Diabetic blisters are a rare but serious skin complication that can occur in people with diabetes. These blisters often appear suddenly, usually on the feet or toes, and may resemble burn blisters. They are typically painless, filled with clear fluid, and may be surrounded by slightly red or swollen skin. Poor circulation, nerve damage, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels are common causes. While they may heal on their own, diabetic blisters are a warning sign of underlying issues and can lead to infections, if not cared for properly. A podiatrist can diagnose diabetic blisters through a physical exam and an evaluation of medical history. Treatment focuses on protecting the area, preventing infection, and management of blood sugar levels. In some cases, topical medications or dressings may be applied. If you notice unexplained blisters on your feet, especially without injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper care and monitoring.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

Heel spur removal is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain caused by bony growths on the underside of the heel. Indications for this procedure include chronic heel pain that does not improve with conservative treatments, such as orthotics or anti-inflammatory measures. Heel spurs often develop due to repetitive stress, plantar fasciitis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, exploring non-surgical options, or determining if surgery is necessary for lasting relief. If heel pain is affecting your mobility, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and care.

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 care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling. It often affects the big toe because this joint is more susceptible to crystal formation due to lower temperatures and high pressure during movement. Causes include high purine intake, dehydration, and reduced kidney function. Risk factors involve genetics, obesity, certain medications, and alcohol consumption. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, providing pain relief, and offering strategies to prevent future flare ups. If you suspect gout or experience recurring toe pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips for this condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM from Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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.

Ankle and foot arthropathies, including rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, are chronic conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to swelling, stiffness, and damage, over time. In the feet and ankles, RA can cause pain, warmth, swelling, and visible deformities like bunions or hammertoes. It may lead to difficulty walking, joint instability, or stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest. The skin surrounding the affected joints may appear red and feel tender to the touch. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing RA-related foot and ankle issues. They can evaluate joint function, order imaging tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive footwear, targeted exercises, corticosteroid injections, or surgical correction, in advanced cases. Early care can slow joint damage and improve mobility. If arthritis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.