The right pair of running shoes can make every step feel easier, lighter, and more stable. Since feet vary widely in shape, flexibility, and arch height, the shoe that works for someone else may not be the best match for you. A good fit begins with understanding how your foot moves. Some runners roll inward, others outward, and many stay fairly centered, and each pattern benefits from different levels of support. Cushioning also matters because it absorbs repetitive impact and helps protect the heel and forefoot during longer distances. Trying on shoes later in the day, when your feet are slightly larger, often leads to a more accurate fit. There should be enough room in the toe box for natural movement without slipping at the heel. If you are dealing with discomfort, recurring injuries, or unsure of which type of shoe can keep you comfortable and efficient, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert guidance.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. 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

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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.

A plantar fibroma is a single benign lump that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fibromatosis refers to a more extensive condition in which multiple fibromas form and may gradually enlarge or spread. Both can cause localized pain, pressure with walking, and discomfort when standing for long periods, although fibromatosis is often more persistent and challenging to manage. Treatment focuses on reducing pressure and irritation. Custom orthotics, padding, and wearing supportive footwear help offload the affected area. Stretching and anti-inflammatory measures may ease symptoms. In some cases, targeted injections or other conservative therapies are considered. Surgery is approached cautiously, especially with fibromatosis, due to recurrence risk and scar tissue development. When ongoing arch pain or lumps interfere with daily activities, it is suggested that you obtain an evaluation by a podiatrist who can guide appropriate management and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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.

 Toenail fungus,  medically known as onychomycosis, affects the nails of the feet. It occurs when fungal organisms invade the nail plate and surrounding tissue. Causes often include prolonged moisture exposure and contact with contaminated surfaces. Risk factors include walking barefoot on hotel carpets, public showers, pool decks, and surrounding areas where fungi thrive. Symptoms include thickened nails, discoloration, brittleness, crumbling edges, and occasional discomfort. Without treatment, the infection can spread and become more difficult to manage. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose toenail fungus, recommend effective treatment options, and monitor nail health. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

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.