Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
An effective type of therapy that many babies and children respond positively to is reflexology. Parents have found it can help the child to feel better, and may reduce feelings of irritability. The results are often experienced immediately, and this can happen due to undeveloped arches and soft bones in the feet. This type of therapy can be used as a natural healing tool for existing illnesses, in addition to maintaining optimum health. There are several techniques that are used on babies and children of different ages, and it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can inform you of the benefits of reflexology for your children.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
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.
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.
Burning pain in the joints of the big toe is a common symptom that is often associated with gout. This condition can be caused by excess uric acid in the blood levels and crystals can form in the joints. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort, and walking may be difficult. Some of the reasons gout may develop can come from genetic factors, obesity, and eating foods that have high levels of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who are afflicted with gout may find relief when healthy eating habits are implemented, and it can be beneficial to follow a simple exercise program. People who have gout are strongly advised to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
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
Risk Factors
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.
A symptom that is often associated with the medical condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is a numbing and tingling sensation between the third and fourth toes. It can develop as a result of stress and irritation of the surrounding nerves, and may cause swelling. Research has indicated that women are mostly affected by this condition, and it may come from wearing high heels that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Mild relief may be found when orthotics are worn inside the shoe, as this may help to protect the affected nerve. Additionally, larger shoes may have to be purchased which may bring mild relief. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.
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.
If the bottom of your feet are experiencing pain, it could be because you’ve developed plantar warts. A common symptom of plantar warts is experiencing tenderness when putting pressure on the soles of your feet, or feeling a discomfort or pain while walking. Plantar warts appear as circular, flat, depressed spots that can appear yellow-ish in color and may have a black dot at their centers. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools and locker rooms, so it’s important to wear proper footwear in these locations to help with preventing its spread. For more information on how to treat plantar warts, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.
Flat feet refers to the absence of an arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. While some people are born with and continue to have flat feet for their entire lives, others acquire flat feet over time. As you age, your arches can slowly collapse and cause your feet to become flat. This can result in an uneven distribution of your body weight across the surface of your feet when you walk, which might then lead to pain in your feet, calves, knees, hips, and back. If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, then treatment may be necessary. Common treatments for this condition include wearing orthotic devices or specialized footwear and doing foot stretches to strengthen the arch. If you are experiencing pain from flat feet, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
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.
The portion of tissue that is known as the Achilles tendon is located in the back of the leg, and connects the heel to the calf muscles. If an injury occurs to this part of the foot, it is often accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. An injury can happen for several reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, suddenly twisting the foot while abruptly changing direction, and pursuing running activities without properly warming up or cooling down. A common symptom can include pain that is felt in the heel and back of the leg upon arising in the morning, and it may swell as the day progresses. Mild relief may be found when the activity that caused the injury is stopped, and it may help to wear custom made orthotics. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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 Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
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.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Dry, flaky heels can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Common causes of this condition are walking barefoot, taking hot showers, being on your feet for prolonged periods of time, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and not drinking enough water. Exfoliating and moisturizing your feet can be done at home and may provide some relief. However, in more severe cases, a visit to the podiatrist may be warranted. If you have painful dry heels or notice deep cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
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 often be uncomfortable, and may be indicative of existing foot conditions. A common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs as a result of a damaged or injured plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort if it becomes injured. Additional reasons for heel pain to develop can happen from being overweight, or from standing for extended periods of time throughout the day. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may be a cause of heel pain. Children who participate in running and jumping activities may be susceptible to developing Sever’s disease, which is a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can properly diagnose and treat any type of heel pain, as quickly as possible.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
