Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Arthritis is a medical condition that affects a wide variety of individuals across the country. Arthritis primarily impacts the joints of the body, causing them to become inflamed. Individuals who suffer from arthritis can also experience arthritis in their feet. One particular kind of arthritis in the feet is known as midfoot arthritis. This condition occurs at the top, and middle part of the foot when the cartilage between bones diminishes. As a result, the bones can rub up against each other which can ultimately cause inflammation. Certain risk factors are generally associated with midfoot arthritis. For example, suffering from some kind of other foot injury or trauma might make you more susceptible to developing midfoot arthritis. Additionally, one’s natural foot shape might also make one predisposed to developing midfoot arthritis. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
A corn that develops on the foot can produce severe pain and discomfort. It happens as a result of excessive pressure that is put on a specific part of the foot from the worn shoes. The places where corns can develop are on the side of the pinky toe, the soles of the feet, or on top of the toes. Many people choose to wear shoes that are too tight because of workplace policies or for appearance reasons, and this may be why corns can develop. Patients who have corns that are not treated or removed may notice their gait or walking style is compromised, which is a defense mechanism against the pain. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and a pumice stone is used which may reduce the size of the corn. This is generally a temporary fix and the corn may reappear if not treated permanently. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you several treatment options.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
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 and ankle needs.
Chronic pain and swelling in the joints of the feet is often an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis or RA. The immune system gets mixed signals and attacks the tissue that lines your joints. In addition to pain, rheumatoid arthritis brings stiffness and sometimes a flu-like feeling of achiness. Though there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it can be treated and managed to reduce pain and allow you to have an active life. It is recommended that you keep active by doing some form of exercise several times a week. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed for RA, along with increased attention to what you are eating. Certain foods add to inflammation and others, such as those rich in omega-3, help to prevent it. If you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your feet, please consult a podiatrist for treatment options.
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 Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . 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
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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Shoes that do not fit well or those with high heels are a common cause of foot pain and can also lead to chronic conditions affecting other parts of the body. Athletes can prevent injury and pain by paying attention to a few tips that include making sure their shoes fit well and are supportive, selecting shoes that are appropriate for the activity to be done, and making any necessary adjustments to shoes prior to working out. It is important to pay close attention to shoe size and measure feet prior to trying shoes on. Feet swell as the day wears on, and shoe sizes vary across and between brands. Function and fit should be given precedence over fashion. Running shoes are different than hiking shoes and streetwear shoes are not the best for training. Different athletic shoes are developed to protect the areas of the feet that are most stressed by the activity. Shoe inserts, pads, or cups can be used in shoes to relieve chronic pain symptoms. If you enjoy running and want to continue your sport more comfortably, it is suggested you have your gait analyzed by a podiatrist. This healthcare practitioner can also observe any special adjustments needed for your shoes and advise on the best shoes for you.
You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.
Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
The muscles of the leg are connected to the heel and feet by tendons. These tissues can be affected by overuse, in the same way as muscles can be. When the stress becomes too much for the tendons, they can swell, develop small tears, and become inflamed. The result of this is called tendonitis. Three tendons are at work every time you take a step. The Achilles tendon connects the leg muscles to the heel. When you put your foot down or lift your heel, it may cause pain if the tendon is inflamed. The anterior tibial tendon runs down the front of the foot and attaches to the metatarsals. It controls the front of the foot when you walk. If inflamed it can be felt when going downstairs or running down a hill. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot. When it is strained, pain will be felt when you push off the ground. The peroneal tendons run underneath the foot, from outside to inside. Pain would occur when you stand or walk on uneven surfaces. For help with foot pain caused by tendonitis, it is wise to have an examination by a podiatrist to detect the cause.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Diagnosis
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
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.
The feet carry the weight of the body and have a total amount of 52 bones. This is combined with several muscles, ligaments, and tendons which work together to support the body. Additionally, they act as shock absorbers, and also send signals to the brain to maintain proper balance. Research has shown that approximately one-third of people who are over 65 years old have foot pain. The feet often change as the aging process occurs, and it is important for elderly patients to pay close attention to their feet. There are simple methods that can be practiced that can help to identify potential foot problems. These can include washing and drying the feet daily, trimming the toenails properly, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is beneficial to inspect the feet daily which can help to notice existing cuts, blisters, and scrapes. If you would like more information about what procedures to practice for elderly feet, please contact a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
There are various ailments that can affect the toenails, and toenail fungus is considered to be the most common. Research has indicated that approximately 10 percent of adults suffer from this type of infection, and it can affect both feet. Common symptoms include yellowed toenails that can become brittle and may ultimately fall off. Toenail fungus is known to be challenging to treat, and often requires medical attention. The fungus that causes this unsightly condition lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as locker rooms, public swimming pools, and shower room floors. It can enter the body through small cuts in the feet of which the patient may be unaware of. Toenail fungus may easily be avoided when specific prevention methods are consistently followed. Wearing socks that are made of breathable materials, trimming the toenails correctly, and avoiding sharing shoes and socks may help in eliminating toenail fungus. Additionally, it is extremely beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, which often includes flip flops or water shoes. If you are affected by toenail fungus, please consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
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 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.
Symptoms
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 feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Shoes are worn for foot protection and it is not necessary to have your children or babies wear them while indoors. However, they are urged to wear them when walking outside. The feet can become stronger because the toes can grip the floor when they are indoors, and this will aid in balancing. Outside terrain can be full of sharp objects and the feet can easily get hurt if they are not well protected. Your child’s first milestones can consist of walking and crawling, and these are often reached while indoors. These can be easier to accomplish when shoes are not worn, giving the feet more ability to move freely. If you would like additional information about the benefits of walking inside without shoes, please ask a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.
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 and ankle needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
