What Makes a Good Podiatrist?

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This article will offer some points that patients should consider when choosing, evaluating, or recommending a podiatrist. The article will include several factors that are tell-tale signs of a ‘good’ podiatrist, including:

Are you considering going to a podiatrist, but you’re not sure how to decide which podiatrist is best for you? Like choosing any other type of physician, selecting a podiatrist is not an easy undertaking. You could ask friends and relatives for a recommendation, but how can you be sure that their opinion is the same as yours would be? Advertisements and commercials aren’t reliable either.

So how do you know if the podiatrist you’re interested in or the one you’re currently seeing is worth his or her salt? The following guidelines that can help you save time and effort in choosing or evaluating a podiatrist.

If you don’t already have a list of podiatrists you’re interested in, start by gathering recommendations from others, or researching online or in the local phone book to make a list of podiatrists in your area. Next, make an appointment with one of the podiatrists on your list. The purpose of the appointment is for you to have a chance to evaluate the podiatrist via your personal interaction. During your visit, you’ll be able to tell if your chosen podiatrist is a good one if he fits the following criteria:

Provides personalized treatment options, not ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions

When you tell the podiatrist about the foot problems you’re experiencing, does he or she automatically recommend surgery or another expensive treatment? A good podiatrist will provide you with a range of options to choose from, depending on the nature and severity of your specific problem.

Listens to patients

A good podiatrist will be willing to spend time listening to your concerns and questions as a new patient about any issues or complications you have with your feet. Your podiatrist should not make you feel rushed during your appointment and should build trust with you as a patient by providing clear and understandable answers to your questions.

Board certified, and/or member of a professional association

Check your podiatrist’s credentials, background, and education to verify his or her qualifications. A good podiatrist should not only be well-trained and experienced, he or she should be Board-certified by a credible authority and should also be a member of at least one professional association, such as the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Professional associations set high standards of behavior that all members must follow to remain in good standing.

Satisfied patients

A good podiatrist should be able to provide testimonials or references from other patients. If these aren’t readily available on the podiatrist’s website or in the office, don’t be afraid to ask for them. If possible, ask for permission to contact 2 or 3 patients so you can understand what their experiences with this podiatrist were like.

If you’re looking for a highly-qualified, experienced and Board-certified Austin podiatrist, make an appointment with Dr. Lamour. With over 15 years in business in Austin, Dr. Lamour has a proven track record of providing stellar service to his patients.

Toenail Fungus ? Why Does It Keep Coming Back?

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Have you tried to get rid of toenail fungus repeatedly, but it still keeps rearing its ugly head? There can be many reasons that toenail fungus won’t go away for good – figuring out the source of your problem will help you find the appropriate way to treat it.

Fungi – including the kind that cause fungal nail infections – are microscopic organisms that live and thrive in warm, moist environments including locker rooms, swimming pools and showers. These organisms can make their way under your nail through tiny cuts in your skin or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. While nail fungus can happen on either fingernails or toenails, two factors help make fungal toenail infections more common:

  •        Toenails are often confined inside of shoes – a dark, warm, moist environment where fungi can thrive.
  •        Toes usually have less blood flow than fingers, which can make it harder for your body’s immune system to detect and fight a fungal infection.

Aside from these factors, there are several reasons why fungal nail infections may seem to clear up but never go away.

Recurring Fungal Nail Infection – Possible Causes

  •         Repeat Exposure To Infected Surfaces – One of the most common causes for recurring fungal toenails is the continued presence of fungus in the shoes. Sharing a shower or bathroom space with someone who has a fungal toenail infection is another common source of repeat infection.
  •         Not fully treated – Effectively treating toenail fungus can be very difficult since the infection is located beneath the nail. Over-the-counter treatments and home remedies may temporarily relieve or reduce symptoms of a fungal nail infection but not get rid of it completely.
  •         Compromised Immune System – If your body’s natural infection-fighting defenses are weakened due to a condition or medication that you’re taking, it can be harder to get rid of a fungal nail infection.
  •         Other conditions – Conditions that cause poor blood flow to your feet, like diabetes, can affect the ability of your feet to heal after injury or infection. Having diabetes, circulation, or nerve problems in your feet puts you at greater risk of repeat fungal infection.

Tips to Keep Toenail Fungus from Coming Back

  •         Disinfect your shoes with an antifungal spray or powder.
  •         Wear socks made of moisture-absorbing fabrics like wool, nylon and polypropylene. Change your socks often, especially if you have sweaty feet.
  •         Don’t wear shoes all day long or multiple days in a row – allow them to air out between wearings.
  •         Don’t trim or pick at the skin around your toenails. This may make your skin and nails more susceptible to fungal infection.
  •         Don’t go barefoot in public places. Wear flip-flops or shower shoes around pools, showers, and locker rooms.
  •         Talk with your podiatrist about fungal toenail treatment options like oral antifungal medications, laser nail therapy, and toenail removal.

If other treatments for fungal toenail infections haven’t helped, make an appointment with us today. We can help you find out what’s causing your repeat infections and help you get rid of toenail fungus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ingrown Toenails

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Ingrown toenails are one of the most common foot conditions that people experience. While it’s not usually a very serious condition, an ingrown toenail can be very painful, uncomfortable and unsightly. If not treated properly, an ingrown toenail can cause infection and other complications. Because ingrown toenails are a concern for many of our patients, we’ve compiled practical information about ingrown toenails into a collection of answers to the most common questions about ingrown toenails. 

Can you get an ingrown toenail on any toe?

Ingrown toenails most commonly occur on the big toes, even though any toe can be affected.

What causes ingrown toenails?

When the edge of a toenail begins growing sideways into the adjacent skin, the nail may cause a break in the skin. The body’s natural immune response treats the invading toenail like a foreign body, causing inflammation. The inflammation often causes more thickening of the nail skin; the protruding piece of nail keeps pushing into the skin, causing further injury and pain. 

When should you see a doctor for an ingrown toenail?

People with diabetes and anyone with a weakened immune system should immediately see a medical professional for an ingrown toenail. For others, ingrown toenails that are very painful, show signs of infection, or do not improve after five to ten days of at-home treatment warrant a trip to the doctor. Signs of infection include swelling, redness, throbbing, and pain or yellow or green drainage.

How can I prevent ingrown toenails?

Properly trimming your toenails and avoiding too tight or ill-fitting shoes are the two main ways to prevent ingrown toenails. Talk with your podiatrist about how to properly groom your toenails and how to select shoes that fit your feet well.

How are ingrown toenails treated?

Mild ingrown toenails can be treated at home with warm foot soaks, avoiding tight or ill-fitting shoes, elevating the foot, using topical antibiotics, and gently pushing back the overgrown skin from the toenail. More serious cases of ingrown toenails with infection may be treated with oral antibiotics. Resistant or recurrent cases of ingrown toenails may be treated with a minor in-office surgical procedure to remove the nail away from surrounding skin. After the procedure, proper wound care is essential to prevent further infection while healing.

Can I just cut out my ingrown toenails at home?

A common foot health myth is that cutting a “v” in the corner of an ingrown toenail will cause the nail to grow in correctly. The fact is that cutting a “v” may actually cause a more serious and painful ingrown toenail. 

What are possible complications of ingrown toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can cause deeper infection in the skin and even the underlying bone, leading to a serious bone infection. Complications from ingrown toenails can be more severe for people with diabetes.

If you have more questions about ingrown toenails or if you’re suffering from an ingrown toenail that’s not getting better, make an appointment with us today. We can help you ease the pain and discomfort of ingrown toenails.