Items filtered by date: January 2025

Friday, 31 January 2025 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, but it can sometimes contribute to the development of Morton's neuroma, a painful condition affecting the nerves between the toes. Morton's neuroma occurs when the nerve between the toes becomes irritated or compressed, causing sharp, burning pain. The condition is often worsened by wearing tight cycling shoes that compress the toes or by improper footwear that does not provide enough room for the feet. Foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, can also increase the risk of developing this condition, as they alter the way pressure is distributed across the foot while cycling. Additionally, cycling can lead to repetitive impact and foot tilt during pedaling, which puts stress on the forefoot and nerves. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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 What is Morton's Neuroma?

Flat foot surgery is a procedure designed to address the discomfort and functional limitations caused by flat feet, a condition where the arch of the foot collapses or does not develop properly. This can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty walking. The surgery aims to restore the arch, improve foot alignment, and relieve associated pain. Depending on the severity of the condition, surgery may involve various techniques, such as tendon repair or repositioning, joint fusion, or the insertion of implants. In some cases, bone realignment or lengthening may be necessary to correct deformities and restore normal function. Flat foot surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like orthotics and pain management do not provide relief. The goal of flat foot surgery is to improve quality of life by enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and restoring foot function. If you have flat feet that are causing chronic pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is the correct 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 and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Surgery
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 00:00

Reasons for Pins and Needles in the Feet

Pins and needles in the feet, medically known as paresthesia, can arise from a variety of causes that often involve the nerves in the feet, toes, or ankles. Diabetes and alcohol abuse frequently lead to peripheral neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, resulting in tingling or numbness. Tarsal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the tibial nerve in the ankle, is another possible cause of burning and tingling pain. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, may also contribute to nerve dysfunction, resulting in tingling sensations. Inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can weaken the peripheral nerves and cause persistent tingling and numbness. Exposure to certain toxins or medications can similarly affect nerve health. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms through a physical exam, diagnostic tests, and a review of your medical history to determine the underlying cause. If you frequently experience a feeling of pins and needles in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam.

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.

Read more about Foot Pain

Selecting the right running shoe is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. One of the first considerations is the terrain you plan to run on. For road runners, shoes with a cushioned, flexible sole are ideal to absorb the impact on hard surfaces. If you prefer trail running, shoes with deeper treads and a more rugged sole offer better traction on uneven and slippery surfaces. Additionally, your running style is important. If you tend to pronate, meaning your feet roll inward, shoes with added arch support will help maintain proper alignment. Those with a neutral stride may benefit from shoes with balanced cushioning. Ensure the shoes provide adequate room in the toe box and a snug fit around the heel to prevent discomfort. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may lead to pain and discomfort. If you need help selecting the right running shoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you choose the correct pair.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Canton, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe
Wednesday, 01 January 2025 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Keeping you moving

Connect With Us