Toenail fungus,  medically known as onychomycosis, affects the nails of the feet. It occurs when fungal organisms invade the nail plate and surrounding tissue. Causes often include prolonged moisture exposure and contact with contaminated surfaces. Risk factors include walking barefoot on hotel carpets, public showers, pool decks, and surrounding areas where fungi thrive. Symptoms include thickened nails, discoloration, brittleness, crumbling edges, and occasional discomfort. Without treatment, the infection can spread and become more difficult to manage. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose toenail fungus, recommend effective treatment options, and monitor nail health. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Persistently cold feet are not always related to weather and can sometimes signal Raynaud's syndrome, a condition that affects blood flow to the toes. Raynaud's causes small blood vessels to narrow excessively in response to cold or stress, leading to pale or bluish skin, numbness, tingling, and aching sensations. During an episode, toes may feel stiff or painful, and normal color and warmth can take time to return. Over time, repeated episodes can increase the risk of skin breakdown, slow healing, or ulcer formation, particularly in people with circulation or nerve issues. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation in the feet, review symptom patterns, rule out other causes of discolored toes, and assess severity. Treatment may focus on foot health, monitoring skin changes, and managing complications. For help dealing with chronically cold feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

Cuboid syndrome causes pain along the outer portion and bottom of the mid-foot, making walking uncomfortable. It develops when the cuboid bone becomes irritated or slightly out of alignment. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains that shift pressure through the foot, repetitive stress from sports or prolonged walking, and uneven surfaces that strain the mid-foot. Abnormal foot mechanics may also contribute by altering how weight is transferred during each step. Symptoms include aching pain, sharp discomfort during push-off, and tenderness beneath the mid-foot. A podiatrist can perform a thorough exam to evaluate joint position, foot structure, and walking patterns to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, reducing strain on surrounding tissues, and improving overall foot function. If you feel pain under the mid-foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.