When Should I See a Doctor About my Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. They occur when the nail grows into the skin around the nail bed. While many people can treat mild cases of ingrown toenails at home, there are times when it is necessary to seek medical attention.

The skilled team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, is proud to serve the local community with definitive therapy and techniques to restore confidence in their abilities.

When Should I See a Doctor About my Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. They occur when the nail grows into the skin around the nail bed. While many people can treat mild cases of ingrown toenails at home, there are times when it is necessary to seek medical attention.

What are Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails can be caused by various factors, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, and trauma to the toe. The condition can cause pain, swelling, redness, and even infection. In severe cases, an ingrown toenail may require surgery to remove a portion of the nail or the entire nail.

Signs of Severe Infection

While mild cases of ingrown toenails can often be treated at home, signs of severe infection require medical attention. These signs include:

  1. Pus or drainage coming from the nail bed
  2. Redness and swelling which do not go away after a few days
  3. Increased pain, even after taking pain medication

Your Local Trusted Podiatrist

If you experience these signs, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. A doctor will be able to assess the severity of the condition. During your next consultation with the trained team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and guidance you deserve.

Top Three Signs of Plantar Fasciitis and How to Treat It

Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel and foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This article will discuss the top three signs of Plantar Fasciitis and how to treat it.

The team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, is proud to serve the local community with exceptional foot care and a wide range of valuable services to restore your quality of life.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, which is the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is usually caused by overuse, injury, or strain on the plantar fascia, leading to small tears in the tissue

Top Three Signs of Plantar Fasciitis

Below are the three leading causes and warning signs you may have plantar fasciitis

Pain in the Heel

The most common sign of Plantar Fasciitis is a pain in the heel, usually in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain can be described as a sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the heel.

Stiffness in the Foot

Another sign of Plantar Fasciitis is stiffness in the foot, especially in the morning or after sitting for long stretches. The stiffness may be accompanied by a dull ache or a burning sensation in the foot.

Swelling in the Foot

Swelling in the foot is another sign of Plantar Fasciitis. The swelling may be mild or severe and may be accompanied by redness or warmth in the affected area.

Your Local Trusted Podiatrist

Plantar Fasciitis is a prevalent health issue, but it can be minimized with the right professional advice and help. During your next consultation with the experienced team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and guidance you deserve.

What Are The Causes of Bunions and Neuromas?

Bunions and neuromas are common foot problems that can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. While different factors can cause these conditions, they share similarities regarding symptoms and treatment options.

The proficient team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, is proud to serve the local community with exceptional foot care and a wide range of valuable services to restore your quality of life.

What are Bunions and Neuromas?

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe joint. It occurs when the joint moves out of place and becomes unstable, causing the bones to shift and the toe to angle toward the other toes. On the other hand, a neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerves in the ball of the foot. It can cause burning pain, numbness, and tingling sensations and can be aggravated by wearing tight shoes or high heels.

What Causes Bunions and Neuromas?

The exact causes of bunions and neuromas are not fully understood, but some factors can increase your risk of developing these conditions:

Genetics

Bunions and neuromas can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component involved in their development.

Footwear

Wearing tight shoes or high heels can pressure the toes and the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of developing bunions and neuromas.

Foot Injuries

Injuries to the foot, such as fractures or sprains, can lead to changes in the alignment of the foot and increase the risk of developing bunions and neuromas.

Your Local Quality Podiatrist

Bunions and neuromas can cause significant discomfort and affect your daily activities. If you are experiencing any symptoms of these conditions, seeing a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical. During your next consultation with the adept team at Dr. Jefferey Lamour DPM, PA, of Austin, TX, you can be sure you are receiving the proper care and guidance you deserve.

3 Signs of Ill-Fitting Shoes

Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of foot problems, from discomfort, to blisters and worse. It’s a myth that shoes have to be “broken in.” Yes, leather does become softer and more pliable after use, but no one should be walking around in new shoes that make their feet hurt. If the shoes aren’t comfortable in the store or when you first walk around in them at home, then they aren’t the right fit for you. Here are some of the most common signs of ill-fitting shoes to be aware of.

1. Heel Slips When You Walk

Even if you’re wearing “slippery” socks, your heel should not slip out of the back of the shoe when you bend your foot as you walk. This heel slippage is one of the leading causes of painful heel blisters. It can also cause you to adopt an unnatural gait in an effort to avoid heel slippage. If your heel is slipping, the shoes are too long for your feet.

2. Sides of Shoes Pinch Your Feet

If the shoes are pinching your feet at the ball width, they’re too narrow for your feet. The ball width is the widest part of your foot, between the big toe joint and the baby toe joint. This pinching can cause bunions to form if you continue wearing too-narrow shoes. Bunions in Austin, TX are frequently caused by shoes that are ill-fitting or cheap shoes that are not properly formed for the human foot.

3. Space in the Toe

Overly large shoes will have too much space in front of the big toe. If you can push down the toe of the shoe without feeling your toe, the shoes are too large. Wearing shoes that are too large is just as bad as wearing shoes that are too small, because they can cause excess rubbing on the foot, and cause blisters or even ankle injuries.

Contact your podiatrist in Austin, TX for help with conditions relating to your feet health. We look forward to hearing from you.