Modern Innovations for the Treatment of Common Podiatric Ailments

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Every year, numerous people make their way to a podiatrist for help with common foot-related injuries and illnesses. While traditional medicine still has its general place in podiatric care, many of the best practitioners have taken advantage of the latest forms of treatment. At our Austin podiatrist office, we are always implementing new ways to help patients have healthy feet. Here is a look at some of the modern innovations in podiatric care you may experience when you come in for a visit.

1. Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus and More

For many years, patients had to rely on minimally effective treatments to try to eradicate issues with toenail fungus. However, modern technology has afforded a new solution for people with this aggravating and unsightly issue: laser treatment. Laser treatment for toenail fungus targets the fungi without causing damage to the full toenail or the surrounding tissue. And, this modern treatment has been shown to be more effective than a lot of topical ointments and other traditional remedies.

2. Stem Cell Treatment for Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries can be some of the slowest-healing injuries. For example, if you have a torn Achilles tendon, the tendon itself is slow to mend because it is dense and heavy, so it takes the body a long time to rebuild that tissue without some level of support. Stem cell treatment gives your body the growth-supporting cells that can help that tissue regenerate quicker so you can get back to normal faster.

3. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment for Foot Fractures

PRP has been used in numerous types of medical treatment, including orthopedic care. Platelet-rich plasma is essentially your own bodily blood plasma product in concentrated form. Blood is taken from you, put through a scientific process to condense the valuable platelets, and then that platelet-rich plasma is injected at the injury site. The PRP treatment may help encourage the rapid healing of the fracture in your foot.

Let’s Talk About Foot Care in Austin, TX

The ways in which innovative medicine has seeped into podiatric care are nothing short of amazing. If you have issues with your feet, reach out to us at the office of Dr. Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA in Austin, TX. We work hard to provide all of the latest treatment options for our patient’s feet.

 

Heel pain Austin TX

Heel Pain Causes, When to Contact a Doctor, and More

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The heel is a densely thick and rounded bone in the base of the foot. This one bone delivers the primary support for the full weight of your body when you are standing and taking steps. If you have heel pain, it can be detrimental to your ability to get around.

What are the common causes of heel pain?

Heel pain can stem from a list of conditions, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bone spurs in the heel
  • Achilles tendinitis

Heel pain that comes on suddenly is most often related to an injury. The heel is a thick, dense bone, but it can sustain a fracture just like other bones. you may sustain a fractured heel during a fall, by jumping or falling from an especially high place, or if you have osteoporosis that weakens the bone.

Some people may also experience heel pain by wearing shoes that do not offer enough support or are poorly made. For example, flip-flops don’t always have enough cushioning for the heel and the lack of support for the rest of the foot can put more stress on the heel as well.

When should you seek a doctor’s opinion?

Any time you have a sudden onset of heel pain it is a good idea to seek a doctor’s opinion. In any other situation, it is best to see a podiatrist if your heel pain persists beyond a few days or is interefering with your ability to stand and walk.

How is heel pain treated?

The podiatrist in Austin, TX will examine your heel, perform physical tests to pinpoint the location of your pain, and may require an x-ray or MRI to get a closer look at the bone structures and tendons of your foot. Once they have determined the source of the problem, they will proceed with a treatment plan specific to your case. Something like a heel fracture may require medications to help with pain and inflammation and prescribed rest, while something like a heel bone spur may require surgery to correct.

Find Out More About Your Heel Pain with the Help of an Austin Podiatrist 

Heel pain may not always be something that comes and goes. Sometimes, it can signify the presence of an injury or deeper issue. Reach out to us at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour DPM, PA to talk to our Austin podiatrist about your heel pain.