Items filtered by date: April 2022

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that causes contraction, hardening, and scar formation in the skin, tissues, joints, and even organs. Often the first areas of the body to be affected are the feet, hands, and face. When systemic sclerosis affects the feet, it can cause pain, limited mobility, an abnormal gait, deformity in the back of the foot, calcinosis under the skin’s surface, nail changes, as well as a degradation of skin in the foot. A podiatrist is an important part of the medical team that people with systemic sclerosis should consult with regularly to help them manage symptoms and prevent dangerous complications from developing—such as the development of foot wounds and ulcers. If you have been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, make an appointment with a podiatrist to make sure you are receiving the regular foot assessment and podiatric care you need.

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 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.

The metatarsals, which run from the base of the toes along the bottom of your foot, are the most commonly injured bones in the foot. The 1st, 2nd, and 5th metatarsals are frequently fractured during sports activities. Some breaks can be caused by sudden impact, like dropping something heavy on the foot or hitting a hard object. Other common causes are twisting the ankle and landing improperly from a jump. These injuries are termed acute and can be extremely painful. Further, if the bone breaks through the skin, the injury is even more serious because it may also affect the soft tissues of the foot and be more prone to infection. Other metatarsal breaks take a longer time, usually a result of repetitive action, such as running for long distances or jumping, which gradually cracks the bones. These are known as stress fractures: hairline cracks that damage only a portion of the bone. Conditions such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause stress fractures. If you have injured your midfoot area, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a complete exam and diagnosis.

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.

There are many people who understand the benefits of exercising their feet. One way this can be accomplished is by using a tennis ball. This is done by rolling the bottom of the foot on the tennis ball, which may be beneficial in strengthening the overall foot. When this is practiced, it can help to release tension in the feet, and specific types of foot pain may gradually diminish. Research has indicated it may have a positive effect on the brain and nervous system. There are different points of the foot that correspond to specific internal organs. Improvement and good feelings may be noticed when these parts of the foot are massaged with a tennis ball. If you would like additional information about what size tennis ball to use that can help your feet, please ask a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Many foot problems can be solved by taking a look at the shoes you wear, whether it be running shoes, flip-flops, dress shoes or bedroom slippers. For instance, plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, can be the result of doing pounding exercises in shoes that lack proper cushioning and padding. Similarly, metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma, resulting in pain in the ball of the foot, can be directly linked to shoving your feet into tight high-heeled shoes with pointy toes and then walking in them or standing for long periods of time. Flip-flops can be bearers of fatigue, caused by lack of arch support and cushioning in the heel. Any shoes with thin flat leather soles and uppers may be the root of calluses and corns that turn into painful areas on the toes and soles of your feet. Taking long walks, hiking, or running in shoes that are not specifically made for the activity, can result in painful blisters. A good way to find out which shoes are best for your feet and your lifestyle is to consult a podiatrist for guidance in seeking proper footwear.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.