When NOT to Use OTC Shoe Inserts

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The companies that make over-the-counter (OTC) shoe inserts also make a lot of promises about what these products can do and who they can help. The question is when should you use them and when should you see a professional about the problem? We’ll look at how you can figure out if these products will do what they promise and whether they’re worth the chance.

Foot Pain and OTC Inserts

Most people will buy inserts when they have some type of foot pain, and this can include moderate heel pain from a condition like plantar fasciitis. However, while It’s true that inserts may relieve temporary discomfort, they don’t typically address the underlying problem that’s causing the pain.

So, let’s say that you’re gearing up to be on your feet for 8+ hours during the day. You could reasonably buy inserts to protect your feet from the constant pressure and friction. You might also use them if you have occasional knee pain to help stabilize your gait while you’re out. For more complex or chronic foot pain in Austin, TX, it’s better to see a podiatrist.

Customized Orthotics in Pflugerville, TX

Customized orthotics from the right podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX will be made specifically for your foot, making it more likely that you’ll get the treatment that you’re looking for. When you delay medical care, you typically save money and time in the short term. Over time, though, you can end up spending more on temporary solutions while your foot is actually getting worse.

If you’re looking for a podiatrist that can walk you through the orthotic options for you, the staff of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA can tell you more about how your foot will react to the support and what you can expect after the recommended course of treatment.

3 Grades of Sprained Ankles: What to Know

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The terms sprained and twisted when applied to the ankle can mean different things to different people. You might see someone with a severe sprain who is unable to walk, or you might see someone who is still able to run on a sprain. If you saw a podiatrist in Pflugerville, TX, you would see these sprains broken down by grades, which can help people understand how sprains work and when they may need professional help for the injury.

The 3 Grades

Here’s what to know about the three major grades:

  • One: Grade one ankle sprains in Pflugerville, TX refer to the ligaments stretching outside their range. Most of the time, the ligaments won’t tear, though there may be a slight tear. With grade one sprains, you’re likely to get a stiff ankle and light swelling.
  • Two: A grade two sprain will have more severe tears in the ligament, though it won’t go through it entirely. You’ll probably feel pain to the touch, as well as swelling and bruising. However, the ankle will still feel relatively stable despite the moderate pain.
  • Three: With the worst sprain, the ligament will be entirely torn through. You won’t be able to walk on it, and there will be severe bruising and pain. Grade three sprains involve serious swelling, and it’s important to stay off of them as they heal.

Sprained Ankles in Austin, TX

Sprained ankles are a common injury, and not only for athletes of every variety. Just stepping off the curb the wrong way can result in a serious injury. If you’re looking to treat a more complicated sprain, contact the offices of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA (with locations in Austin and Pflugerville, TX) to learn more about how we can help.

close up of feet

What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Athlete’s Foot?

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Estimates of athlete’s foot are relatively high in the US, with as many as 15% of the population having it at any given time. If you have it, you likely have itchy or blistered feet. In addition to being uncomfortable, it can also be contagious. We’ll look at the top treatments for the condition and what you can do to end the madness.

OTC Vs. Prescription Treatments

There are antifungal medications that you can buy at the store or get from your doctor. Mild cases of athlete’s foot can often be treated by a brand like Tinactin or Lotrimin. Look for active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate.

If your athlete’s foot in Pflugerville, TX is more stubborn or advanced, you may need a prescription-strength medication from a podiatrist in Austin. These medications may be topical and/or oral, and it’s important to follow the directions carefully to clear up the condition. If you’re going to use a prescription-based medication, it should be done only after speaking to a doctor. Certain treatments may cause adverse effects if you’re taking other types of medication.

Preventing athlete’s foot in the future often means keeping your feet as dry as possible. This means washing and drying between the toes twice a day and changing your socks when they’re sweaty. You should also avoid ill-fitting shoes to avoid unnecessary congestion, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Athlete’s Foot in Pflugerville, TX

No matter what type of athlete’s foot you have, experts recommend seeing a podiatrist in Austin if it’s either advanced or a chronic problem. At Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, you’ll work with a foot doctor who can identify a treatment you can count on and help prevent the condition from coming back.

What to Expect from Laser Treatment on an Ingrown Toenail

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Ingrown toenails start off as little more than an annoyance, which causes people to brush off their importance quickly. However, the longer an ingrown toenail goes without treatment, the more likely it is to get infected. If you’ve been putting off going to see the doctor, we’ll look at how laser treatment is used to treat this condition, and why it’s important to see a specialist sooner than later.

Laser Treatment for Ingrown Toenails

Laser treatment was developed as a noninvasive option for people with ingrown toenails in Pflugerville and Austin, TX. The laser uses heat to correct the nail, precisely treating the affected area so patients can get near-immediate relief. If you opt for this, you can expect there to be minimal pain or swelling during the procedure as well as a very short recovery time. The right podiatrist can help you not only fix ingrown toenails, but also prevent them from coming back.

Ingrown toenails are defined by the edge of the toenail. If it starts growing into the soft tissue of the nail bed, it will compress the nail and force it to grow in the wrong direction. You can reduce the odds of ingrown toenails by wearing the right sized shoes and trimming your nails, though for some people, it’s not always possible to prevent based on the size and shape for their foot and toes.

Podiatrists in Austin, TX

The right podiatrist in Austin can tell you more about how your ingrown toenails are progressing and what the best course is for you. At the offices of Dr. Jeffrey Lamour, DPM, PA, with locations in Pflugerville and Austin, you’ll get expert care that can help you avoid anything from general pain to amputation.