Items filtered by date: May 2022

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 00:00

Taking Care of Children’s Feet

Foot health is important for everyone but because children’s feet are soft, pliable, and still developing, they are more vulnerable to injuries, diseases, and conditions that can interfere with normal movement. More common foot problems among children are Sever’s disease, flat feet, toes pointing in or out, ankle weakness, and foot deformities. Sever’s disease is heel pain in children that may come on during puberty or when experiencing growth spurts. This is usually a temporary affliction and can be managed by stopping sports or activities involving running or jumping until the pain subsides. Flat foot is when the entire sole of the child’s foot lies flat against the ground. If a child walks with their toes pointed in or out it may be because a child’s leg alignment is constantly changing and again may improve as the child grows and muscles get stronger. Children’s ankles may be weak and give way more easily during sports and everyday activities leading to chronic ankle instability. Children may even suffer from congenital foot deformities. It is important to consult with a podiatrist for help in learning and understanding the growth of children’s feet, proper footwear choices as they age, and to treat any foot problems that may arise and are not transitory.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Tuesday, 24 May 2022 00:00

Common Causes of a Broken Foot

One of the most common injuries, a broken foot, is characterized by worsening pain, bruising, and swelling. It is usually accompanied by a loss of feeling, a limited range of movement, and difficulty in bearing weight. Two of the top causes of a broken foot are severe impact in car accidents and trauma from dropping something heavy on the foot. Another common way to break or fracture the foot, especially among athletes, is kicking a ball. Sudden impact combined with running speed can increase the risk. It is also quite common to break your foot from a fall, especially down stairs or onto a particularly rigid surface. Both sports injuries and falling can result in a twisted ankle, which can mask the fact that a bone also has broken. Taking a wrong step, such as off a curb or ladder, can result in foot fractures. Underlying conditions, like arthritis, may also contribute to the risk. Wearing shoes that lack proper stability and support, such as high heels, may cause a loss of balance or a fall that leads to a broken foot. Repetitive impact, common to runners and joggers, is a common cause of stress fractures in the feet. If you believe you have broken your foot, please seek immediate care from a podiatrist.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

There are many people who suffer from the condition that is known as rheumatoid arthritis. The feet can become affected by this ailment which may lead to other foot conditions arising. Permanent relief may be found when foot surgery is performed. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to the development of bunions. This produces a large, bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and may be the result of the toes shifting due to the arthritic disease. Bunion surgery involves cutting the affected bones in the foot and realigning them in a normal position. Additionally, arthritis may damage specific joints in the foot and a fusion may be needed that can help to reduce pain. There are many benefits to having foot surgery performed such as resuming normal functions of the feet, completing daily activities without pain, and wearing appropriate footwear. If you have chronic pain in your feet or you are afflicted with arthritis, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine if foot 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.

Read more about Foot and Ankle Surgery
Wednesday, 11 May 2022 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 00:00

Can Stretches Help Hammertoe?

The foot condition that is known as hammertoe is considered to be a physical deformity. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too narrow or it may form due to genetic reasons. It is defined as the second toe bending at the middle joint, causing it to face downward. The toe may shift toward the other toes, which may force them to bend or overlap. Research has indicated this deformity is caused by shortened muscles that are inside the toes, and this can prompt limited extending. There are stretches that can help to relieve the discomfort from hammertoe and this can be instrumental in regaining structure and movement. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear shoes that have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent straightening. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can choose the best treatment option for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 care needs.

Read more about Hammertoe
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 00:00

Understanding the Risks of PAD

PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. This disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the arteries, and is also known as atherosclerosis. Though this can happen in any blood vessel, it is more common in the lower extremities. Risks for PAD include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Some symptoms that may be present include pain in the feet or legs with activity that stops with rest, decreased or absent foot pulse, sores or ulcers that do not heal, and cold or numb toes. Beyond damage to one’s feet if left untreated, PAD can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a podiatrist to measure blood pressure in the ankles via an ankle brachial index (ABI) and compare that to blood pressure in the arms, do possible imaging studies, confirm the diagnosis, and obtain a treatment plan.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Claudication (leg pain from walking)
  • Numbness in legs
  • Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Read more about Peripheral Artery Disease

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