Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can manifest in various parts of the body, including the feet and ankles. If you have been experiencing persistent discomfort or pain in your lower extremities, it is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of arthritis in the feet and ankles, and to seek timely treatment. One of the earliest symptoms is pain, often accompanied by stiffness in the affected joints. Arthritis can make simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs painful. Inflammation is common in patients who have arthritis, leading to noticeable swelling and redness around the affected joints, especially after prolonged periods of activity. Arthritis can also cause decreased flexibility and range of motion in the feet and ankles, making it difficult to move them as freely as before. In some cases, chronic arthritis can result in joint deformities, such as bunions or hammer toes. As arthritis progresses, it can significantly affect your ability to walk comfortably and may lead to limping. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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.
Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that primarily affects the feet. This condition is characterized by itching, burning, and peeling of the skin, often between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes and communal areas like locker rooms and swimming pools. The root cause of athlete's foot is a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which feed on the keratin found in our skin and nails. Athlete's foot is contagious, easily spreading through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Preventing athlete's foot begins with maintaining good foot hygiene. Ensure your feet are clean and dry, especially between the toes. Choosing moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes may help to reduce sweat buildup. It is beneficial to avoid walking barefoot in public areas, and consider wearing flip flops in communal showers. Regularly change and clean your socks and shoes, and never share footwear with others. Additionally, over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can be used for prevention if you are prone to the infection. If you would like more information about more advanced prevention techniques for athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
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.
Running is thought to be a good way to stay fit and healthy, but it also comes with risks. Foot and ankle injuries are all too common among runners. Overuse is a prevalent issue, usually stemming from pushing your body too hard or increasing your mileage too quickly. These actions can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fractures. Poor footwear choices also play a significant role in causing foot or ankle injuries. Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes fail to provide the necessary support and cushioning, increasing the risk of injuries. Ensuring your shoes are the right fit for your feet and running style is important. Inadequate warm-up routines can strain the muscles and ligaments, making them more susceptible to injuries. In addition, running on uneven terrain can increase the likelihood of twisting an ankle. Biomechanical issues, such as overpronation or supination, can place extra stress on your feet and ankles, making them prone to injury. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort as a result of your running activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.
More Tips for Preventing 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.
Gout, a form of arthritis, is a painful condition that can strike suddenly and severely. It happens as a result of the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints and often leads to inflammation and intense discomfort. Primary gout results from genetic factors. This can cause the body's overproduction of uric acid or a decreased ability to excrete it, which can affect joints like the ankle and big toe. Secondary gout is caused by underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, hypertension, or obesity. These hinder the body's ability to manage uric acid levels. Gout that occurs suddenly in a single joint is referred to as acute gout and generally affects the big toe. This form of gout is characterized by excruciating pain, redness, and swelling. If left untreated, acute gout can progress into chronic gout and lead to recurrent, long-lasting joint pain and deformities. Identifying the specific type and underlying causes of gout is essential for devising an effective treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, and dietary adjustments. If you have had one or frequent gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist. This type of doctor can accurately determine which type of gout is present and offer the correct treatment methods.
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.
