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Stephan J. LaPointe, DPM, PhD, FACFAS

November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

Reasons for Corns

A corn that develops on the foot can produce severe pain and discomfort. It happens as a result of excessive pressure that is put on a specific part of the foot from the worn shoes. The places where corns can develop are on the side of the pinky toe, the soles of the feet, or on top of the toes. Many people choose to wear shoes that are too tight because of workplace policies or for appearance reasons, and this may be why corns can develop. Patients who have corns that are not treated or removed may notice their gait or walking style is compromised, which is a defense mechanism against the pain. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and a pumice stone is used which may reduce the size of the corn. This is generally a temporary fix and the corn may reappear if not treated permanently. If you are afflicted with a corn, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can offer you several treatment options.

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:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

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.

Read more about Corns and Calluses
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic pain and swelling in the joints of the feet is often an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis or RA. The immune system gets mixed signals and attacks the tissue that lines your joints. In addition to pain, rheumatoid arthritis brings stiffness and sometimes a flu-like feeling of achiness. Though there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it can be treated and managed to reduce pain and allow you to have an active life. It is recommended that you keep active by doing some form of exercise several times a week. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed for RA, along with increased attention to what you are eating. Certain foods add to inflammation and others, such as those rich in omega-3, help to prevent it. If you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your feet, please consult a podiatrist for treatment options.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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 Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Buying Foot-Friendly Athletic Shoes

Shoes that do not fit well or those with high heels are a common cause of foot pain and can also lead to chronic conditions affecting other parts of the body. Athletes can prevent injury and pain by paying attention to a few tips that include making sure their shoes fit well and are supportive, selecting shoes that are appropriate for the activity to be done, and making any necessary adjustments to shoes prior to working out. It is important to pay close attention to shoe size and measure feet prior to trying shoes on. Feet swell as the day wears on, and shoe sizes vary across and between brands. Function and fit should be given precedence over fashion. Running shoes are different than hiking shoes and streetwear shoes are not the best for training. Different athletic shoes are developed to protect the areas of the feet that are most stressed by the activity. Shoe inserts, pads, or cups can be used in shoes to relieve chronic pain symptoms. If you enjoy running and want to continue your sport more comfortably, it is suggested you have your gait analyzed by a podiatrist. This healthcare practitioner can also observe any special adjustments needed for your shoes and advise on the best shoes for you. 

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, 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.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

  • Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
  • There should be little to no slipping at the heel
  • Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
  • Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
  • Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our office located in Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Published in Blog
Saturday, 12 November 2022 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 08 November 2022 00:00

How Tendonitis Can Affect the Foot

The muscles of the leg are connected to the heel and feet by tendons. These tissues can be affected by overuse, in the same way as muscles can be. When the stress becomes too much for the tendons, they can swell, develop small tears, and become inflamed. The result of this is called tendonitis. Three tendons are at work every time you take a step. The Achilles tendon connects the leg muscles to the heel. When you put your foot down or lift your heel, it may cause pain if the tendon is inflamed. The anterior tibial tendon runs down the front of the foot and attaches to the metatarsals. It controls the front of the foot when you walk. If inflamed it can be felt when going downstairs or running down a hill. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot. When it is strained, pain will be felt when you push off the ground. The peroneal tendons run underneath the foot, from outside to inside. Pain would occur when you stand or walk on uneven surfaces. For help with foot pain caused by tendonitis, it is wise to have an examination by a podiatrist to detect the cause. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog

The feet carry the weight of the body and have a total amount of 52 bones. This is combined with several muscles, ligaments, and tendons which work together to support the body. Additionally, they act as shock absorbers, and also send signals to the brain to maintain proper balance. Research has shown that approximately one-third of people who are over 65 years old have foot pain. The feet often change as the aging process occurs, and it is important for elderly patients to pay close attention to their feet. There are simple methods that can be practiced that can help to identify potential foot problems. These can include washing and drying the feet daily, trimming the toenails properly, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. It is beneficial to inspect the feet daily which can help to notice existing cuts, blisters, and scrapes. If you would like more information about what procedures to practice for elderly feet, please contact a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Stephan J. LaPointe of Georgia Foot & Ankle Specialists . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Read more about Geriatrics and Podiatry
Published in Blog
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