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.

Excess body weight places ongoing stress on the feet, which are responsible for supporting the entire body with every step. As body weight increases, pressure through the heels, arches, and forefoot follows suit, often leading to pain, fatigue, and changes in foot structure. Carrying extra weight can contribute to flattening of the arches, which may affect alignment and place added strain on tendons and joints in the feet and ankles. Increased pressure on the forefoot raises the risk of calluses, corns, bunions, and nerve irritation. Heel pain related to strain on the plantar fascia and joint discomfort in the midfoot and ankle may also develop over time. Reduced circulation and higher rates of diabetes can further affect skin health, wound healing, and sensation in the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, identify pressure points, and discuss appropriate treatment options. If you have foot pain related to carrying extra weight, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Joint pain in the feet can arise because each foot contains 33 joints that absorb force with every step, from the ankle to the small joints in the toes. Stress from injury, structural changes, or repeated loading can irritate joint surfaces and surrounding tissue. Inflammation plays a role when arthritis develops, while noninflammatory causes include joint strain, alignment problems, or pressure from shoes that lack adequate support or frequent use of flip-flops. Cartilage thinning can allow bones to rub, leading to stiffness and reduced motion. Pain can also stem from bunions or capsulitis in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can assess movement, identify the source of pain, and discuss surgery when needed. If you have foot joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.

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.