3 Reasons to Use Orthotics 

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Orthotics are shoe inserts used to relieve discomfort in the foot or heel, and they’re worn for a number of reasons. The most common reason for orthotics in Pflugerville or Austin, TX is pain or swelling (or some combination thereof). We’ll look at when they’re the most helpful, so you know if they’re a good investment for your feet.

1. You Have Plantar Fasciitis

This common condition occurs when the band of tissue in your heel becomes inflamed. Orthotics provide a cushion and more stability to your arch, which can help relieve the discomfort. If you’ve ever experienced this disorder, you might be surprised at just how much relief you can get.

2. You’re Having Trouble Balancing

Orthotics often come down to the strength of your arch. High arches can lead from anything to calluses to ankle instability. Flat arches can cause balance-related issues. In both cases, an insert can help correct your arches, so you don’t have to worry about falling over.

3. You Have Diabetes

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can make it difficult to notice problems in the foot before they get worse. Orthotics can help you evenly distribute pressure along the foot, so you can correct your posture and reduce the odds of swelling or corns. They may even be able to help you control back pain because your weight will be more evenly distributed.

Podiatrists in Austin, TX

At Dr. Jeffrey W. LaMour’s office, you’ll find a staff that can help you with anything from bunions to hammertoes. If you have questions about whether orthotics are right for your foot ailments, we give you a thorough assessment before making a recommendation. If you’re looking for a podiatrist in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, contact us today to see what we can do.

Common Misconceptions About Toenail Fungus

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Looking for toenail fungus treatment in Austin, TX? If so, it can be helpful to know a few facts before you come in for treatment. Toenail fungus is incredibly common when it comes to problems with your feet. However, this condition is also surrounded by misconceptions. Take a look at a few of the most common misconceptions about toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus doesn’t happen if you always wear nail polish.

Wearing nail polish will not make a difference with toenail fungus. Many patients do wear polish on their toenails to disguise the fungus, however. Unfortunately, if you wear polish every day without giving the toenails periodic breaks, this may actually heighten the susceptibility to getting toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus is generally harmless.

Toenail fungus is relatively benign. However, there is a possibility that the fungus spreads to all of your toes and even your skin in the worst cases. Therefore, it is best to discuss the issue with a podiatrist.

You can cure toenail fungus with vinegar and other home remedies.

There are a lot of home remedies for toenail fungus, but few of them are effective. For example, vinegar may curb fungal growth but is unlikely to solve the issue completely.

Most people get toenail fungus because they don’t wear socks.

You can definitely get toenail fungus easier if you don’t wear socks. However, most people who experience fungus on their toes wear socks on a daily basis. The true key is to wear the right type of socks that do not leave the toes in a warm, moist environment conducive to fungus.

Talk to an Austin Podiatrist About Toenail Fungus Treatment

Are you tired of dealing with toenail fungus? It may be time to speak to an Austin podiatrist for help. Reach out to the office of Jeffery Lamour, DPM, PA to schedule an appointment.

Do I Need Professional Care for a Sprained Ankle?

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Ankle sprains are some of the most common injuries an athlete can have, which can lead many people to downplay their aftermath. While most sprains can be treated at home with rest and elevation, the reality is that ankle sprains in Pflugerville or Austin, TX can range in severity. In the most extreme cases, you can end up needing surgery to correct the problem.

What Constitutes a Sprain?

Twisting your ankle and spraining it are technically two different things, with the sprain being the more problematic condition of the two. If you awkwardly come down on your ankle and the pain goes away nearly immediately after, it’s safe to say that you don’t need professional care. However, if you hear something when you come down on the ankle, like a popping sound, or your ankle is about twice the size it was before, it might be time to see a doctor.

Sprains VS. Breaks

It’s not as easy as rotating your ankle to determine whether or not your ankle was broken. With so many bones in this part of the body, it can be hard to tell whether it was broken without an official X-ray — and even the photos might leave the healthcare provider on the fence. If you have questions, talking to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in Pflugerville or Austin, TX can help you fill in the blanks.

Podiatrists in Pflugerville or Austin, TX

Your ankles are a confluence of bones, ligaments, and tendons. They hold the leg and the foot together, and it doesn’t always take much force to throw the whole system out of balance. Whether you’re in Pflugerville or Austin, TX, Dr. Jeffery W. LaMour can tell you more about what happened to your ankle, so you don’t have to worry.

Does Hammertoe Mean I Need Surgery?

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In general, hammertoes do not require surgery. However, there are people who will need this procedure if they have an extreme case. We’ll look at what you should know about hammertoe in Pflugerville or Austin, TX and why surgical intervention should be the last resort.

Flexible Hammertoes

A hammertoe is defined as an abnormality in any of the middle toes. If the second, third, or fourth little piggy becomes bent in the middle, it will cause stress on the muscles and joints that surround it. Called hammertoe because it makes one of your toes look a little like the tool, they start off as flexible problems. It’s only if they’re gone untreated by a podiatrist in Pflugerville or Austin, TX that they become more of a permanent condition.

Why Does Hammer Toe Happen?

The most common reason for hammer toe is wearing shoes that don’t fit. If your footwear narrows toward the toe, it can cause your smaller toes to become bent. If this goes on for long enough, the toe muscles will no longer be strong enough to straighten out the toe.

In addition to being unable to straighten your toes, common symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Corns/calluses on the tip of the toe or top middle joint
  • Trouble walking

Podiatrists in Pflugerville or Austin, TX

The most common treatments for hammertoe include changing shoes, wearing inserts, splinting the toe together, or completing special exercises to strengthen the toes. If you have questions about your hammer toe in Pflugerville, TX or you’re discouraged because home remedies have only done so much to solve the problem, Dr. Jeffrey W. LaMour, DPM may be able to help. Our goal is always to help the people of Austin and Pflugerville avoid surgery whenever possible. Contact us today if you don’t want it to get any worse.