EXPERT
Dr. Steven Lam, D.P.M.
Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)
Dr. Steven Lam is a podiatrist practicing in Albany, NY. Dr. Lam is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of the foot , ankle and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Lam diagnoses and treats conditions of the feet. The feet are key body parts that give a person stability, absorb shock, allow for walking and standing and are necessary for overall well-being. So, the feet need expert care. Podiatrists can specialize in surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetic care and pediatrics.
21 years
Experience
Dr. Steven Lam, D.P.M.
- Albany, NY
- Temple University
- Accepting new patients
Warts
As summer is winding down, hopefully most people have managed to enjoy the nicer weather by spending their time outdoors. Going barefoot, wearing flip-flops, and swimming in...
My toe bump?
It could be a wart or a corn. You should see a podiatrist and have it treated.
I need help with my feet?
It's tough to tell from your photo, but I would start treatment with a prescription strength steroid cream for on those areas twice a day, and maybe include oral steroid treatment READ MORE
It's tough to tell from your photo, but I would start treatment with a prescription strength steroid cream for on those areas twice a day, and maybe include oral steroid treatment as well.
Bunion surgery?
It is normal to have some residual pain up to 1 year from the date of your bunion surgery.
Can chiropractors work on bunions?
Chiropractors are not specifically trained to treat bunions. You should consider seeing a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon.
Foot drop?
A custom molded hinged afo (ankle foot orthosis) has worked well for my patients.
Is my toe infection bad enough to go to the ER?
Your toe is infected. If it's after hours, you should go to urgent care. They will put you on an antibiotic. The infection will also need to be drained. If they don't do it, ask READ MORE
Your toe is infected. If it's after hours, you should go to urgent care. They will put you on an antibiotic. The infection will also need to be drained. If they don't do it, ask them to refer you to a podiatrist for further care.
Good luck.
Dr. Steven Lam
Good luck.
Dr. Steven Lam
I have foot pain?
Seems like you either injured your tendon, your bone, or both. I'd start by getting in to see a podiatrist or orthopedist, and get an x-ray. If the x-ray is negative, then you READ MORE
Seems like you either injured your tendon, your bone, or both. I'd start by getting in to see a podiatrist or orthopedist, and get an x-ray. If the x-ray is negative, then you have tendon damage. Most likely you will need immobilization in a camwalker for a period of time, depending on what you injured and how severe.
How to treat my mom's bad foot pain?
If her foot is so painful that she can't walk on it, then you really need to get her in to see her primary care physician or urgent care or her podiatrist. There are many other READ MORE
If her foot is so painful that she can't walk on it, then you really need to get her in to see her primary care physician or urgent care or her podiatrist. There are many other conditions that can cause foot swellibg that she needs to be evaluated for. This is not something that can be helped on this forum. Please, convince your mom to be seen by a medical professional.
Can flat feet be fixed without surgery?
Roughly 30% of the population has flat feet. Having said that, not all flat feet need to be surgically corrected. Perhaps wearing supportive shoes, modifying activity levels, and READ MORE
Roughly 30% of the population has flat feet. Having said that, not all flat feet need to be surgically corrected. Perhaps wearing supportive shoes, modifying activity levels, and using over the counter or custom orthotics is good enough to allow someone with flat feet to be active and function without pain. Flat feet can not be "corrected" without surgery. But oftentimes, surgery can be avoided with the conservative treatments I mentioned. Surgery is relegated for those individuals that continue to have pain despite conservative care, and their activities of daily living are impacted.
Can you walk after toenail removal?
Absolutely. Typically most people feel significantly better after having had the ingrown toe nail removed. A small bandage with antibiotic cream is applied after the procedure, READ MORE
Absolutely. Typically most people feel significantly better after having had the ingrown toe nail removed. A small bandage with antibiotic cream is applied after the procedure, and my patients are allowed to resume their normal activities to tolerance.
Should I see a podiatrist or chiropractor?
Podiatrists are specifically trained to deal with any issue concerning the foot. I may be biased, but your foot pain should be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Can a podiatrist treat foot fungus?
Yes. That is one of the many conditions that podiatrists can treat. Any skin, nail, nerve, bone, muscle or tendon issues involving the foot are treatable by a podiatrist.
Can a podiatrist perform surgery?
Yes. A podiatrist can perform surgery. I am a podiatrist, and I perform 10-15 surgeries a week, ranging from bunion and hammertoe correction, to fixation of broken bones, to amputations READ MORE
Yes. A podiatrist can perform surgery. I am a podiatrist, and I perform 10-15 surgeries a week, ranging from bunion and hammertoe correction, to fixation of broken bones, to amputations of infections.
How can I treat an ingrown toenail?
Depending on where the ingrown toe nail is actually ingrowing into the skin, you may need to seek out a podiatrist to resolve it. If the ingrown nail is located on the tip of the READ MORE
Depending on where the ingrown toe nail is actually ingrowing into the skin, you may need to seek out a podiatrist to resolve it. If the ingrown nail is located on the tip of the toe, then you could probably carefully trim it back. If the ingrown toe nail is closer to the nail fold and lunula, then your toe will have to be anesthetized with local anesthetic to remove that portion of your nail
I have a bone growth under my heel and it hurts. What should I do?
First, you should get an x-ray if you suspect a bone growth. I seriously doubt, however, that you have bone growth. Most people that experience pain in their heels have a condition READ MORE
First, you should get an x-ray if you suspect a bone growth. I seriously doubt, however, that you have bone growth. Most people that experience pain in their heels have a condition called plantar fasciitis. Google it. Plantar fasciitis can lead to a bone spur, but it is not the spur that causes the pain - the inflamed plantar fascia is the culprit. Most plantar fasciitis can be treated with rest, stretching and some for of anti-inflammatory treatment (ice, ultrasound, nsaids, cortisone shot....). Please seek out a podiatrist to obtain a proper diagnoses for your symptoms.
Can bath salts help in treating heel pain?
No. Bath salts will not help. Heel Pain is typically caused by a tight and inflamed ligament called the plantar fascia. Soaking will not reduce the tension or the inflammation. READ MORE
No. Bath salts will not help. Heel Pain is typically caused by a tight and inflamed ligament called the plantar fascia. Soaking will not reduce the tension or the inflammation.
Why could my feet be so itchy?
You might have tinea pedis (athletes foot) or a form of eczema. These conditions can be easily treated with the appropriate topical medication.
What is the best way to eliminate foot odor?
Foot odor is usually caused by fungus. FUngus likes to live in warm, moist environments. Make sure you apply powder to your shoes to eliminate moisture. If your feet sweat excessively, READ MORE
Foot odor is usually caused by fungus. FUngus likes to live in warm, moist environments. Make sure you apply powder to your shoes to eliminate moisture. If your feet sweat excessively, you can apply a roll-on anti-perspirant at night to reduce the amount that you sweat. Also consider purchasing a topical antifungal cream to apply to your feet after you shower to eradicate any fungus on your skin (athlete's foot).
Why is my toe bleeding randomly?
Sounds like the trauma to the toe has causes a hematoma, which is why you are bleeding. This is referred to as a subungual hematoma. You should see a podiatrist to either have READ MORE
Sounds like the trauma to the toe has causes a hematoma, which is why you are bleeding. This is referred to as a subungual hematoma. You should see a podiatrist to either have the hematoma drained, or the toe nail removed so that this can heal and a new nail could grow unencumbered.
Are there home remedies for foot fungus?
My suggestion is to go to your local pharmacy and purchase an over the counter antifungal cream. Apply it twice a day to the areas that you think have fungus. Additionally, make READ MORE
My suggestion is to go to your local pharmacy and purchase an over the
counter antifungal cream. Apply it twice a day to the areas that you think
have fungus. Additionally, make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly
after showering, and consider wearing flip flops in the shower. If the
fungus has spread to your shoes, consider replacing them or applying
antifungal powder. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen in the next 2
weeks, then you should see a podiatrist for evaluation. You may need a
prescription strength antifungal, or perhaps what you thought was fungus is
something entirely different and wont respond to antifungal medication.
counter antifungal cream. Apply it twice a day to the areas that you think
have fungus. Additionally, make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly
after showering, and consider wearing flip flops in the shower. If the
fungus has spread to your shoes, consider replacing them or applying
antifungal powder. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen in the next 2
weeks, then you should see a podiatrist for evaluation. You may need a
prescription strength antifungal, or perhaps what you thought was fungus is
something entirely different and wont respond to antifungal medication.
