Strengthening the feet through targeted stretching exercises improves sensory awareness, mobility, and flexibility. These qualities help support balance, posture, and overall movement. To perform the independent toe lift, sit with your feet flat and try lifting just your big toe while keeping the others down, then reverse it. The short foot exercise is done by shortening the arch without curling the toes, pulling the ball of the foot toward the heel to engage intrinsic muscles. For the top of foot stretch, kneel with toes pointed behind and gently sit back to stretch the front of the foot and ankle. The arch stretch can be performed by sitting with one foot over the opposite knee, pulling the toes back to stretch the bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot mechanics, demonstrate proper techniques, and create a plan to improve strength and reduce pain. If you experience ongoing foot discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat the condition and guide you through safe, effective stretching routines.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

• Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
• Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
• Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common procedure used to relieve pain and prevent recurring infections when a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition often affects the big toe and can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness. When conservative care does not provide relief, surgical treatment may be recommended. One surgical approach involves removing a portion of the nail to ease pressure and allow healing. Another method includes removing the entire nail if the problem is severe or recurrent. In some cases, a chemical or laser is used to prevent the nail from growing back in the affected area. These procedures are typically performed in a clinical setting with minimal discomfort and a short recovery time. If you have an ingrown toenail that is bothersome or has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can determine if ingrown toenail surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet, particularly the big toe joint. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. This buildup can result from genetics, eating foods high in purines like red meat and seafood, alcohol consumption, or underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease. Symptoms of gout include sudden, intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. The pain may come on overnight and feel like a burning or stabbing sensation, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. A podiatrist can help manage gout by diagnosing the condition, reviewing your medical history, and possibly ordering blood tests or joint fluid analysis. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, dietary guidance, custom orthotics to relieve joint pressure, and long-term management strategies to prevent future flare-ups. If you are experiencing painful gout, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Burning sensations on the bottom of the feet can arise from several underlying medical issues, including nerve damage and circulatory problems. Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, often caused by diabetes, alcoholism, or vitamin deficiencies, also can lead to nerve hypersensitivity. This may result in persistent burning, numbness, and weakness. Poor blood flow linked to peripheral artery disease may also produce burning pain, especially during physical activity. Foot-specific conditions, including Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, and tarsal tunnel syndrome can affect the nerves and soft tissues, causing intense discomfort. Infections like athlete’s foot or injuries such as fractures may provoke acute burning sensations. To determine the cause of burning foot pain a podiatrist can perform a detailed exam and order nerve conduction studies, blood tests, or imaging tests. Based on the diagnosis, treatment may involve medication, custom orthotics, or, in more advanced cases, surgery to alleviate nerve compression or restore circulation. If you experience the sensation of burning feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.