Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop due to repeated friction or pressure, often on the feet. Corns typically form on the toes, while calluses appear on the soles. Common causes include ill-fitting shoes, high-impact activities, and foot deformities. Symptoms include localized pain, discomfort, and thick, hardened skin. While these conditions are not usually serious, they can lead to further foot problems if left untreated. Treatment options include regular exfoliation, moisturizing, and using protective pads. In more persistent cases, a podiatrist can provide professional care, such as safely removing corns and calluses and addressing any underlying issues. If you are struggling with corns or calluses, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your discomfort and help you maintain healthy feet.
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.
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming by cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, leading the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight or narrow shoes can also push the nail into the skin, increasing the risk. Other common causes include trauma, such as stubbing or injuring the toe, and repetitive pressure from activities like running. Less common causes include genetic predisposition, where nail shape naturally curves into the skin, and nail disorders or fungal infections that alter nail growth. A podiatrist diagnoses ingrown toenails by examining the affected toe for signs of redness, swelling, and infection. Treatment varies by severity, with mild cases usually requiring trimming and proper nail care guidance. More severe cases may need partial nail removal, antibiotics for infection, and sometimes a minor surgical procedure to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
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.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twists, falls, or awkward landings. This common injury can happen during sports, physical activities, or even everyday movements. Symptoms typically include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Initial treatment often includes rest and elevation, which can help reduce swelling and pain. However, if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or have difficulty walking, it is important to seek medical attention. A podiatrist may recommend imaging tests to assess the severity of the sprain and could suggest a walking boot, targeted exercises, or even surgery, in more severe cases. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms or difficulty moving your ankle, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment options.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
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.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It often causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain may decrease with movement but can worsen after extended activity. Causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, obesity, or structural issues like flat feet or high arches. Athletes, runners, and those who stand for prolonged periods are at higher risk. A podiatrist diagnoses plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and may recommend imaging tests to rule out other conditions. Relief includes rest, stretching exercises and custom orthotics. In chronic cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered. Surgery is rare but may be necessary for persistent cases. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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 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.
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?
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
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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot pain can be a sign of arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. Several types of arthritis can affect the feet, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often linked to wear and tear in the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects multiple joints, usually starting in smaller joints like those in the feet. Gout typically targets the big toe with sudden, intense pain. Symptoms of arthritis in the feet include swelling, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and persistent pain that worsens with activity or at rest. Left untreated, arthritis can lead to joint damage and deformities causing other daily activities to become difficult. If you have persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
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 term that is commonly used to describe joint pain. The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it. Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.
Symptoms
Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.
Risk Factors
If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best 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.
Critical limb ischemia, or CLI, is a serious condition caused by poor blood flow, often due to diabetes or hardened arteries. It leads to severe pain, wounds that will not heal, and even dead tissue. If left untreated, one might need to have their toe amputated, and many others may not survive within a year. CLI can also be linked to black toe, as both conditions result from poor circulation. In severe cases like CLI, lack of blood flow can cause the tissues, including toes, to die, leading to blackening. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the toe through surgery or other procedures. If that is not possible, treatments like oxygen therapy or special compression can help relieve symptoms. Without any treatment, the affected area, including the black toe, may dry up and worsen. If you have a painful black or discolored toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.
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:
When to See a Podiatrist
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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, and the pain is felt typically between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing sharp, burning pain or a sensation of walking on a pebble. Numbness or tingling in the toes may also be present. Morton’s neuroma is often caused by irritation or compression of the nerve, usually due to wearing tight shoes, high heels, or engaging in repetitive activities like running. Foot abnormalities, such as flat feet or high arches, can also contribute. To manage symptoms, switching to shoes with a wider toe box and low heels, and using orthotics can reduce pressure on the nerve. A podiatrist may recommend treatments such as corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary. If you have a painful Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
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?
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.
Managing cuts on the bottom of the feet, which requires prompt and careful attention to prevent infection and promote healing, is often done by a podiatrist. This type of doctor will start by cleaning the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection. This is generally followed by gently patting the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze. The doctor will then apply an antiseptic to the cut to further disinfect the area, and cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or dressing to protect it from dirt and friction. The dressing will be secure but not too tight, allowing for comfort and breathability. Regularly changing the dressing and monitoring the cut for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge will be recommended. If you have a cut on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
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.
