Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
A number of conditions can cause your feet to itch. The first and probably most common cause is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that is annoying but treatable. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, redness, flaking skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Another cause of itching feet is eczema, a type of skin condition that may resemble athlete’s foot but is not caused by a fungus. Instead it is thought to be caused by dry skin that is more vulnerable to irritation and allergens. Sometimes itchy and scaly skin can be caused by contact dermatitis, generally from an allergen or other irritant. Itchy feet may also be the result of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to regenerate too quickly. Hives, also known as urticaria, may cause itching, along with welts, burning or stinging. Food, medication, or a viral infection may set it off. Neuropathy, numbness caused by damaged nerves, also may result in itchiness as the body produces cytokines that can irritate the skin. If itchy feet become a serious or an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
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.
Experts have found that people with osteoarthritis, which affects three or four joints, are 75 percent more likely to fall. It is thought that lack of mobility, as the result of pain, causes muscles to weaken, affects the gait, and throws off your balance. Also, certain medications may affect your stability. Ways to help prevent falls at home include removing loose wires, small rugs, and other clutter from floors and walkways. Place non-skid mats and grab bars in showers and tubs. Improve lighting in hallways, and install handrails on staircases inside and out. Taking vitamin D may help to increase muscle strength and reduce fall risks if you are deficient. Finally, wear shoes that fit properly and have non-skid soles. Avoid high heels, slippers, and leather-soled shoes that can be slippery or affect your balance. For further guidance, please consult a podiatrist about specific measures that can be taken to keep you on your feet safely.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe from Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.
A symptom of the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis is severe heel pain and it can make daily activities difficult to complete. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and it connects the heel to the toes. Many people have found the benefits of practicing specific foot stretches to help ease heel pain. A towel stretch is an effective exercise for the bottom of the foot. This is done by sitting on the floor, wrapping a towel around the sole of the foot, and gently flexing the foot towards the face. Some patients find it helpful to practice heel stretches. This is accomplished by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a mild stretch is felt. There are many exercises that can specifically help plantar fasciitis. If you would like more information, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively guide you toward proper treatment techniques.
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.
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
There are many people who suffer from the condition that is known as rheumatoid arthritis. The feet can become affected by this ailment which may lead to other foot conditions arising. Permanent relief may be found when foot surgery is performed. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to the development of bunions. This produces a large, bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and may be the result of the toes shifting due to the arthritic disease. Bunion surgery involves cutting the affected bones in the foot and realigning them in a normal position. Additionally, arthritis may damage specific joints in the foot and a fusion may be needed that can help to reduce pain. There are many benefits to having foot surgery performed such as resuming normal functions of the feet, completing daily activities without pain, and wearing appropriate footwear. If you have chronic pain in your feet or you are afflicted with arthritis, please confer with a podiatrist who can determine if foot surgery is right for you.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:
What Types of Surgery Are There?
The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:
Benefits of Surgery
Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.
Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
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.
A corn is a small, hardened area of skin that often develops on the outside of the pinky toe or on top of the toes. A soft corn generally forms between the toes, but any type of corn can cause discomfort. Most corns develop as a result of excess friction, and this may happen due to wearing shoes or socks that are too tight. The corn will gradually diminish when the friction or rubbing is ceased. Wearing a cushioned pad on top of the corn may help to relieve some pain that often accompanies a corn. There are some patients who find it helpful to soak the affected foot in warm water as this can soften the skin. It is important to leave the corn alone and refrain from cutting it with toenail trimmers or scissors. If you have a corn or experience recurring corns, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment techniques and offer effective preventative methods.
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.
The foot contains three arches that work together to help you move. The system of arches is formed around the tarsal and metatarsal bones and is supported by ligaments and tendons. Two longitudinal arches run from the bottom of the toes on either side of the foot (medial and lateral) and meet at the heel. They are connected by the transverse arch, which runs across the metatarsals (long bones in the foot) just below the toes to form a triangle. This complex system works to put the spring in your step, by bearing the weight and absorbing the shock whenever you stand, walk, run, or jump. The two most common arch conditions are high arches (pes cavus) and flat feet (pes planus). A high arch is caused by an unusually high medial longitudinal arch, which runs along the inner side of the foot. Because it is too high, it is less able to absorb the shock of movement, which then puts stress on the ball and heel of the foot. This can result in pain that radiates to the ankle, leg, and thigh. Wearing custom orthotics and losing weight, can help reduce painful symptoms. Fallen arches, or flat feet, are caused by a lack of longitudinal arches. They may not have developed properly in the first place. Wearing shoes with arch supports usually handles the problem. For more treatment information about painful arch problems, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to discuss options.
If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
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.
Did you know gout is a form of arthritis? It is known to cause severe pain and discomfort, and it is often difficult to walk. It can develop as a result of excess uric acid that forms in the joints of the big toe. This can happen due to genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. These types of foods can include shellfish, red meat, or it may come from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to the onset of gout, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disorders. The symptoms that many patients experience can be tender joints in the big toe, excruciating pain, and the affected area is often tender and hot. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. 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 type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
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.
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.
There are two bones at the ball of the foot known as sesamoid bones. They are found inside of a tendon or muscle underneath the joint in the big toe. These bones are necessary for controlling shock absorption, in addition to leveraging the big toe while walking or running. A sesamoid injury can produce inflammation surrounding the sesamoid bones and can develop from overuse of the foot. Research has indicated this is a common injury among ballet dancers, basketball athletes, and gymnasts. Many patients notice the pain that comes from sesamoiditis is dull and achy on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms that can accompany this condition may include swelling and bruising to the injured area, as well as pain and discomfort. Mild relief may be found when a cushioned shoe is worn, and it can help to wear a boot or shoes that have a hard sole. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose sesamoiditis and offer correct treatment options.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
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.
