Items filtered by date: November 2022

A small area of skin on the foot which is filled with protective liquid is defined as a blister. It is the body’s natural defense in producing new skin, which replaces the skin that has been damaged. This happens as a result of excess friction that is often caused by wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. The skin will become reddened, and this is the first sign a blister is developing. There may be medical reasons why blisters on the feet can occur. These can consist of having eczema, psoriasis, or they may be part of an allergic reaction to specific chemicals or to an insect bite. Additionally, people who enjoy running may find that they have developed blisters, which can happen from excessive foot moisture. This can be prevented by wearing socks and shoes that are made of materials that can absorb moisture. Using a foot antiperspirant may help to reduce or eliminate sweating. It is beneficial to keep the blister covered until it drains naturally when new skin is formed. It is also wise to consult with a podiatrist if you have blisters on your feet, who can help with effective treatment and prevention methods.

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.

When the nerves that transmit messages from the brain to the feet are damaged, the result is a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The main symptom is numbness, along with tingling, a burning sensation, and sometimes a sharp shooting pain. Among the many causes of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes is at the top of the list. About half of diabetics develop this condition, which is caused by chronic high blood sugar levels. Because of the numbness, diabetics may not notice sores or cuts on their feet that can become ulcerated. Side effects from medication you may be taking is another well-known cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other causes include genetics, inflammatory infection, autoimmune disease, and kidney disease. Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages is another common cause. Ignoring symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be dangerous to your health. If your feet feel numb on a regular basis, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full examination and an ongoing program of treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

The sensation of burning in the toes can be caused by a number of conditions, many of which may need immediate and long-term treatment. Among the many possible causes of burning toes, diabetes, joint disease, and nerve pain top the list. If any of these serious health conditions are ignored, they can affect your quality of life and ability to carry out daily activities. Another common cause of burning in the toes is from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In addition, hot toes can be the result of an injury or a blood circulation disorder. If the blood flow is blocked or oxygen-depleted, the result can be felt in the toes. Blood clots and inflammation of the veins and arteries can result in burning toes. Extreme cold can also damage the peripheral nerves, which can cause a burning sensation. If you frequently experience the sensation of burning in the toes, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who may be able to determine the root cause and offer treatment suggestions.

Toe pain can 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

When the feet experience poor blood circulation, an individual may exhibit any number of symptoms. For example, poor circulation in the feet may cause sensations of numbness or leg pain. Importantly, poor circulation can cause discoloration. If an individual experiences poor circulation from peripheral artery disease (PAD), they may notice that their feet or lower legs can turn a different color. Specifically, the feet can turn a shade of purple or blue from poor circulation caused by PAD. These symptoms should not be taken lightly. If an individual experiences any symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms can be addressed in several different ways, including medication and surgical procedures. Consult with a podiatrist today for more information about discoloration from poor circulation.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dwayne A. Lay, DPM of Elite Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis can cause discomfort and may lead to difficulty walking. The pain is felt in the heel area of the foot and may radiate to the calf. It is an ailment that affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole. Its function is to connect the heel to the toes, and repetitive overuse may lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis. Patients with this condition often notice the pain is more severe in the morning after arising and may feel better as walking is done. Relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated. It may help to wear custom-made orthotics in the shoes that may help to provide additional cushioning. Being overweight may lead to plantar fasciitis and this may be due to the added weight the feet endure while walking and standing. Additionally, performing specific stretches may bring relief. Ultimately, it is advised that a podiatrist be contacted who can properly diagnose and effectively treat plantar fasciitis. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is 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.