatrists are not completely sure, Morton’s neuroma appears to be caused largely by external factors. Mayo Clinic explains: “[the condition] seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes.” According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “the incidence of Morton’s neuroma is 8 to 10 times greater in women than in men.” In many cases, tight constricting footwear is the culprit for this condition. Ladies’ stilettos are often the source of their symptoms. Playing sports that put undue pressure on the toes can also cause Morton’s neuroma—Mayo Clinic highlights “snow skiing [and] rock climbing” as risky, but even more basic activities such as “jogging or running may subject your feet to repetitive trauma.” In addition, people suffering from other podiatric deformities (including “bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or flat feet”) may be more likely to suffer from Morton’s neuroma.

Treating Morton’s Neuroma

Austin foot doctor, Dr. LaMour, and our team will determine the appropriate course of action depending on the severity of your Morton’s neuroma and your specific situation. Depending on the circumstances, we may suggest:

  • Changing your footwear. It never hurts to go easy on your feet for a while and save the high heels for special occasions. You can also shop for smarter shoes that look great but have a wider toe so as not to hurt that interdigital nerve.
  • Reducing your participation in sports or activities that wear on your feet. We may recommend techniques to take pressure off of your toes while you continue to play.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications to provide short-term relief.
  • Icing your feet to numb the affected region.
  • Injected steroids, which can provide longer-lasting relief.
  • Surgery to modify the surrounding tissue or remove the affected nerve. Dr. LaMour will only take this approach for more severe cases.

Learn More From Your Austin Foot Doctor

Do you think you may be suffering from Morton’s neuroma? Would you like to discover more about your foot health? Contact Dr. LaMour’s office today to find out more or schedule an appointment.

On Your Feet All Day? How to Care for Overworked Feet?

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The average person takes thousands of steps per day – and those who work on their feet take many more. Although it can be beneficial to move around and not sit at a desk, people who stand or walk frequently at work certainly experience their share of foot soreness and fatigue.

Choose the Right Shoes

If you are on your feet for long hours each day, you need to consider function over fashion when it comes to shoes. Sure, high heels, flip flops, and pointy toes look attractive, but they could cost you the health of your feet in the long term.

Wearing shoes without proper support and comfort can cause or exacerbate a wide range of problems. Minor issues such as blisters and corns and more severe issues such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, and pain in the hips, back, and knees can all result from wearing the wrong shoes for long periods.

Do the right thing for your feet – and the rest of your body – by wearing shoes with good arch support, a wide toe box, and proper support for your ankles. Shoes approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) are a safe choice.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Well-hydrated feet are healthy feet. Standing for long periods can lead to swelling and water retention, so flush it out by drinking plenty of water and non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day. This may also give you more energy, as even mild dehydration has been linked to fatigue.

Care for Sore Feet

Sometimes even the best cared-for feet need some pampering at the end of a long day. One of the best ways to give sore feet a break is with simple elevation. Put your feet up and rest!

In addition, heat feels good on tired feet, so try a warm foot soak or bath with Epsom salts. Some people find that essential oils such as peppermint are not only soothing, but smell great too.

A foot massage can feel wonderful at the end of a long day, so ask your spouse if he or she would be willing to oblige. A good foot massage can relax muscles and ease the soreness of tired feet. If you don’t have a live person to massage your feet, try a massage ball, available at many shoe stores. Simply roll the textured ball around under your foot for a relaxing DIY massage!

Stretch Out

Finally, be sure you properly stretch the muscles in your feet and legs at the end of the day. Stretching is not only relaxing, but it helps improve flexibility too. Gently stretch toes up and down, flex and point the foot, and be sure to stretch the calves. Don’t stretch too vigorously and don’t “bounce” while stretching. If you’re doing it correctly, it should make you feel good, not cause more pain.

Your feet carry you throughout your day, so treat them right! Care for them each day, and make sure you have a great podiatrist on your side if problems arise. Contact Dr. Jeffery LaMour and his experienced podiatry staff today!

Getting Feet Ready for Fall

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As the summer sandal season comes to a close, it’s time to think about cooler temperatures and a change in footwear. But before you slip on a pair of boots or fleece-lined clogs, give your feet some healthy pampering to get them ready for the change in weather.

Dry Air = Dry Feet

With fall comes lower humidity, and indoor heating. Many people find that their skin is drier this time of year, and feet are no exception. Heels are particularly susceptible to dryness, and can crack and split, causing pain when walking.

To avoid this problem, invest in a quality foot cream and apply it to heels and other dry spots after bathing. People with diabetes should pay close attention to their feet and make sure they apply a moisturizer as recommended by their podiatrist.

Some people find that regular petroleum jelly works fine for keeping feet soft, but you’ll likely want to put on socks afterward to avoid getting the floor (or your shoes) greasy. Don’t apply your moisturizer between the toes, however, as this can encourage fungal growth.

Try a Pumice Stone

If you spent a lot of time barefoot this summer, your feet may be responding with roughness and calluses. Sometimes a moisturizer isn’t enough to tackle this problem. Exfoliating with a pumice stone is a great way to remove dead and callused skin so the lotion or cream can penetrate more effectively.

Check Your Boots and Shoes

You likely have some fall and winter footwear that’s been pushed to the back of the closet all summer. Examine fall boots and shoes for signs of wear both inside and out. Try them on to ensure they still feel comfortable, don’t rub, and support your feet properly. If they don’t meet all these criteria, consider purchasing some new shoes.

Remove Nail Polish

Sure, you can still have polished toenails in the winter, but if you’ve had them painted all summer without a break, it’s time to remove that polish and examine them. Thick, yellow nails are often a sign of a fungal infection – which is easily picked up at places like public pools when you’re walking around barefoot. If you see a problem, don’t apply more polish. Instead, pick up an over-the-counter antifungal treatment and see your podiatrist if the problem doesn’t improve.

Avoid Overly Hot Footwear

Even in the cooler months, socks and shoes that don’t allow feet to breathe can be a problem. Warm, moist environments are perfect for fungus, and often cause unwanted foot odor. In addition, rainy fall weather can get your feet soggy, and you’ll need to allow adequate time for footwear to dry before wearing it again.

Choose natural wicking materials such as wool, and alternate shoes and boots so you have a dry pair to wear each day.

Healthy feet are always in season. If you have foot pain or another concern, contact the office of Dr. Jeffery Lamour to schedule your appointment!