It can be hard to know where to turn for reliable information about diagnosing and treating common foot and ankle problems. You can trust our podiatrists to provide the most up-to-date information available when answering Frequently Asked Questions. If the answers you need are not here, please give us a call.
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How can I improve the circulation in my feet?
Our Experienced Austin Podiatrists Discuss How to Increase Circulation in Your Feet
Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body and helps to remove toxins. When your circulation isn’t working efficiently, it blocks or slows the blood flow, and the cells can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. This can lead to numbness, pain, swelling, difficulty healing from injuries, heart attacks, strokes, and a variety of other serious healt
Because your feet are so far from your heart, they are particularly susceptible to problems resulting from poor circulation. If your feet don’t get adequate blood flow, it’s easier to develop medical problems, including foot ulcers. If a foot ulcer becomes infected and is left untreated, it can cause serious complications and may require that a toe or foot be amputated. Our skilled podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, your foot health is our primary concern. Here, we discuss ways to help keep your blood flowing to your lower extremities.
Ways to Increase Circulation
Each day, you can make choices that will improve your circulation. It may be easiest to start with one habit change at a time and add others gradually. Here are some ways to increase circulation to your feet:
Exercise
At least 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise can be helpful for overall health, improved circulation, and weight management. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are great ways to enhance blood flow to your lower body. There are also exercises you can do to strengthen blood flow in your feet. Toe lifts and wiggles involve lifting your toes while keeping your heels on the ground and then wiggling your toes vigorously. Ankle circles require that you sit or lie down and rotate your ankles in slow, intentional circles.
Get a Massage
While a foot rub often feels good, it also increases your circulation and helps keeps your tissues and muscles healthy.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Blood tends to pool in the lower body when a person sits or stands for too long. Get up and move around for at least a few minutes every hour to keep your blood moving. If you have a job that requires you to spend most of the day on your feet, take periodic breaks to sit. Also, avoid crossing your legs or kneeling, as this can restrict blood flow.
Avoid Nicotine
Nicotine use, including cigarettes, vapes, and smokeless tobacco, constricts your blood vessels, making circulation issues worse. Using nicotine can also thicken your blood so that it cannot easily circulate.
Elevate Your Feet
When you are immobile, prop up your feet so they are above your hips and, preferably, above your heart. This will create an incline and let gravity assist with blood flow. Be sure you aren’t just propping up your thighs but also your calves and feet. Try to keep your feet elevated for at least 15-20 minutes. This technique may not be recommended if you have congestive heart failure or peripheral artery disease.
Wear Compression Socks
The blood won’t pool in your lower limbs as easily if you use compression socks to gently squeeze your legs. Our doctors can advise you on how much pressure and what length of socks you should wear.
Eat Healthy
When you eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains and limit your intake of foods that have a lot of saturated fats, salt, and sugar, it has a positive impact on your veins and arteries, making them better able to carry blood throughout your body. This will also help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can negatively impact circulation because it weakens the walls of the blood vessels and makes it harder for blood to move through them.
Hydrate
Blood is about half water. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day helps your body to maintain good circulation. When your body does not have enough water, your blood can become thicker, preventing it from moving through your body as well as it should.
Manage Underlying Medical Conditions
If you have a health problem that can increase your risk of circulatory issues, it is important to manage that condition to avoid issues with blood flow. This may include taking prescribed medications, such as the following:
- Statins – to prevent plaque build-up in arteries
- Antiplatelet medications and blood thinners - to avoid blood clots
- Vasodilators – to help with walking-related pain
- Blood pressure medications
- Insulin or other blood sugar regulation drugs
Conditions That Affect Blood Circulation to the Feet
If you have any of the following medical issues, you are at increased risk for issues with your circulation:
- Diabetes
- Being older than 40
- Obesity
- Heart conditions
- Arterial issues, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Blood clots
- Raynaud’s disease
- Infections
- Genetic conditions
Signs of Poor Circulation
If you have poor circulation, you might notice the following in your fingers, hands, feet, and toes:
- Pain in your muscles when you walk
- Muscle weakness in your legs
- Numbness
- A tingling feeling like pins and needles, similar to when a limb “falls asleep”
- A cold feeling
- Pale or bluish tinge
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Veins that bulge
Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists Can Help With Circulation Issues
If you find that lifestyle changes aren’t enough to improve poor circulation, you should seek medical attention right away. After our doctors provide a diagnosis, we can develop a personalized care plan for you, tailored to your lifestyle and health care needs. This might include the following:
- Recommendations for stretches and exercises to improve your circulation without aggravating your foot and ankle issues
- Advice about compression socks, specialized footwear, and orthotics that could help maintain your foot health
- Education for performing thorough foot inspections at home if diabetes is an underlying cause of your circulation issues
- Amniotic fluids and grafts to heal foot ulcers that don’t heal on their own due to poor circulation
- DermaClose to help stubborn wounds close by applying continuous pressure
When to Seek Emergency Care
Poor circulation can lead to life-threatening medical situations. If you experience any of the following, you should seek emergency medical attention:
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How does pregnancy impact the feet and ankles?
Our Skilled Austin Foot Doctors Explain Why a Podiatrist Can Be a Pregnant Woman’s New Best Friend
When you’re pregnant, your body produces and retains more fluid and blood to nourish your baby. Because the uterus places immense pressure on blood vessels, those vessels have a difficult time pumping blood out of your legs and feet. Add that the extra fluid in your body tends to gather in your lower extremities, and it’s no surprise that a pregnant woman’s feet and ankles swell.
The top-rated podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists frequently treat expectant mothers for pregnancy-related podiatry issues. Here, we discuss common feet and ankle problems pregnant women face, how to help alleviate some of the pain and swelling, and the podiatric care they can offer pregnant women.
Common Foot, Leg, and Ankle Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnancy creates a variety of side effects, including backaches, nausea, and fatigue, and nearly 80% of pregnant women experience swelling, also known as edema. The stress of the extra pregnancy weight and swelling can lead to many foot, leg, and ankle conditions. You may experience the following changes in your lower extremities:
Reduced Arch Support
Pregnancy causes hormone changes in the body. Two hormones that are found naturally in the body are relaxin and progesterone. Both help relax your muscles and allow ligaments to be more flexible and stretch more easily, and both hormones increase during pregnancy and are particularly important in the pelvic region to help with the birthing process. However, these two hormones can allow ligaments to have too much flexibility, which can lead to ligament laxity. For feet, this can mean less arch support. Additionally, extra pregnancy weight increases the pressure on the looser structure of the feet and can cause certain types of foot conditions and pain, including plantar fasciitis and tendon and muscle strains. These factors may cause your foot to become wider, and you may need a larger shoe size. This change in your foot structure may be a permanent change following pregnancy.
Changes in the Way You Walk
When you’re pregnant, the way you walk—your gait—can change. Your spine and pelvis may begin to curve inward to support a growing abdomen, and you may develop a leaned-back posture. You may also develop a “waddling gait” due to the changes in your center of gravity. This may happen as you gradually shift your weight toward the heel of your foot to compensate for this change.
Ingrown Toenails
During pregnancy, there are certain factors that increase your risk of developing ingrown toenails, including hormonal changes that lead to swollen feet, fluid retention, and changes in the curvature and shape of your nails. Swollen feet may make it impossible to fit into the shoes you used to wear, and tight shoes can increase the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Also, nails may grow faster during pregnancy, meaning that toenails need to be trimmed more often. However, reaching your toenails can be difficult when you’re pregnant, making it a challenge to stay on top of nail trimming.
Swelling
Edema is a typical problem that can accompany pregnancy, and usually, it comes on gradually. However, if swelling comes on suddenly, is developing in your hands and face, and is very severe, especially if it is only in one leg, it could be a sign of preeclampsia or a blood clot. It’s important to contact your OB-GYN immediately.
Caring for Your Feet During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, your body is under stress, and your feet must handle more weight. They may become achy, swollen, and sore and need extra attention to keep them healthy. Here are some tips for keeping your feet, ankles, and legs more comfortable during pregnancy:
Elevate and Rest Your Feet
If your feet and ankles are swelling, take breaks throughout the day and prop your feet up when you can. This can improve circulation and reduce swelling. If possible, avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and try to sleep with your feet elevated on a pillow. Always talk to your podiatrist about the best methods for helping to reduce swelling.
Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks can help improve your circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet. These therapeutic socks squeeze the legs and ankles, helping your blood vessels to work more efficiently. They improve circulation by allowing your arteries and muscles in your lower limbs to relax and encourage blood to flow back to your heart. It’s important to ask your podiatrist which type of compression socks are right for you and your unique pregnancy situation.
Choose Shoes Carefully
As your feet swell, you may find that your shoes don’t fit anymore, and you need to buy new ones. It’s best to try on new shoes in the afternoon when your feet are likely to be the most swollen. Look for shoes with good arch support to distribute your weight evenly and help reduce stress on your feet. It’s best to avoid flats and high heels. If you buy a shoe with a low heel, it can help relieve pressure on your lower back and improve your posture. You may want to invest in orthotics or maternity shoes to give you more support and cushioning.
Soak Your Feet
Immersing your feet and ankles in warm water can help ease swelling and foot pain. You may also want to add some Epsom salt, as well. Be sure your water is not too hot.
Limit Salt Intake
A normal amount of sodium is necessary during pregnancy because it helps to maintain the balance between the fluids and minerals in the body. However, excessive salt intake can increase fluid retention and contribute to the swelling in your feet and ankles, as well as contribute to increased blood pressure.
What Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists Can Offer Pregnant Patients
The podiatrists at our Central Texas office can provide several services to help pregnant patients care for their feet prior to and following delivery:
- Trimming toenails to decrease the risk of ingrown nails
- Treating ingrown toenails
- Offering professional advice about what compression socks and shoes may be most beneficial
- Recommending orthtics to prevent long-term issues that may make structural changes in your feet during pregnancy
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How does menopause impact foot health?
Our Experienced TX Podiatrists Discuss Why You Should See a Foot Doctor During Menopause
When people talk about menopause, they often mention hot flashes, night sweats, or hormonal changes. It’s less common to hear about how menopause changes a woman’s feet. The skilled and compassionate Central Texas foot doctors at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help women understand how this big life change often affects the feet and the discomfort of foot issues that commonly plague women in menopause. Here, our podiatrists discuss why and how menopause can impact female feet in such a significant way.
Common Foot Issues Women Face in Menopause
During menopause, a woman’s body produces less estrogen, which impacts her entire body, including the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin of her feet. Less estrogen can cause women to slowly put on weight, at a rate of a couple of pounds per year throughout their fifties and sixties; to produce less collagen, which makes it harder to heal from injuries; and to lose bone density. Estrogen also has anti-inflammatory properties. In its absence, patients may experience increased inflammation. These can all create or contribute to existing painful foot and ankle problems, including the following:
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It absorbs the impact your foot takes when walking, running and jumping. The weight that many women gain during menopause can put a lot of stress on the arches of their feet and the plantar fascia. Their arches can become weak and flatten or collapse. The fascia can become inflamed and tear.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Estrogen helps to increase the internal size of blood vessels, which allows for better blood flow. In menopause, when estrogen levels fall, circulation can become worse in the feet, which can increase the risk of PAD, a leading cause of foot ulcers and a contributing factor in amputations.
Bunions
Bunions are red, swollen knobs at the base of the big toe. These can be genetic or the result of trauma or arthritis and are often aggravated by years of wearing pointy, narrow shoes. Bunions can reduce the range of motion in the toe and be quite painful.
Fractures and Stress Fractures
The decrease in estrogen during menopause can make bones more brittle. When this is paired with even slight weight gain, the bones of the feet are under more stress and become prone to small cracks and full breaks.
Hallux Rigidus
If your big toe has been getting more and more rigid over time, and your symptoms worsen when it is damp and cold, you might be experiencing hallux rigidus. This may be the result of fallen arches, which can also cause osteoarthritis.
Dry Skin and Calluses
Menopause makes it more difficult for the female body to retain moisture. This includes moisture in the skin. Dry skin on the feet tends to become itchy, cracked, and callused. Cracks, which often form on the heel, can bleed and allow in bacteria and fungus, leading to infection. Dry skin also increases the risk of developing foot ulcers and calluses. All of these things can make it more painful and difficult to walk. You can help prevent these issues by doing the following:
- Drinking lots of water
- Avoiding saunas and steam baths
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Choosing unscented, mild, moisturizing soaps
- Applying therapeutic oils, creams, and ointments to moisturize the skin
- Keeping your hands away from dry skin so you aren’t tempted to rub or scratch
- Applying cold compresses or ice packs to help with itching
- Managing your other health conditions that could be contributing to dry skin
- Using a humidifier in your home whenever you are running your heater
- Drying your feet any time you get them wet
How Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists Help Patients During Menopause
Your feet are the foundation for the rest of your body, so it’s important to address any foot problems right away, preferably before you begin to have other issues.
Our award-winning, nationally recognized Central Texas podiatrists are empathetic to the challenges women can experience during menopause. We can quickly and accurately diagnose and treat issues you’re facing using a combination of traditional and state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. We recognize that each patient is an individual, which is why we offer a robust array of options, including the following:
- Providing a thorough physical examination of your feet.
- Having a conversation about your symptoms and personal and family medical history
- Providing a gait analysis. We’ll observe how you walk to understand how this might be impacting other parts of your body, like your knees, hips, and back.
- Checking the wear and tear on your shoes. The wear patterns on your shoes can tell us a lot about the mechanics of your feet, and we can also confirm if you’re wearing the best shoes to meet your needs. Shoes should include the following features:
- Good arch support
- Shock absorption and cushioning for the bottom of the foot
- Breathable materials
- Plenty of wiggle room in the toe box
- Be broken in but not worn out
- Be engineered for the activities you’re doing
- Offer adequate space for orthotics if you choose to wear them
- Answering questions you might have about how menopause has and might continue to impact your foot health
- Explaining how dietary changes may reduce inflammation
- Recommending custom orthotics to reduce pressure on certain areas of the feet
- Suggesting stretches and exercises that can strengthen your feet and relieve pain
- Demonstrating massage techniques you can use at home to alleviate foot discomfort
- Recommending footwear that is better suited to your needs
- Discussing supplements and medications that could be helpful
- Discussing Lapiplasty 3D bunion correction
- Discussing perinatal tissue and growth factor injections
- Discussing extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)
- Discussing platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)
- Discussing Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy
- Explaining surgical options
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Is Gout Causing My Foot Pain?
Our Top-Rated TX Podiatrists Explain Why Gout Causes Foot Pain and Why This Condition Develops
If you have severe attacks of joint pain and swelling that seem to come on suddenly, especially in your big toe, your podiatrist may diagnose your foot pain as gout. This condition can develop in any joint, including the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles, but it usually affects the big toe. If you’ve been diagnosed with gout, you may wonder about the type of treatment you’ll need to ease the symptoms and how to manage this condition.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gout, the dedicated podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists want you to know that you don’t have to suffer. With early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes, gout can be easily controlled.
Understanding Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause tenderness, swelling, redness, and severe pain in your joints. This condition is caused by too much uric acid that builds up in your body and is deposited in your joints. This build up creates needle-shaped crystals that form in and around a joint, leading to painful inflammation and arthritis. Areas of the body that can be impacted by gout include the joints, bursae, membranes surrounding tendons, and kidneys. Anyone of any age can suffer from gout, including children.
Symptoms of Gout
When you suffer a sudden attack of gout, you may wake in the middle of the night feeling as if your big toe has caught fire. Whatever joint is affected will feel swollen, hot, and hurt so much that you want nothing to touch it. The signs and symptoms of gout may include the following:
- Severe joint pain. You will feel intense pain in whatever joint is affected by the gout attack. This pain will usually last for approximately four to 12 hours after the flare-up or attack starts. Typically, you’ll feel it in your big toe; however, you can experience gout in other joints, including your fingers. Some patients say that the pain starts with a tingling sensation and some swelling but eventually can barely be tolerated.
- Redness and inflammation. Often, an attack of gout will leave your joint red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
- Changes to your range of motion. As the attack of gout progresses, you may find you have limited range of motion and can’t move your joints as you normally do.
- Lingering pain. You may have some joint discomfort that lasts after the initial attack. This could go on for a few days to a few weeks. If you suffer other severe attacks of gout later, they may be longer and affect more joints.
Other symptoms may include:
- Inability to put weight on your big toe
- Burning and tingling pain that can prevent you from walking or moving your knees as you usually do
- Pain that radiates down your arm and restricts elbow movement
What Causes Gout
There are many factors that can cause a person to develop gout and suffer from gout flares. Some food and drinks can increase the uric acid levels in your system and produce a flare. These include the following:
- Meat. Red meat, organ meat, game meat, and turkey are all foods high in purines. When your body breaks down these foods, your level of uric acid increases.
- Seafood. There is some seafood you should avoid, including scallops, anchovies, sardines, trout, tuna, and mussels.
- Drinks. Fruit juices and sodas that are flavored with fruit sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup, can trigger a flare. Additionally, you should limit your intake of alcohol, especially beer. When you drink beer, your kidneys can’t flush out uric acid.
There are other factors that can cause gout flares, including the following:
- Medications. Certain high blood pressure diuretics, aspirin, and drugs for patients who’ve received an organ transplant can trigger a gout flare.
- Body fat. If you have a lot of belly fat, even if you’re not overweight, it may cause you to develop gout. Belly fat increases production of the inflammatory chemicals that trigger gout.
Other Risk Factors for Gout
Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, and anyone can experience it, but certain groups of people are more likely to develop it than others:
- Men are three times more likely than women to develop gout. Women who do experience gout typically do so after menopause.
- Older people are more likely than younger people to have gout. In younger people, it is generally less severe than for older people.
- A family history of gout increases the risk of developing it.
- Psoriasis.
- Some cancers.
- Illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure.
How Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists Can Help You Manage Your Gout
There isn’t a cure for gout, but it can be treated by managing symptoms to reduce flares. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists in Central Texas, our award-winning podiatrists recommend a combination of treatment options, including the following:
- Lifestyle changes. Reducing the intake of alcohol and triggering foods may prevent symptoms. Drinking more water can improve kidney function. Applying ice to impacted joints can relieve pain and swelling.
- Medications. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications that can lower uric acid levels and treat pain and inflammation. Patients should be sure to tell their doctors if they have stomach ulcers or kidney problems, which may limit which medications they can take for gout.
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What are the characteristics of a good podiatrist?
Our Dedicated Foot and Ankle Doctors Discuss Choosing the Right Texas Podiatrist for Your Specific Needs
Podiatry, also called podiatric medicine and surgery, is a branch of medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, injuries, deformities, and diseases. Because there are over 300 foot conditions that any one person can develop in their lifetime, choosing a podiatrist is especially important to help keep you moving on healthy feet.
When you have a problem with your feet or ankles, you want to find the right podiatrist for your specific needs, as well as someone you relate to. The skilled and knowledgeable podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists understand that you may be meeting a podiatrist for the first time, feel nervous, and/or are in a lot of pain and need immediate help. You may not yet know if we will be the right fit for you. Here, we discuss the characteristics to look for in a podiatrist so you receive the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
Has Experience
The first quality you should look for in a podiatrist is experience. Your doctor should have extensive knowledge of foot and ankle anatomy, diseases, deformities, and conditions and be able to treat them. The more experience your podiatrist has, the more likely they are to have seen and treated your condition before.
The podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists welcome your questions about our background, credentials, and certifications because we know you want someone who is a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) and has the experience necessary to accurately diagnose your condition and get your feet and ankles moving in the right direction.
Has Positive Communication Skills
Any good podiatrist should provide you with a clear diagnosis of your foot or ankle condition and an explanation of your treatment options. You shouldn’t be left wondering why you’re in pain or if your doctor knows how to help you. When any medical professional is communicating with you, their approach should be respectful and collaborative. They should value the information you can share with them and work with you to create an individualized plan of care that will work for you. They should make time during appointments to answer your questions and also provide you with resources that you can reference later, such as:
Follows up With Patients
Your doctor should be scheduling regular follow-up appointments, especially if you have an on-going condition. They should also encourage you to come back if an issue that seems to be resolved recurs in the future. Regardless of your specific issues, a good podiatrist will regularly follow up with their patients to check on their progress. It’s also important that they listen to any concerns you have and spend time discussing adjustments to your treatment if needed.
Shows Humility
A good doctor recognizes that their patients can feel confused and uncertain about a diagnosis and sometimes want a second opinion. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we can provide you with a second opinion after you have seen a different doctor. If you would like to talk to another doctor to confirm the diagnoses and advice we have given you, we encourage you to do so.
Puts You at Ease With a Positive Bedside Manner
Talking about health issues can be scary and sometimes embarrassing. Your podiatrist should put you at ease so you aren’t afraid to talk about your specific foot or ankle condition and ask as many questions as necessary. We have numerous people available on staff, including Dr. Chica, who speak Spanish and are ready to assist patients who are more comfortable conversing in Spanish.
Makes Scheduling an Appointment Convenient
Your doctor should make it easy for you to get an appointment, offering online scheduling and telemedicine whenever appropriate. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer these options and do whatever else we can to make your experience easier.
Instills Confidence
When you talk to your doctor, their responses to your concerns and the information they provide should make you feel confident that they know how to help you with your health needs. This may be demonstrated by their range of knowledge, which should include traditional approaches to treating your medical issue, and their willingness to use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Your podiatrist should demonstrate a passion for being a knowledgeable practitioner. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our doctors seek out opportunities to expand their expertise.
Dr. Thomajan is:
- Board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
- Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine
- A Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- A Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons
These credentials mean that not only does Dr. Thomajan meet the state criteria of being licensed to practice, but he has also undergone rigorous testing and peer evaluation and is considered especially knowledgeable.
Dr. Chica has extensive experience in sports medicine, previously worked in a pediatric trauma center managing pediatric foot needs, and has completed comprehensive and advanced training for reconstructive surgery and trauma of the foot and ankle with nationally renowned foot and ankle specialists.
Has a Positive Reputation
When you ask other people in the community about providers, you want to select one who has been recognized for providing excellent care to their patients. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists is the recipient of numerous awards, including the following:
- Austin Business Hall of Fame, after earning Best Overall Foot and Ankle Surgeons for ten consecutive years.
- Small Business Excellence Award
- Austin Monthly’s Top Doctors in 2022, 2023, and 2024
- Dr. Thomajan was selected as the best podiatrist in the Senior Resource Guide’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Additionally, we were featured in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Austin Monthly, and Foot & Ankle Specialist publications.
We are also highly rated by our customers on Yelp.
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I have a question regarding a prescription?
Dr. Thomajan is faxing or calling in my first prescription; when can I pick it up?
All prescriptions and refill requests will be filled by the end of the business day. If you are seen for a 9 am appointment time your prescription will be available no later than 5:30 pm with your chosen pharmacy. Dr. Thomajan is always as accommodating as possible and most times prescriptions are sent right away. Please call ahead to your pharmacy to see if the prescription has arrived prior to visiting.
Dr. Thomajan wrote me a pain prescription; how do I get a refill?
Please have your pharmacy fax a prescription refill request to (512) 328-8903. We do not call in prescription refills. A total of 3 pain prescriptions will be filled (one initial prescription and up to two additional refills). If you are still experiencing pain after we have prescribed three rounds of pain prescriptions you are required to schedule a follow-up visit to assess for any changes in your diagnosis. At this time consideration will be taken to find you a pain management specialist should there be no significant changes to your diagnosis.
Can I drive while on pain medication?
No, we recommend that you have a responsible adult drive you while you are taking pain medication(s). You should never attempt to operate any machinery while on pain medication. If you should ever have any questions regarding your prescription please contact our office at (512) 328-8900 or consult your pharmacist.
Can my surgeon call in my prescription for surgery?
Should Dr. Thomajan prescribe pain medication he will write the prescription on the day of your surgery and this will be in the possession of the post-operative nurse at the facility that will be charged with your care. You will receive a paper copy of your prescription to deliver to any pharmacy of your choice. We do not call in or prescribe any medications prior to your surgical procedure.
When do I take my medication? How do I take my medication?
Dr. Thomajan will touch upon this on your visit. However, we do recommend upon receipt of your prescription from the pharmacy that you speak to your pharmacist regarding any additional questions. Please speak with your pharmacist regarding how often to take your medication and how you should take your medication. Your pharmacist has a plethora of information and their purpose is to supply you with as much information regarding your specific prescription. As well, medication directions are always printed on the medication bottle. Should you require any additional information please contact our office at (512) 328-8900.
Do I stop taking my other medications?
Please contact your prescribing physician or PCP to check if you should stop any other medications. As always, we welcome any additional questions you might have as well (512) 328-8900.
You prescribed a medication a friend of mine has; can I just take that?
Unfortunately, no. We are not in the practice of sharing medications. Please fill the prescription that Dr. Thomajan has prescribed for you as this quantity, dosage, and shelf-life were specifically formulated for you. Should you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Dr. Thomajan prescribed me a medication a year ago; can I refill it?
Please contact our office at (512) 328-8900 to schedule an appointment. We do not refill prescriptions over 60 days without another consultation to facilitate any changes in your diagnosis.
Is my prescription covered by insurance?
We make every effort to supply you with as much coverage information as possible regarding your specific insurance plan. However, we do not have access to coverage in terms of prescription drug plans. Please contact customer service with your insurance company to check for coverage of your specific prescription.
Dr. Thomajan referred me to pain management; what is this?
Pain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. We will refer you to a preferred pain management specialist that is in-network with your insurance company. We will provide you with their contact information and provide all of your medical records as a courtesy.
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.
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I'm having a MRI performed; what should I know?
What is an MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to identify and treat various medical conditions. These exams provide unparalleled views of internal body structures including the organs, soft tissues, and bone, which cannot be seen using conventional X-rays or CT scans.
How does an MRI work?
MRI technology uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the human body. As the radio waves pass through the body, images are created on a computer screen for radiologists to analyze. These precise images allow radiologists to view soft tissue (muscles, fat, internal organs, blood vessels, and tendons) and bones without the use of X-rays or surgery.
Is an MRI safe?
The MRI imaging technique does not involve exposure to radiation. However, women should always inform their technologist if there is a chance they could be pregnant. Medical and electronic devices may interfere with MRI exams and pose a potential risk. Patients with any kind of metallic implant should not have an MRI unless their physician is aware of the device and has approved the procedure. Patients with pacemakers should not undergo an MRI.
Can children receive an MRI?
Yes, children can receive an MRI. Typically, the facility will have a specialty radiologist perform the procedure.
Who do I contact to schedule my MRI?
Dr. Thomajan will select the facility that is best required for your MRI. You will leave with your MRI prescription order; all orders have the contact information provided. We utilize the following:
- River Ranch Radiology: (512) 454-9597
- Austin Radiological Association: (512) 453-6100
- Austin Health Imaging: (512) 451-8595
I do not live in Austin; can I go anywhere else to receive my MRI?
Although we prefer to use whom Dr. Thomajan has referred you to you do have the right to visit any facility for your MRI procedure. You can always take the referral we have already written to any facility or please just contact our office to write a generic MRI referral.
When should I arrive for my MRI?
Patients typically are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. This allows time to complete any necessary paperwork, answer any medical history questions, change clothes for the scan if necessary and ask any questions for the technologist.
What do I bring with me to my MRI?
Please bring your insurance card, identification card, and your MRI order.
How should I dress for my MRI?
Patients should dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing (i.e. sweatshirt and pants without metal snaps or zippers). All valuables will be removed so we recommend leaving them at home. We also recommend not wearing cosmetics as many brands contain metal.
What happens during my MRI?
When you are ready for your scan, a technologist will bring you into the MRI scan room and help you get comfortable on the padded examination table. The table will then move slowly into the opening of a large cylinder-shaped tube that houses the MRI magnet. You will hear a continual knocking noise while the machine takes pictures. Earplugs are provided and significantly reduce the amount of noise during the scan. It is important to lie completely still while the images are being taken because motion will affect the sharpness of the image. The technologist will talk with you throughout your scan and keep you informed of what you can expect. You can expect your MRI to last somewhere between 20-60 minutes.
What happens after my MRI?
Patients may leave immediately following their MRI scan and go about normal activities. If you have requested the use of a mild sedative you will be required to have a responsible adult drive you home.
When can I expect my results?
Results are usually available and submitted to our office within 24-48 hours. Our staff will contact you as soon as they are available and interpreted by Dr. Thomajan. You will be required to schedule an office visit to receive your results. An office visit is required to discuss findings and develop a plan of action for your recovery.
I scheduled my results visit; do I have to pay a copay?
Yes, all visits are considered with your contract with your insurance company as an office visit. Any time you are seen and treated by Dr. Thomajan and his staff your insurance is billed. Part of your billed service is your copay; which is due on each date of service.
Do I need to bring my results or copies of the MRI to my visit?
We do not require that you provide results. We will have access to your results. Should we require to see the physical scans we can access River Ranch Radiology and Austin Radiological Association online. Any other facility that does not provide scans online we will request the hard copy as a courtesy.
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