expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. James Lawton, DPM

Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist)

James H. Lawton, DPM, FACFAS is a top Podiatric Surgeon in Chicago, IL. With a passion for safe patient care and an unwavering commitment to his specialty, Dr. James H. Lawton is an expert in changing the lives of his patients for the better. Through his expertise in the field, Dr. James H. Lawton is a prime example of a true leader in health care. As a leader and expert in his field, Dr. James H. Lawton is passionate about enhancing patient's quality of life. He embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patient's. In Chicago, IL Dr. James H. Lawton is a true asset to his field and dedicated to the profession of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.
57 years Experience
Dr. James Lawton, DPM
  • Chicago, IL
  • University of Wis.-Platteville
  • Accepting new patients

Can I exercise with a heel spur?

Yes as long as your heel is not painful. A heel spur developes over years and as long as the spur is not painful then there is nothing about the spur itself, anatomically, that READ MORE
Yes as long as your heel is not painful. A heel spur developes over years and as long as the spur is not painful then there is nothing about the spur itself, anatomically, that should prevent you from exercising.

What can cause a swollen toe?

Well there are multiple possibilities. Injury - ligament sprain or fracture; early onset of arthritis of some type; or abnormal pressure from a frequently worn shoe. It depends READ MORE
Well there are multiple possibilities. Injury - ligament sprain or fracture; early onset of arthritis of some type; or abnormal pressure from a frequently worn shoe. It depends on which toe and for how long ? Your medical history would be important information to know.

How long should I rest a sprained ankle?

Depending on the severity of the injury and which ligament(s) were injured it will take any where from 4 to 8 weeks for the ankle ligament(s) to heal so that your ankle joint READ MORE
Depending on the severity of the injury and which ligament(s) were injured it will take any where from 4 to 8 weeks for the ankle ligament(s) to heal so that your ankle joint is stable.

Can hammertoe be fixed with surgery?

Yes. There multiple operations for the various types of hammer toe deformities. Surgery is the only way to correct it. You should seek out a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified READ MORE
Yes. There multiple operations for the various types of hammer toe deformities. Surgery is the only way to correct it. You should seek out a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Do you get braces after ankle surgery?

Well it depends on the type of ankle surgery performed ? If the surgery is soft tissue only (ie: ligamentous repair, tumor removal, etc.) then some type soft and elastic ankle READ MORE
Well it depends on the type of ankle surgery performed ? If the surgery is soft tissue only (ie: ligamentous repair, tumor removal, etc.) then some type soft and elastic ankle support (brace) may have to be worn for a brief period of time after surgery. If the surgery involves bone repair (ie: fracture) then a more rigid type of support (brace) should be worn for several months after a cast or CAM walker is removed.

What should you avoid after heel surgery?

Well it depends on what type of surgery you had. Your surgeon should have provided you a list of your limitations post-operatively - such as limited weight bearing, no athletic READ MORE
Well it depends on what type of surgery you had. Your surgeon should have provided you a list of your limitations post-operatively - such as limited weight bearing, no athletic activities, rest and elevation of the limb, etc.

How soon after ankle surgery can I go to a gym?

It depends on the type of surgery - bone vs. soft tissue. You should discuss your return to the gym with your surgeon.

What does gout pain in the ankle feel like?

Acute, sudden redness and swelling of the joint with severe (8/10 to 10/10 +) pain.

How long after heel surgery can I exercise?

It is totally dependent on the type of surgery and the procedure(s) performed. Usually it will take several weeks (6-8) to several months.

How painful is heel surgery?

Well it depends on which of several heel surgery procedures you are going to have ? If the surgery only involves the soft tissues around the heel then the post-operative pain READ MORE
Well it depends on which of several heel surgery procedures you are going to have ? If the surgery only involves the soft tissues around the heel then the post-operative pain can be mild to moderate for a short period of time (a few days). If the heel bone itself is operated on then the pain level can be moderate to severe for a few days to a week or more. Bone pain is significantly different than soft tissue pain. All of this can be controlled by properly prescribed pain medication.

Will ice help my ankle injury?

Yes, but for only 1 to 3 days after the injury. After 3 days use of ice slows the healing process.

What are the treatments for a heel sports injury?

Well it depends on the type of injury. The fact that it is related to sports may be irrelevant. There are strains, sprains, fractures (gross or stress (micro)), dislocations READ MORE
Well it depends on the type of injury. The fact that it is related to sports may be irrelevant. There are strains, sprains, fractures (gross or stress (micro)), dislocations , fasciitis, etc. Your treatment depends on the diagnosis and radiographic studies (x-rays; CT scan, and or MRI) may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Your question needs to be more specific because there are multiple treatments for heel injuries.

Is hammer toe surgery painful?

Yes, because it involves cutting of bone. Pain tolerances vary from patient to patient. The pain from hammer toe surgery can last from 1 - 4 days after the procedure. However, READ MORE
Yes, because it involves cutting of bone. Pain tolerances vary from patient to patient. The pain from hammer toe surgery can last from 1 - 4 days after the procedure. However, if your surgeon prescribes an appropriate opioid pain medicine then your pain level can be controlled to keep you comfortable as the pain decreases.

What is good for heel pain?

It depends on type of pain, duration, location, and history of the pain. Conservative treatments with medications, padding, and occasionally injection(s) can generally alleviate READ MORE
It depends on type of pain, duration, location, and history of the pain. Conservative treatments with medications, padding, and occasionally injection(s) can generally alleviate the majority of cases of heel pain. You should consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

When should you stop wearing an ankle brace?

It takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks for the sprained ligaments to heal properly as long as there has been no further damage. If there is no pain or swelling of the injured ankle READ MORE
It takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks for the sprained ligaments to heal properly as long as there has been no further damage. If there is no pain or swelling of the injured ankle when walking and/or moving the ankle through its range of motion then the brace can be removed.

How can I relieve my heel pain?

It is impossible to accurately answer your question. More detailed information is needed. Type of pain, duration, location, associated redness and/or swelling, activity level, READ MORE
It is impossible to accurately answer your question. More detailed information is needed. Type of pain, duration, location, associated redness and/or swelling, activity level, level of pain, age, prior history, frequency, etc., etc.

How long does an ankle surgery take?

It all depends on what type of surgery is performed. There are dozens and dozens of surgical procedures that can be performed on the ankle joint and its surrounding structures. READ MORE
It all depends on what type of surgery is performed. There are dozens and dozens of surgical procedures that can be performed on the ankle joint and its surrounding structures. Your question can't be accurately answered based on the vague and limited information you asked.

Can deep massage help plantar fasciitis?

Yes, but it can't be the only treatment. Massage alone will not totally decrease the inflammation. Several other conservative treatments need to be part of the protocol.

What can I do to relieve ankle pain?

Well, as presented, that is a difficult question to answer. Your age, medical and family history, your activity level (ie: athletics), type of pain, frequency of pain, location READ MORE
Well, as presented, that is a difficult question to answer. Your age, medical and family history, your activity level (ie: athletics), type of pain, frequency of pain, location of pain, duration of pain, and any history of injury would all be necessary pieces of information just to begin to evaluate your pain and make a correct diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
I would strongly recommend that you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery for a proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

How do you treat a foot injury?

Ice, elevation of the extremity, and limitation of physical activities. If pain, swelling, and skin discoloration continues then you need to be evaluated medically and need probable READ MORE
Ice, elevation of the extremity, and limitation of physical activities. If pain, swelling, and skin discoloration continues then you need to be evaluated medically and need probable x-rays.