March 30th is National Doctors’ Day! Celebrate Doctors with 4 Ideas

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National Doctors’ Day is just two days away! Physicians, surgeons, and other types of medical practitioners are an important part of all of our daily lives. They help us stay healthy so we can take care of our families, enjoy our favorite activities, and accomplish our goals. National Doctors’ Day is a time for all of us to honor this important role in our society.

At our Austin podiatry practice, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are delighted to serve each and every one of our valued patients. We look forward to National Doctors’ Day as a time to remember the important relationships we share with our clients. In the following blog, we provide four ideas for celebrating this holiday. Read on to learn our suggestions for showing your doctors that you appreciate them.

1. Write a handwritten card.

One of the best ways to show you care is to write a nice note to your doctor, telling him or her how much you appreciate his or her help. You can explain how medical care has impacted your well-being or simply send good wishes to your physician. Ask an MD provides his firsthand experience: “trust me, doctors are normal people: we always love it when people thank us for a job well done.” Just in case you’re worried about how to phrase your thanks or word your appreciation, Ask an MD adds: “trust me, your doctor will be thrilled any way you say it.”

Furthermore, a handwritten card could benefit your doctor in other ways. Will, a New York Times user, advises: “the best thing you can do to show appreciation to a physician is to write to their superior or department chairperson (if they are at an academic center) or the chief of staff at their hospital (if they are in private practice) and tell that person how great the physician is.” We all love it when our boss is pleased with us, including doctors!

2. Send a small gift.

Especially during the holidays or on a special day like National Doctors’ Day, it can be appropriate to send a gift to express your gratitude. In her New York Times article, “When Your Doctor Is on the Gift List,” Tara Parker-Pope explains the etiquette of doctor presents: “Although small tokens like cookies or fruit baskets don’t usually pose a problem, physicians struggle with the ethics of accepting more costly or more personal gifts from patients.” A little present is an inexpensive but thoughtful way to show your doctor that you care.

3. Come in for a routine appointment.

You may have heard the adage: “prevention is the best medicine.” Coming in to see your doctors for regular examinations and consultations can help you catch conditions before they worsen and learn how to avoid future problems. For example, many patients don’t realize that it is very important to come and see your podiatrist at least once a year. Your feet are fundamental to your overall health, and your daily life would be very different without their proper function. Dr. LaMour and our team would be thrilled to see you. We offer a wide variety of foot and ankle services to help you keep your feet in excellent condition.

4. Take care of yourself.

It might sound cheesy, but as medical professionals, we know it’s true: the best gift you can give your doctor is taking care of your health! Our ultimate goal is for our patients to lead happy, healthy lives.

Celebrate National Doctors’ Day With Us!

We’d love to see you at our Austin podiatry practice to enjoy this doctor-full holiday! Contact us today to find out more and schedule your next appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/march-30th-is-national-doctors-day-celebrate-doctors-with-4-ideas/

Icing Your Ankle After a Sprain

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Approximately 850,000 Americans suffer from ankle sprains every year, according to Right Diagnosis. Unfortunately, this common injury can be quite uncomfortable, limiting your ability to walk, run, move, and go about your daily life. Since sprains are so widespread, everyone seems to have a different remedy for them. One simple but effective solution is to ice your ankle. We speak from experience on this issue—Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, and our team frequently assist patients with ankle sprains. In the following blog, we go over the basics of sprains, explain how icing your ankle can help, and describe how we can help you.

What is a Sprain?

Many people refer to any sort of ankle injury as a “sprain”, but this disorder actually has a more specific definition. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Ortho Info page explains: “an ankle sprain occurs when the strong ligaments [the bands of connective tissue that hold a joint in place] that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear.” Chances are, you’ve suffered a sprain: “Ankle sprains are common injuries that occur among people of all ages. They range from mild to severe, depending upon how much damage there is to the ligaments.”

All sorts of situations can lead to a sprain. You could harm your ankle in this way by tripping, falling, wearing inappropriate shoes, exercising too hard, stumbling, or simply holding your foot at the wrong angle. Any activity that twists your leg or foot could put you at risk for a sprain. Everyone should know the signs of this prevalent condition and learn how to care for their ankles.

Sprain Symptoms

You may have suffered a sprain if:

  • Trouble putting weight on the affected ankle. This could be slight (a mild limp or discomfort only at certain angles) or severe (a complete inability to engage in everyday activities).
  • Inflammation. Your ligaments and other tissue may swell as your body attempts to repair the sprain.
  • Discoloration and tenderness due to bruising.
  • “Coldness or numbness in your foot” due to reduced blood flow, according to Family Doctor.
  • “Stiffness” or loss of mobility, due to the discomfort and the fact that damaged ligaments can limit your range of motion.

If you experience any of the above, we recommend that you come and see Dr. LaMour for treatment.

A Cool Cure

Ice is one of the most widely recommended remedies for sprains, and for good reason. Chilling the tissue can be highly beneficial. This simple treatment can:

The Faster Skier blog describes just why icing can be crucial to healing a sprain: “when the body is hurt…physiological reactions begin to take place automatically. The five most recognizable signs of inflammation are: redness, swelling, loss of function, warmth, and pain. Visualize a large flame coming from the injured body part…Icing is a way to ‘put out the fire’ that is occurring in your body.” It helps alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and limit cell degeneration to keep your tissue in top shape.

However, you should ice your ankle with caution and make sure to cool it properly. Family Doctor points out: “the cold can damage your nerves if you leave ice in place too long. You should only use ice for up to 20 minutes at a time.” Dr. LaMour can provide more information about proper icing protocols at your appointment.

Contact Our Austin Podiatry Practice Today

Have you injured your foot? Dr. LaMour can assist with ankle sprains, fractures, athlete’s foot, and a variety of other podiatric conditions. Contact us today to find out more and schedule an appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/icing-your-ankle-after-a-sprain/

Did I Break My Foot? Signs You Need to See a Doctor

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Have you ever broken your foot? Chances are, you may have. According to WebMD, “about 1 out of every 10 broken bones occurs in the foot.” This may seem unrealistic, but not when you consider that “25 percent of all the bones in the human body are down in your feet,” according to Foot.com. Furthermore, “when these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of your body.” Unfortunately, many people ignore problems with their feet because they don’t consider them important, but, as Foot.com points out, your feet are the foundation of your well-being. Read on to learn about the signs of a fracture and find out when you need to see a doctor like Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour.

Broken Foot Basics

As WebMD describes, “the human foot has 26 bones.” If one or more of these fractures, you have a broken foot. You may think that a break would be obvious, but this is not always the case. Of course, you may have a dramatic crack in the bone, shifting part of it to the side and making the nature of your injury clear. However, it’s also possible to develop a thin, tiny fracture, subtle enough to ignore, but unwise not to treat, as it will most likely worsen as you continue to put pressure on your feet. WebMD labels these “stress fractures…small cracks can form in bones over a longer period of time from repeated stress on the bones.”

There are many potential reasons your foot may break. WebMD reports: “bones usually break when something happens to crush, bend, twist, or stretch” them. Kicking too hard, tripping, falling, or misaligning your feet could all be the culprits of a fracture. You can minimize your risks for a broken foot by avoiding strenuous exercise, wearing appropriate footwear, and seeing your podiatrist for regular checkups.

Sprains Explained

If you’ve ever injured your foot, you may have found yourself pondering: “is it a sprain or a fracture?” These can be difficult to distinguish from each other, and they often occur at the same time. So, what exactly is a sprain? The American Podiatric Medical Association explains that unlike a broken bone, “a foot or ankle sprain is a soft tissue injury. Most often, a sprain occurs when an injury pulls, stretches, or tears the ligaments that connect bone to bone.” If you sustain enough damage to your foot to break a bone, chances are, you’ve also injured your soft tissue, as well. Sprains share many symptoms with fractures (particularly discomfort and swelling), so it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, even if your injury is “just a sprain,” it’s crucial that you see your podiatrist for treatment to heal properly.

See Your Austin Podiatrist If…

When is it time to see your doctor? We recommend coming in for a consultation if:

  • You experience discomfort when walking, running, or putting weight on your foot. However, WebMD points out: “broken bones in the toes cause less pain, and you may be able to walk with a broken toe.”
  • You notice blue, purple, or red discoloration in one or more areas of your foot. Changes in blood flow can indicate damage to the bone.
  • Your foot appears larger. Inflammation is also a symptom of fractures.
  • You notice a loss of sensation in your foot, which may manifest as a cold feeling.
  • Your foot appears visually “misshapen, deformed, or pointing in the wrong direction.”
  • You have other severe injuries to your foot, such as “a large cut or wound near a possible broken bone.”

If you believe you’ve broken a bone in your foot, we are here to help you! We can assist you with any type of fracture. We will take x-rays of your foot to ascertain if it is, indeed, broken, and recommend an appropriate treatment to help you recover.

Did You Break Your Foot?

If you believe you may have broken your foot or suffer from any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to come in to our Austin podiatry practice. Contact us today to find our more and schedule your appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/sports-injuries/did-i-break-my-foot-signs-you-need-to-see-a-doctor/

Best Shoes for Plantar Fascitis Relief

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Do you suffer from a stabbing pain in your heels? In addition to being irritating, embarrassing, and unhealthy, this sensation can make it difficult to find comfortable shoes. While high heels are some of the most common culprits, certain sneakers or even flats can hurt your feet. If you’re struggling with sore feet and can’t find the right shoes, never fear! Austin podiatrist, Dr. Jeffery LaMour, is here to help. We can help diagnose your plantar fasciitis and recommend the right shoe styles for your condition. Read on to learn more about plantar fasciitis and find the right footwear for your aching heels.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Although it has a seemingly complex name, plantar fasciitis is actually a relatively basic and unfortunately widespread disorder. As The Walking Company explains: “plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, is inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot.” This band, called the fascia, bears the brunt of the force on your feet. Mayo Clinic describes: “Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. If tension and stress on that bowstring become too great, small tears can arise in the fascia.” A wide variety of situations can put undue pressure on your fascia: excessive exercise, sitting for too long, standing for hours without rest, weight gain, arch issues, and more.

Symptoms

Many people suffer from plantar fasciitis without knowing the name of this disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • A sharp, stabbing sensation in the bottom of the foot near the heel.
  • “Pain at the beginning of exercise that gets better or goes away as exercise continues but returns when exercise is completed,” reports WebMD.
  • Discomfort upon walking up stairs or “after you stand for long periods.”
  • According to WebMD, “stiffness and pain in the morning or after resting that gets better after a few steps but gets worse as the day progresses.”

If you suffer from any of the above, Dr. LaMour can help diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Fasciitis-Friendly Footwear

Certain shoes can help ease the discomfort of your sore heels. Fasciitis-friendly footwear typically provides two key components: excellent arch support to hold your foot in the proper position, and solid shock absorption, with the strength and suppleness to take the place of your pummeled fascia.

Beat Plantar Fasciitis points out: “do realize that finding a pair of shoes that work with YOUR Plantar Fasciitis is going to be a bit of a trial and error,” since each person’s feet are different, and you’ll also need to factor in the types of activities you do and styles you prefer. Accordingly, the site breaks down fasciitis-friendly shoes into categories: running, walking, tennis, hiking, slippers, flip flops, and dress shoes. The Walking Company also offers dozens of styles of sandals, sneakers, and dressier options that are appropriate for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Shoe Finale also ranks the top ten shoes for women and men with plantar fasciitis, as well as categorizing them according to motion control, type, upper material, and number of color options.

How We Can Help

While the above resources are a great place to start, Dr. LaMour can also consult with you to help you find a good pair for your feet. We can also prescribe and custom-fit orthotic inserts for your shoes. While changing your footwear can work wonders, we may also recommend our minimally invasive Topaz Treatment to help your fascia heal and ease your heel pain.

Do You Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis?

Dr. LaMour and our team can help you enjoy healthier, more comfortable feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or another podiatric condition, we’d be delighted to assist you. Contact our Austin podiatry practice today to find out more and schedule an appointment.

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/best-shoes-for-plantar-fascitis-relief/

What To Do When Your Toes Won’t Stop Itching

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You’ve probably experienced this beyond-irritating phenomenon: you’re minding your own business, sitting in class, chatting with a date, or even giving an important work presentation, and your toes start to itch. No matter how hard you try, you can’t get the thought of scratching them out of your head. This prickling sensation can become more than annoying, disrupting your daily life. At our Austin podiatry practice, Dr. Jeffery LaMour and our team are dedicated to helping patients enjoy excellent foot health. We can help you diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatments to help you find relief. Read on to learn more about what to do when your toes won’t stop itching.

Symptoms

If you’re dealing with persistent itching, the most obvious symptom will be the regular urge to claw at your toes just to stop the sensation. However, you may also experience the following:

  • Swelling
  • Discoloration
  • Peeling
  • Soreness
  • leeding
  • Cracks
  • Blistering

Foot Vitals explains: “many of these symptoms arise after the person continually scratches the foot for a long time. It does not take much scratching to turn your skin red and weaken it, making it susceptible to flaking or cracking.” Likewise, “itchy feet are usually an indicator of another problem,” so you should be vigilant for any other abnormal sensations in your feet or body.

Switch Out Your Soap

While we strongly advocate maintaining a cleanly environment for your toes, some of the ingredients in soaps can actually cause itchiness. As Livestrong describes: “soaps that you use to wash your body and clothes can contain fragrances and alcohol. These are drying agents that can leave skin irritated and itchy. Try soaps with natural products or ones that are hypoallergenic…for clothing detergent, use one that is free of perfumes or dyes.” Solving your scratching could be as simple as making a quick trip to the grocery store.

Check for Skin Conditions

Especially if your itching problem extends beyond your toes, it could be part of a larger skin issue. Livestrong advises readers: “consult a dermatologist. The itching you’ve been feeling may be caused by eczema, a skin disease that produces red, itchy patches followed by scaling and flaking of the skin. Another skin disease that can cause severe itching is psoriasis.” The sooner you can begin treatment for these disorders, the better.

Get Rid of Pesky Pests

Since your feet are close to the ground and often uncovered, they can be particularly prone to bug bites. Foot Vitals lists “insect, tick, or flea bites” as potential causes for itchy feet. If you notice bite marks or see these critters around your home, it may be time to start extermination.

Assess Your Allergies

Allergies come in many forms. You may not be sneezing or breaking out in hives, but your itchy feet could be a sign that you’re suffering from allergies. Livestrong points out: “Your feet come into contact with all types of things that can cause an allergic reaction.” Walking in grass or even across a wool carpet could be an explanation for your itching. Staying away from the offending substance should help you heal your toes.

Stop Going Barefoot

One of the most common causes for itchy toes is a fungal infection called Athlete’s Foot. It runs rampant in moist, public places, which is why you should avoid going barefoot in gyms, saunas, spas, or other similar locations. If you’ve been infected, Dr. LaMour can provide medication and other treatments to help you treat your Athlete’s Foot.

Contact Our Austin Podiatry Practice

One of the best things you can do to stop chronic toe itchiness is come and see us! Dr. LaMour and our team would be happy to help you identify what’s causing this irritating symptom so you can alleviate it. To find out more and schedule your appointment, contact us today!

Original Source: https://www.drjefflamour.com/foot-care/what-to-do-when-your-toes-wont-stop-itching/