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Simple Habits That Help Keep Feet Healthy

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Healthy feet support comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle. Simple daily habits can go a long way in protecting them. Washing the feet each day and drying carefully between the toes helps prevent skin infections. Moisturizing the tops and bottoms of the feet keeps skin from becoming dry and cracked, although lotion should not be placed between the toes. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to help prevent painful ingrown nails. Wearing well-fitted shoes with good support can reduce pressure and protect the feet from injury. It is also helpful to change socks regularly and choose breathable materials that keep feet dry. Regular movement and gentle stretching can keep muscles and joints working properly. Paying attention to any new pain, swelling, or changes in the skin or nails is important. If you notice persistent foot discomfort or unusual changes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

How Children’s Feet Grow and Change

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Children’s feet go through many changes as they grow. At birth, the foot is soft and flexible, with bones that are still forming. As a child begins to stand, walk, and run, the structures of the foot gradually strengthen and develop. Muscles, ligaments, and bones work together to support balance and movement. It is common for young children to appear flat-footed because a layer of soft tissue hides the developing arch. As growth continues, the arch usually becomes more visible. However, some children may experience discomfort, unusual walking patterns, or fatigue in their feet or legs. These concerns can sometimes be linked to alignment differences or other structural factors. Early attention can help support healthy development and comfortable movement. If you notice ongoing foot pain, frequent tripping, or uneven shoe wear in your child, it is suggested that you seek an evaluation by a podiatrist to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Managing Flare-Ups From Gout

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Gout flare-ups can cause intense foot pain, especially in the big toe, where uric acid crystals build up in the joint and lead to sudden swelling, warmth, and redness. These episodes often begin without warning and make it difficult to put pressure on the foot or move the affected toe or ankle. Gout is a type of chronic arthritis that is long-term and treatable, but not curable. Repeated gout flares can occur if uric acid levels rise again. Shoes with inadequate support, prolonged standing, and dehydration can place extra stress on sensitive joints and worsen discomfort during a gout flare. Untreated gout can damage the soft tissue inside the affected joint and increase the risk of serious kidney problems. A podiatrist can evaluate joint swelling, test uric acid levels to confirm the diagnosis, and prescribe medication to help reduce symptoms. If you have pain from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and managed care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Burning Pain Between the Toes

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most commonly affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the tissue around a nerve thickens due to irritation, pressure, or repeated stress. Tight shoes, high heels, and high impact activities can increase the risk. Patients often describe a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes. Some report numbness, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble trapped inside the shoe. The area may look normal from the outside, but the discomfort can make walking difficult. A podiatrist begins with a thorough examination and may use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes shoe modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, or carefully placed injections to reduce irritation. In persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure may be considered. If you think you may have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Friday, 06 March 2026

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

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