Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Toenail fungus can cause a great deal of discomfort and foot pain. Some common symptoms of this condition may include discoloration, brittleness, and thickening of the affected toenail. In severe cases, the nail may lift from the toenail bed. If the nail is neglected and left untreated, it’s possible for the infection to spread to other toenails, which is why promptly treating this condition is so important. Keeping the feet clean, dry, and trauma-free are extremely important methods in toenail fungus prevention. Wearing moisture-wicking socks, and appropriate footwear in public areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms can also help to prevent getting toenail fungus. For more information on how to care and treat an infected toenail, please consult with a podiatrist.
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.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
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.
The age group of people who are typically affected by Sever’s disease is between ten and fourteen. It impacts the growth plate in the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, which can exert excess pressure on the heel. It is beneficial to perform stretches that can loosen the Achilles tendon which is connected to the heel. Additionally, many patients wear specific types of footwear that can help in the healing process. If you notice your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
A bump that extends on the side of the big toe may indicate a bunion. It is considered to be a deformity, and a common cause can be from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, genetics can play a significant role in developing a bunion. Mild relief may be found when larger shoes are purchased, and it may help to wear a protective covering over the top of the bunion. In severe cases, orthotics can be prescribed, and therapy techniques may be suggested. If you notice a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, it may be a bunion, and it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the feet. They grow into the sole of the foot as pressure is endured from walking during the day, and can cause severe pain and discomfort. They appear as small, hardened areas, and may have black dots in the center. These develop as a result of blood vessels that grow inside the wart. Plantar warts are caused by a virus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. These types of places can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. Patients who have a weakened immune system may be prone to getting plantar warts, in addition to people who have a history of developing this type of wart. It is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist if you have a plantar wart, who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
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.
Corns are formed by a buildup of hard and dead skin that usually forms around the toe joints. The most common cause of corns is poorly fitting shoes, but activities like running and climbing can lead to corns as well. They normally form in a cone-like shape and work as the foot’s method of protection from friction. Ultimately this extra skin can cause uncomfortable pressure on the feet. Corns are very common and are also treatable. The most common solutions are to wear properly fitting shoes and to take pressure off of the corn as often as possible. If you continue to experience issues with corns, or you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, poor blood flow, or fragile skin, please consult with a podiatrist.
Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions 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 are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
Treating Corns
Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist 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.
Patients who have endured a stress fracture in the foot may run or walk through the pain and discomfort that is often associated with this type of injury. It develops gradually from overuse, and is considered to be a hairline fracture. Common symptoms that patients experience can consist of swelling, and in severe cases, the inability to walk. It is beneficial to cease the activity that caused the injury, and it may help to wear a protective boot as the healing process takes place. Research has indicated healing may be accelerated when specific stretches and exercises of the affected foot are performed. If you have a stress fracture in your foot, it is strongly advised that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with proper healing techniques.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate 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 and ankle needs.
Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Patients who experience heel pain may be aware that this can be indicative of a heel spur. This is defined as a small piece of bone that grows on the inside of the heel and is often confused with plantar fasciitis. It can develop from a strained plantar fascia, which may be a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Common symptoms that often accompany heel spurs include pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding areas, and it is often difficult to perform daily activities. Patients may find comfort in practicing specific foot stretches that can help to relax the tissues near the heel, and relief may be found when the affected foot is rested and elevated. It is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause of existing heel pain, and offer correct treatment options for heel spurs.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
Ligaments that are injured on the outside of the ankle are generally the cause of an ankle sprain. This type of injury can cause limited range of motion, and it can become difficult to accomplish daily activities. There are several levels of ankle sprains. Mild sprains can produce slight swelling surrounding the ankle bone, and it is likely there is little joint instability. If moderate pain is felt, it may be accompanied by stiffness and bruising, in addition to weakened joints. Severe pain is felt in what is referred to as a grade three sprain, and it can indicate a total ligament rupture. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of the injury, and begin the correct treatment for you.
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.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
