Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causing heel pain with the first steps of the day. Most cases improve with conservative care, but when chronic pain persists and limits daily or physical activities surgery may be considered . The procedure typically involves releasing a small portion of the plantar fascia to reduce tension and improve movement. Good candidates are those who have not responded to other treatments and continue to experience significant discomfort. Risk factors include overuse, poor footwear, and foot structure. A podiatrist can provide non-surgical care, and determine if surgery is appropriate. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best treatment option 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 care needs.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation throughout the body, including the feet. The result is joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that make walking uncomfortable. The small joints in the feet and ankles are often involved, which can limit movement and affect completing daily activities. Lupus can also affect blood vessels, leading to poor circulation that causes the toes to feel cold, appear discolored, or become painful as blood flow changes. Skin problems like rashes or slow-healing sores also can develop. In addition, nerve irritation may lead to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. A podiatrist can assess foot function, evaluate circulation, and test nerve health to address these issues. If you are suffering from foot pain related to lupus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief tips and management of this condition. 

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.

Bunions and bunionettes are both bony bumps that form at the base of a toe, but they develop in different places. A bunion forms at the joint of the big toe as the top of the toe leans toward the smaller toes. This can create pain, swelling, and trouble wearing shoes comfortably. A bunionette forms at the base of the little toe on the outer side of the foot. It is usually smaller, but can still cause rubbing, redness, and discomfort. Bunions are more common and are often linked to foot structure, family history, and shoe pressure. Bunionettes are also often related to inherited foot shape. A podiatrist can examine the foot, take X-rays, and provide treatment. Options include orthotics, padding, shoe guidance, or surgery when the deformity is severe. If you have pain from a bunion or bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief solutions. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Cracked heels and callouses develop when the skin on the feet becomes thick, dry, and less flexible. Callouses form as a protective response to repeated pressure or friction, often appearing on the heels or balls of the feet. Over time, the skin may become excessively thick and begin to split, leading to painful fissures in the heel. These cracks may look like deep lines in the skin and can feel tender, especially when standing or walking. Contributing factors include standing for a long time, wearing open back shoes, dry skin, and certain medical conditions that affect skin health. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the callous buildup and determine whether there are underlying causes. Treatment includes careful removal of thickened skin, moisturizing routines to restore flexibility, and prescribing custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Early care helps prevent deeper cracks and possible infection. If you have cracked heels or callouses that have become painful, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.