What Makes a Good Podiatrist?

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This article will offer some points that patients should consider when choosing, evaluating, or recommending a podiatrist. The article will include several factors that are tell-tale signs of a ‘good’ podiatrist, including:

Are you considering going to a podiatrist, but you’re not sure how to decide which podiatrist is best for you? Like choosing any other type of physician, selecting a podiatrist is not an easy undertaking. You could ask friends and relatives for a recommendation, but how can you be sure that their opinion is the same as yours would be? Advertisements and commercials aren’t reliable either.

So how do you know if the podiatrist you’re interested in or the one you’re currently seeing is worth his or her salt? The following guidelines that can help you save time and effort in choosing or evaluating a podiatrist.

If you don’t already have a list of podiatrists you’re interested in, start by gathering recommendations from others, or researching online or in the local phone book to make a list of podiatrists in your area. Next, make an appointment with one of the podiatrists on your list. The purpose of the appointment is for you to have a chance to evaluate the podiatrist via your personal interaction. During your visit, you’ll be able to tell if your chosen podiatrist is a good one if he fits the following criteria:

Provides personalized treatment options, not ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions

When you tell the podiatrist about the foot problems you’re experiencing, does he or she automatically recommend surgery or another expensive treatment? A good podiatrist will provide you with a range of options to choose from, depending on the nature and severity of your specific problem.

Listens to patients

A good podiatrist will be willing to spend time listening to your concerns and questions as a new patient about any issues or complications you have with your feet. Your podiatrist should not make you feel rushed during your appointment and should build trust with you as a patient by providing clear and understandable answers to your questions.

Board certified, and/or member of a professional association

Check your podiatrist’s credentials, background, and education to verify his or her qualifications. A good podiatrist should not only be well-trained and experienced, he or she should be Board-certified by a credible authority and should also be a member of at least one professional association, such as the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Professional associations set high standards of behavior that all members must follow to remain in good standing.

Satisfied patients

A good podiatrist should be able to provide testimonials or references from other patients. If these aren’t readily available on the podiatrist’s website or in the office, don’t be afraid to ask for them. If possible, ask for permission to contact 2 or 3 patients so you can understand what their experiences with this podiatrist were like.

If you’re looking for a highly-qualified, experienced and Board-certified Austin podiatrist, make an appointment with Dr. Lamour. With over 15 years in business in Austin, Dr. Lamour has a proven track record of providing stellar service to his patients.

Diabetes and Your Feet: How to Avoid An Amputation

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Having diabetes makes you more likely to develop certain physical complications. Your feet are particularly vulnerable when you have diabetes since people with the condition are at increased risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and neuropathy – two conditions that cause nerve damage and circulation problems in your extremities. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing infections and a decreased ability to get rid of infections. The combined factors of poor circulation, loss of feeling, and a relatively high risk of infection makes diabetics more prone to frequent – and sometimes severe – foot problems. When diabetic foot problems are at their most severe, the only solution may be amputation of one or more toes, or, the entire foot.

How Diabetic Foot Problems Occur

There are a number of diabetes complications that can affect the toes and feet and eventually lead to the need for an amputation. These include:

Loss of feeling – Nerve damage from PAD causes a loss of sensation in the feet, reducing the ability to sense when the foot has been injured or irritated. Unattended foot wounds can quickly develop into a larger problem.

Poor circulation – Diabetes also damages blood vessels, decreasing the blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation from damaged blood vessels weakens bones and joints in the foot and ankle. As a result, people with diabetes are at a high risk for breaking bones in the feet.

Development of foot abnormalities – Nerve damage can also create motor problems with the foot which can warp and deform its natural shape. Conditions like Charcot foot – a severe foot deformity – contribute to the development of infection and ultimately lead to disability.

Foot injury and infections – With diabetes, the smallest foot blister, cut, or scrape can quickly turn into a severe infection that can be limb-threatening or life-threatening.

How to Prevent Amputation Due To Diabetes

Manage your health

Control the aspects of your health that can cause poor blood flow. Don’t smoke. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. And of course, be sure to monitor and control your blood sugar by following your medication plan, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.

Protect your feet from injury and infection

Wear properly fitted, comfy and protective shoes – avoid shoes that expose your feet or toes, and never walk barefoot. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly each day to keep infection-causing bacteria at bay. These tips for avoiding foot infections can also help.

Practice good foot care habits

Inspect your feet closely each day, keeping an eye out for red pressure spots, cracks in the skin, and early corns, calluses, or blisters. Have professional pedicures by a specialist in diabetic foot care, and follow our tips for a safe pedicure. Have your podiatrist show you how to safely groom your feet at home. Be sure you see your podiatrist regularly, especially if you have any existing foot problems or deformities.

Dr. Lamour and his staff have been providing diabetic foot care to Austin-area patients since 1997. Schedule your next foot checkup today to stay on track with your diabetic foot care routine.

Tips to Improve Your Basketball Footwork

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March Madness is finally here! If you’re a college basketball fan, the month-long display of basketball skill and school pride that is the NCAA tournament is probably one of your favorite times of year. Aside from shooting ability, footwork is one of the core skills of top basketball players that fans marvel at and amateur players envy.

Every move that basketball players make on the court involves proper footwork. Those players that master the fundamentals of basketball footwork can often outmaneuver a player with natural talent. Even if basketball isn’t your sport, footwork exercises can help keep you at the top of your preferred game.

The following exercises for better foot coordination and foot health tips will help improve your moves whether you’re a basketball player or cross-training for another sport.

Basketball Footwork Tip #1: Improve balance, jumping ability and agility

By incorporating the right exercises into your training regimen, you’ll gain additional coordination and strength in your lower body. Balance exercises not only engage the core muscles of the abs and back, they are ideal for helping basketball players safely and effectively perform on-court maneuvers like quick turns or lunges.

USA Basketball – the official governing body for both women’s and men’s basketball in the US – recommends a 3-part system to improve vertical jumping ability. It combines a flexibility component, a strength component, and a power component to get your lower body in shape for making jump shots and dunks without injuring your feet and ankles.

Agility – the ability to quickly change speed and direction – is a useful skill for basketballers to work into their training routines. These 6 exercises to improve agility from the American Council on Exercise, recommend the use of equipment like medicine balls and cones, but you could quickly adapt most of the exercises to make use of more common household items. 

Basketball Footwork Tip #2: Get the Right Shoes

To help protect players from the dreaded ankle injuries that are common in basketball, shoes should be basketball-specific, with lots of ankle support and shock absorption. Well-constructed high-topped shoes offer more ankle support and are recommended for basketball players. Basketball shoes should fit well (see our shoe buying guide for tips) and be replaced before the soles become smooth or before the uppers begin to tear apart. A typical basketball shoe should be replaced every two to three months if used for regular play (4 or more days per week).

Basketball Footwork Tip #3: Have regular foot and ankle check-ups

Athletes of any sport put a lot of wear and tear on their feet, and basketball players are no exception. Be sure to have regular foot checkups with your podiatrist to monitor the health of your foot and catch any problems that might lead to injury or improper foot function.

Don’t wait until you have a sports-related foot injury before making your next podiatrist visit. Contact us today for a complete and thorough assessment of your feet and ankles. We’ll give you personalized recommendations to keep your feet in their best shape for game day.

6 Pain Relief Methods for Plantar Fasciitis

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The nagging pain of plantar fasciitis can not only affect your ability to perform daily activities, it can also affect your mood. Easing heel pain from plantar fasciitis may require a combination of approaches to be effective in providing the relief you’re after. Here are some of the proven, best ways to get rid of heel pain.

Rest

Take some time out of your busy schedule to literally put your feet up. Stop or reduce activities that seem to be causing your heel pain. Get rid of the heels and switch to more comfortable shoes with good arch support. Get a professional foot massage, or give yourself one at home.

Stretching exercises

Tightness of the Achilles tendons and calf muscles can contribute to heel pain by keeping the plantar fascia in a constantly tense state. Regular stretching can help lengthen and relax the plantar fascia. Try out our recommended exercises for heel pain to help loosen things up. They’re perfect for morning heel pain that can make it hard to get your day started.

Pain medications

Anti-inflammatory medications are an effective pain treatment for plantar fasciitis. Options range from over-the-counter NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, to doctor-administered cortisone injections.

Night splints

Night splints help keep the ankle in an overnight position that elongates the plantar fascia. This creates less tension in the heel, and, as a result, less pain. Several studies have shown that night splints improved heel pain in roughly 80% of people who use them. Night splints appear to be especially beneficial for those who’ve been experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis for longer than 12 months.

Ice packs / Ice soaks

Since cold helps reduce inflammation, ice can be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Ice massages, ice baths, or ice packs have all been used to relieve heel pain. With an ice massage, ice is rubbed over the painful heel using a circular motion and moderate pressure for five to 10 minutes. To make an ice bath, fill a shallow pan with water and ice, submerge the heel and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the toes out of the ice water to prevent injuries from exposure to the cold. Crushed ice in a plastic bag or a bag of frozen corn or peas wrapped in a towel make for good ice packs because they can be molded to the foot and heel. It’s best to use ice therapy after exercise, stretching, or after a day’s work.

Orthotics

Over-the-counter arch supports may be useful for those with mild heel pain. Custom, full-length orthotics that provide semi-rigid arch and heel support have proven successful in treating plantar fasciitis heel pain. Heel cups decrease the impact on the heel bone, reducing plantar fascia tension by slightly elevating the heel on a soft cushion.

Are you struggling to find an effective solution for your persistent heel pain? Contact our Austin-area podiatry office for a thorough examination of your foot. We can help pinpoint the cause of your heel pain and provide you with the right options for finding relief.

Everyday Habits That Are Bad For Your Feet

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We’re all creatures of habit. There are dozens of little things that we do each day that feel like second nature to us because we’ve been doing them for so long. But when it comes to habits that affect the health and function of our feet, some of those regular routines can spell bad news.

What’s more, many of us aren’t even aware which habits can hurt our feet. Some habits that we think are beneficial, may actually be doing our feet more harm than good.

Five of the most common bad foot habits that can create foot woes include:

Wearing shoes without socks

Fungus – like the kinds that causes fungal nail infections – grows in dark, moist environments, including shoes. Sticking your feet into shoes without socks exposes them to a potentially contaminated environment and increases you risk of an infection. To cut down on the risk, use an antibacterial spray or powder inside your shoes after wearing them. Wash your feet daily, making sure to dry between the toes where moisture can get trapped. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes multiple days in a row – allow time for them to air out between wearings.

Wearing heels or flip-flops regularly

High heels and pointed-toe shoes contort your feet into an unnatural position and can create structural imbalances throughout the rest of your body that increase your risk for injuries like ankle twists and sprains. Wearing heels for prolonged periods of time can affect the bones of your toes and feet, and can cause existing bunions to get worse. Over time pain, tension, and discomfort can develop from regular wearing of heels, and these symptoms may debilitate into plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and other chronic foot issues. On the ‘flip’ side, flip-flops and many ballet flats offer little support and can lead to heel pain, and pain under the ball of the foot.

Going barefoot

Flip-flops are recommended, however, in damp public spaces like gym locker rooms, public pools, and showers. Fungi and bacteria can thrive in these environments, so it’s best to always wear flip-flops or shower shoes when you’re in them. Going barefoot in non-moist environments can also expose your feet to injury from sharp objects and accidents. Going barefoot may be especially risky for people with diabetes, who may not be able to feel if their feet have been injured by something they’ve stepped on.

Not replacing running shoes often enough

Old, worn-out running shoes don’t provide adequate support or shock absorption for your arch, heel and ankles, which can make you more prone to injury. As a general rule, running shoes should be replaced every 300 miles.

Treating toenail fungus at home

There are tons of over-the-counter and home remedies for treating toenail fungus. However, many of them can be ineffective. To really treat nail fungus, you’ll need to enlist the help of your doctor, who will be able to prescribe topical or oral prescription medication to get rid of toenail fungus.

Have your unhealthy foot habits started to catch up with you? If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, or are concerned about the health of your feet and ankles, contact our Austin podiatry clinic today.