When fungal toenail infections develop, they are generally not serious, however they may take several months to treat. Toenail fungus begins on the outer edges of the nail, and can gradually spread to the middle of the nail if treatment does not promptly begin. Common symptoms may include a yellowing and thickening of the affected nail, and it may become brittle. The type of fungus that causes this infection typically lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, and can be found in public pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. It's suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of places, in addition to wearing clean shoes and socks. If you notice toenail fungus developing, it's suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can expertly treat this condition.

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

The chances of getting the medical condition that is known as athlete’s foot may increase if you tend to walk barefoot in warm and moist environments. These can consist of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that generally accompany athlete’s foot can include itchy skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot, and in severe cases, blisters may develop. It may help to keep your feet as dry as possible, and effective treatment may begin with using an antifungal powder. Additionally, the feet may feel better when socks and shoes are worn that are made of a breathable material. If you exhibit any of the signs of having athletes’ foot, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

As your child's feet become stronger, it is important that the correct size shoes and socks are worn while walking outside. Research has indicated the importance of having your child's feet measured approximately every three months, as this can be helpful in determining the correct shoe size. The feet will typically become stronger while walking barefoot indoors, which can be a result of the toes grasping the floor. Many babies are born with flat feet, however the arch generally will develop during the teenage years. Additionally, it is common for many children to walk on their tip-toes, which can be indicative of an existing foot issue. If you would like more information about how to properly care for your child’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

An ingrown toenail is a painful condition that consists of the nail growing into the flesh of the toe. This can be incredibly painful, and may also make it difficult for someone with this condition to go about their daily activities. If an ingrown toenail is left untreated, it may run the risk of developing an infection. If this occurs, the affected area might start to bleed or drain pus. To help prevent an ingrown toenail from forming, it is recommended that you trim your toenails properly. To best do this, it’s important that you cut your toenails  straight across, instead of on an angle. It’s also advised not to trim your toenails too short, as doing so may also cause an ingrown toenail to develop. For more information on how to prevent and treat this condition, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.