Items filtered by date: July 2024

Selecting the right exercise shoes is particularly important for seniors to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness during physical activity. Seniors should consider several factors when choosing footwear, such as the type of exercise they plan to do and the level of support required. The wear pattern on current shoes, foot shape, and arch support needs must also be weighed. High-impact activities such as running often call for shoes with more support, while activities like walking may require less. Analyzing the wear on old shoes can provide insights into your gait and help guide your choice. Foot shape and arch support are critical, as some feet have high arches, others are flat, and many fall inward or outward when standing. Exercise shoes should feel comfortable during extended wear and be aesthetically pleasing to encourage regular use. A podiatrist can assess your foot type, gait, and specific needs, in order to recommend the most suitable footwear to prevent injuries and enhance exercise performance. If you are looking for the right exercise shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance on options that are best for you to consider.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Maintaining proper foot hygiene is essential for overall health and comfort. Everyday foot care can begin with regularly washing feet with soap and water. This can help to remove dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infections. Thoroughly drying feet, especially between the toes, prevents fungal growth. Wearing clean, moisture-wicking socks can keep feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. Properly fitting shoes that provide adequate support can help to prevent blisters and calluses. Regularly trimming toenails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Moisturizing feet daily keeps skin supple and prevents cracks. Checking feet for any cuts, blisters, or changes in appearance can catch potential issues early. Foot conditions may develop from a lack of proper foot care. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot ailment, and guide you on effective foot care routines.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

If you think you might be a candidate for bunion surgery, here are key factors to help guide your decision. Bunions are painful bumps on the side of your big toe that develop when the base of the toe pushes outward. Bunion formation is often due to genetics and wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly high heels. Bunion pain can be managed through various non-surgical treatments such as wearing supportive shoes, and having pain medications or cortisone shots. If these methods fail and the bunion severely impacts your daily life, surgery becomes an option. The type of surgical procedure depends on the severity of the bunion, with moderate cases typically involving shaving the bump and correcting the toe joint's angle. Recovery includes wearing a special boot for a few weeks, and managing bruising and swelling. Delaying surgery can lead to more complex procedures with longer recovery times. A podiatrist will guide you through the recovery process, including follow-up visits to monitor for complications like infections. Keep in mind that surgery may not be a permanent solution, especially if you are genetically predisposed to bunions. Wearing proper shoes and avoiding injuries post-surgery can help maintain the results. If you have a bunion that is causing extreme discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if bunion surgery is right 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.

Gout, a painful form of arthritis that often affects the big toe, can be prevented through lifestyle and dietary changes. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the pain of gout by decreasing the stress on joints. Eating a balanced diet that limits purine-rich foods, such as red meat, shellfish, and sugary beverages, helps lower uric acid levels. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water aids in flushing out excess uric acid from the body. Regular physical activity not only supports weight management but also improves overall joint health. Limiting alcohol consumption, especially beer, can help prevent gout flare-ups. Additionally, managing medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes effectively reduces the risk. For those with a history of gout, regular check-ups and prescribed medications can help maintain lower uric acid levels. Gout in the big toe can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Playing pickleball presents several risk factors for foot injuries. The sport's quick lateral movements and sudden stops can strain the feet, leading to sprains or fractures. Wearing improper shoes without adequate support or cushioning increases the likelihood of issues like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Playing on hard surfaces intensifies impact on the feet and can contribute to stress fractures over time. Insufficient warm-up or lack of conditioning can make the feet more susceptible to injury during play. Overuse from frequent games without adequate rest can increase these risks, leading to chronic foot problems. Maintaining foot health requires wearing appropriate shoes, practicing good conditioning, warming up properly, and allowing time for recovery. If you have injured your foot and ankle while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.