Don't Let Athlete's Foot or Toenail Fungus Ruin Your Summer Fun

 

 

Summer is just around the corner in Austin, Texas!

Spring and summer mean Austin’s already active population engages in even more physical activities. Unfortunately, more exercise and fun can bring some familiar foot problems. Athlete’s foot is a condition that causes itching and burning between the toes. It can occur when individuals go barefooted in public showers, school locker rooms or swimming pools. For mild itching, over the counter powders, lotions and ointments can help. If you experience a severe case of athlete’s foot with painful inflammation and blistering you should call for an appointment with Dr. Jeff LaMour today.

Getting ready for the beach? Don't avoid sandals and going barefooted due to embarrassing toenails. If you have thick, yellow nails, you likely have onychomycosis or toenail fungus.  Dr. Jeff LaMour offers several treatment options for toenail fungus, including topical medication, oral medication and laser treatment.   No matter which treatment option you choose, we are here to help.

You should always maintain healthy feet.  Keep your feet clean and dry.  Take care to dry well between toes after bathing.  Nail polish should not be worn for extended periods of time.  Always inspect your toenails for changes in color, luster, or thickness.  Monitor skin for redness, scaling and blisters.  If you have noticed any of these issue, call your Austin Podiatris, Dr. Jeff LaMour today and set up an appointment.  Don't let unsightly feet keep you from your summer fun!

 

Jeff LaMour, DPM, PA

Family Foot & Ankle Clinic

www.drjefflamour.com

(512) 451-3668

Possible Cure for Type 1 Diabetes

   Spanish researchers reported last week that they have been able to cure Type 1 diabetes symptoms in dogs using gene therapy. http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34394/title/Dogs-Cured-of-Type-1-Diabetes/

While the canine example has not yet been translated to a human reversal of symptoms, this is a huge breakthrough. According to the most recent U.S. Center for Disease Control data, diabetes (types 1 and 2) affect 25.8 million Americans. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf.

Diabetes affects many parts of the body and your feet are no exception. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or they risk serious consequences, including amputation. Even a small blister can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal. If your wound is not healing, it is at risk for infection and infections spread quickly in diabetic patients. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Ask someone to help you, or use a mirror and check your feet yourself.

If you notice any of these problems, contact your Austin Podiatrist, Dr. JeffLaMour at (512) 451-3668 and schedule an appointment today.  Appointments are often available the same day. For more information on caring for diabetic feet, visit our website at www.drjefflamour.com.

 

Jeff LaMour, DPM, PA

 

Family Foot & Ankle Clinic

 

(512) 451-3668

Pau Gasol Ruptures Plantar Fascia

Pau Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Forward, suffered a plantar fascia rupture on Tuesday night during the game against Brooklyn. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the forefoot to the heel. Injuries to the plantar fascia are one of the most common ailments of the foot. Plantar fasciitis, a strain of the plantar fascia, is much more common than a plantar fascial rupture. Ruptures typically occur when the ball of the foot is forced in an upward direction relative to the heel. In sports this can occur with any events associated with jumping. It is also seen in baseball occasionally when a base runner catches the front of his foot while rounding the bases. It is not uncommon to actually hear an audible pop.

The treatment for a plantar fascia tear is typically 3 weeks of non-weight bearing immobilization. This will be followed by around three weeks of weight bearing in a protective boot. At around six weeks the patient is typically allowed to bear weight in a well-supported shoe. Orthotics, or arch supports, are beneficial. Physical therapy is initiated early on and carried through until the patient is back to normal activities. Physical therapy often includes ultrasound, deep tissue massage and electrotherapy. It is aimed at increasing blood flow to the area and decreasing inflammation.

Primary surgical repair of the plantar fascia is controversial with little data to support this treatment. Therefore, I would not expect to see Pau Gasol back on the court for at least eight weeks.

If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, make an appointment with your Austin podiatrist today.  Waiting to treat heel pain can prolong healing time and may increase the likelihood of a prolonged recovery.  Contact Dr. Jeff LaMour for an immediate appointment.

 

 

Barefoot Water-Skiing Can Be A Pain In The Heel

 

Barefoot water-skiing is not what I am referring to when I tell my patients not to go barefooted.   It does, however, brings to mind a patient who had been diagnosed with heel pain or plantar fasciitis.  I instructed her to avoid going barefooted.  Like many of us in Austin, this patient spends a lot of time on Lake Austin and Lake Travis -- boating, skiing and wake boarding.  She asked what footwear she should wear and if she could wear her orthotics in the water.   If this sounds like your dilemma, you have several options.  Crocs, while not exactly attractive, do have reasonable support and cushion and they are relatively inexpensive.  Keen is one brand that makes a good sandal with decent support and cushion even though they are flat.  Finally, your Austin podiatrist can make orthotics specifically for water shoes and water sports.  On a few occasions, I have even made an orthotic insert for a slalom ski binding for the old-school slalom skiers like myself.   However I have yet to come up with any orthotic that will work for barefoot skiing.   Fortunately, my boys are still young and indestructible, so this isn’t a problem yet.

If you are experiencing heel pain or any other foot or ankle problems, and are in need of custom orthotics, schedule an appointment with your Austin podiatrist, Dr. JeffLaMour, and take the first step toward healthier feet.

 

Jeff LaMour, D.P.M.

www.drjefflamour.com

Family Foot and Ankle

512-451-3668

http://www.drjefflamour.com/