Our Foot & Ankle Care FAQ

No. The nail plate of the toes is made of a specialized keratin that has no blood vessels. If you see blood while cutting your nails it is possible that you have violated the soft tissue below the nail plate. A good rule of thumb is to leave just a sliver of white at the distal aspect of the nail plate.

Are You Looking for a Skin and Nails Expert in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for skin and nail care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Most patients' fear has to do with the injection prior. After the application of anesthesia, the procedure is relatively quick and painless.

Are You Looking for an Ingrown Toenail Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for ingrown toenail care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

There are three bones and two joints in each of your toes. The ability to bend your toes after surgery depends on the level of the deformity, which joints are affected, and if the deformity is flexible or rigid. Most hammertoes that require surgery don’t bend at one or more of these joints anyway. The purpose of the procedure is to rebalance the toe, mitigate the pain, and allow the foot to fit back into a shoe.

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

When it comes to foot and ankle problems, our hope is always to solve them with the use of nonsurgical methods. Our foot doctors provide conservative care to effectively treat bunion symptoms, but the only way of correcting the condition is with surgical procedures. We may also need to operate if the bunion causes severe pain and limits or prohibits normal activities.

If you are considering a bunionectomy, you should know what is entailed with bunion surgery recovery so you can make appropriate plans. Of course, we will discuss any procedures with you thoroughly in advance, including making sure you understand what we are going to do to correct your condition, what needs to be done beforehand, and what you can expect after surgery.

Recovering from bunion surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the nature of your procedure. A corrective procedure will generally take less time than a bunion removal, which averages between four to six months of recovery time.

During the recovery period, you will wear a cast or surgical boot for the first couple of weeks and stitches need to be kept dry. Once the boot or cast is removed, we will likely provide a brace for support. Because you should avoid weight-bearing on the affected foot, you can expect to use crutches.

Once we have you start placing weight on the foot, you may need a walker or continued use of crutches for support. Icing the foot and toe will help reduce inflammation and lower healing time. There will be swelling, which is normal, so you may need to switch to roomier shoes while the foot heals.

If you live in the greater Austin, TX community and are experiencing the painful symptoms that often accompany bunions, come see our expert doctors at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. We will provide the care and treatment you need. If you need a bunion procedure to correct a bulging toe joint that is causing problems, trust your feet to a skilled, experienced surgeon who will walk you through the entire process step by step—including recovery.

Are You Looking for a Bunion Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for bunion care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Prior to performing an acute ingrown toenail procedure an injection of local anesthesia must be given into the digit.  This injection is uncomfortable due to a burning sensation that is felt. We limit this discomfort with a topical refrigerant that is sprayed onto the toe prior to the injection. After the digit is numb from the anesthesia all you will feel is the touching and pressure of the procedure, not pain.

Are You Looking for an Ingrown Toenail Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for ingrown toenail care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Not all bunions, or bunion surgeries and recoveries, are the same.  

Before you have bunion surgery, you are probably thinking about what happens after bunion surgery. You are eager to end the swelling and pain and comfortably fit into your shoes.

However, before that happens, you need to get through treatment and recovery. You may require casting, but you may not have to endure casting inconveniences and restrictions even if you need bunion surgery.

Bunion Surgeries Don’t Always Require Casting

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses cutting-edge technology to correct the underlying cause of bunions - a misaligned joint in the big toe. The procedure involves making a small incision in the side of the foot and then using special instruments to realign the joint and secure it in place with titanium screws.

A successful Lapiplasty procedure does not require casting. Instead, after a short recovery time, most Lapiplasty bunion surgery patients can wear a walking boot within a few days and return to most of their regular activities within a few weeks of surgery.

Traditional Bunion Surgery With Casting

Traditional bunion surgery often requires casting. The time in a cast varies from patient to patient, but it could be as long as nine weeks.

During this time, the cast must be kept dry, and walking and daily activities may be significantly limited.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on caring for your cast and what activities you can and cannot do. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

After surgery, you also can expect some pain and swelling. These symptoms are normal and will gradually improve over time. Your doctor will check on these symptoms periodically throughout your recovery.

Other Bunion Treatment Options

Bunions are not cosmetic problems. Instead, a bunion is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe. The big toe bends towards the second toe, causing the joint to protrude outwards. Surgeries, such as those described above, are required in some cases. However, sometimes, bunions can be treated without surgery or casting by:

• Wearing shoes that fit correctly. Shoes that are too narrow and compress the toes can cause bunion pain. Foot size changes over time, and it’s essential to have your feet measured and to wear shoes that comfortably accommodate your feet.
• Orthotics. Custom orthotics can take pressure off of your bunion and relieve pain.
• Foot pads. Pharmacies sell over-the-counter cushioned pads that you can put over the bunion to help relieve pain while wearing shoes
• Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and help you manage bunion pain.
• Splints. A podiatrist may recommend that you wear a splint at night to straighten your big toe and relieve pain.
• Ice. Ice won’t cure a bunion, but applying it for about 20 minutes at a time several times a day could help reduce swelling.

A podiatrist may recommend that you try more than one of these treatments before surgery, especially if you are considering traditional bunion surgery with casting that will limit your daily activities for weeks.

Talk to an Experienced Podiatrist About All of Your Bunion Treatment Options

Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction is not offered by all podiatrists. Doctors must receive specialized training from Treace Medical Concepts, Inc., the manufacturer of the Lapiplasty system, before performing this revolutionary treatment.

Podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists have received the required training and performed minimally invasive and effective Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction.

We encourage you to make an appointment with us today to discuss all of your bunion treatment options. We will let you know whether to expect casting or whether there are alternative treatments for you. Our goal is to help you get rid of bunion pain effectively and with minimal disruption to your life. Please call us at 512-328-8900 or complete our online contact form to have our practice contact you.

Related Links: After Lapiplasty Surgery: What to Expect During the Recovery Process Is It Time for Bunion Surgery? Treating Juvenile Bunions Without Surgery

 

It depends. Most surgical management of the bunion deformity at the joint of the first metatarsal is called joint preservation surgery.  These corrections allow the surgeon to place the joint back into anatomical position, which allow you to continue to wear a reasonable high heel.

Conversely, sometimes the joint at the first metatarsal is so arthritic that it may require a surgical fusion, this no longer allows the joint to bend, making high heel shoes difficult to wear.

Are You Looking for a Bunion Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for bunion care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Surgical procedures performed on the right foot inhibit driving for some time after surgery. Each procedure is different and the length of time to heal is different for everybody. When you can walk without pain and are no longer taking pain management you will be permitted to drive with your right foot.

 

Are You Looking for a Bunion Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for bunion care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Patients come to Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists to be treated for an array of foot and ankle problems, including ones caused by nerve damage and compression. Our staff is committed to staying current in the latest diagnosis and treatment methods for nerve problems to better provide care for every patient who comes through our front door.

In addition to providing expert care, we are also dedicated to providing information so that you, our patients, can better understand the conditions affecting your foot and ankle health. With nerve issues, this includes explaining the difference and relationship between neuropathy and nerve compression.

Neuropathy

Put simply, neuropathy is a catchall term used to describe a variety of nerve problems and damage. This is often used in the context of the peripheral nerves – those responsible for collecting and transmitting information for the central nervous system (brain and spinal column). These nerves extend throughout the entire body in an intricate network. When healthy, they send important messages to the brain that enable us to take appropriate action and respond to situations.

Problems arise when the peripheral nerves are damaged. Neuropathy can be caused by physical trauma or injury, diseases or disorders, or exposure to toxins. One of the major causes of nerve damage is diabetes, a condition affecting over 29 million Americans.

Nerve Compression and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Whereas neuropathy is a fairly general term, nerve compression more specifically addresses conditions where excessive pressure is applied to an isolated nerve. This pressure can come from surrounding tissues (bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage) or tumors. The situation can arise in a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.

The tarsal tunnel is a canal formed on the inside of the ankle between the medial malleolus (bump on the inside of the ankle bone) and a band of ligaments known as the flexor retinaculum. Within the tarsal tunnel, the posterior tibial nerve divides into three branches. When pressure is placed upon the posterior tibial nerve, there can be shooting pain, burning or tingling sensations, and even numbness in some cases.

How Neuropathy and Nerve Compression Relate

Since both conditions are concerned with nerve tissues, there is a certain degree of overlap regarding the symptoms that can be displayed. Nerve compression and neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, and stabbing pain. Depending on the type of nerve affected, motor functions might be affected, which can lead to abnormal curling of toes, muscle cramping, and weakness or loss of stability in the lower extremities.

A particularly concerning situation is when either nerve compression or neuropathy leads to numbness. This threatens your body’s ability to recognize painful sensations so that appropriate responses and action can be taken for optimal health and safety. This is a major concern when neuropathy accompanies diabetes, and a key reason you should consult with us for an effective diabetic foot care plan if you live with the disease. Doing so will reduce your risk of developing a dangerous foot ulcer.

Nerve Damage Treatment

Whether it is nerve compression or neuropathy that is causing your issues, treatment is necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage. As with any foot or ankle problem, a proper diagnosis is necessary first. This enables us to decide the best course of action for treating it.

Some options for treatment include:

• Medications. Pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, topical treatments, and antidepressants are forms of medication which might provide relief from painful symptoms.
• Therapies. Physical therapy can be beneficial when nerve damage causes muscles weakness. Other therapies include plasma exchange, intravenous immune globulin, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
• Neurogenx. This is an advanced treatment we are proud to offer at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. It is a form of electronic signal treatment (EST) proven to relieve neuropathy
•  symptoms and drive changes at the cellular level to remove excess waste products, increase cell metabolism, and alter Ph levels to promote nerve healing.
• Surgery. When necessary, you can take comfort in the fact our double-board-certified doctors have the skills and education needed to consistently perform successful nerve surgeries.

Are You Looking for a Nerve Pain Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for nerve pain care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

We would need to see you in person for an accurate diagnosis, but a foot dragging along the floor usually means a condition known as foot drop. Foot drop is actually more of a symptom, one which can develop in response to several underlying anatomical, muscular, or neurological conditions.

In many cases, the root cause of the dragging foot is a nerve injury, particularly with the peroneal nerve, which is responsible for controlling the muscles used to lift the foot. This nerve can become damaged in response to trauma, injury, and other circumstances which constrict it.

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Post-static dyskinesia is a medical term referring to pain that occurs after a period of rest. It is often associated with heel pain, specifically plantar fasciitis. This condition is characterized by an inflammation of the fibrous band of tissues that run from your toes to your heel on the bottom of your foot. The inflamed band shortens and tightens when not in use—such as when you sleep or sit for a long period of time. Then, when you rise and try to put weight on your foot, it pulls on your heel, causing a stabbing pain.  This will subside as you walk around and the tissues loosen up, however, the relief is only temporary—pain will return again following a restful state.

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Doctor in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.