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.
58 years Experience
Dr. James Lawton, DPM
  • Chicago, IL
  • University of Wis.-Platteville
  • Accepting new patients

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.

How long does it take to walk after foot surgery?

It all depends on the type of procedure(s) performed. With some procedures you can walk on the foot immediately. With other procedures you should be non-weight bearing for 4-6 READ MORE
It all depends on the type of procedure(s) performed. With some procedures you can walk on the foot immediately. With other procedures you should be non-weight bearing for 4-6 weeks or longer. You need to talk to your surgeon about this.

Can ice make a sprained ankle worse?

No, ice will not make an ankle sprain worse. In fact it is VERY appropriate to use ice on an injured ankle for 2-3 days after the injury. Apply ice to the injured area for 20-30 READ MORE
No, ice will not make an ankle sprain worse. In fact it is VERY appropriate to use ice on an injured ankle for 2-3 days after the injury. Apply ice to the injured area for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times a day.

What shoes to wear with a toe bunion?

The front of any shoe, sandals not include, is called the "toe box". To accommodate your bunion deformity you need to wear shoes that are made of soft materials and are wide enough READ MORE
The front of any shoe, sandals not include, is called the "toe box". To accommodate your bunion deformity you need to wear shoes that are made of soft materials and are wide enough to avoid friction and/or pressure on the bunion joint. Avoid high heeled shoes which will only put more pressure forward on the bunion and result in more stress on the joint. Comfort is the key. If a particular shoe is not comfortable in the store when you are purchasing the shoes, then it won't get any more comfortable over time.

Can hammertoes be corrected without surgery?

Unfortunately no. In the very early stages of development, which is rarely noticed by a patient, one could wear a splint on the toe(s), but generally patients will not wear such READ MORE
Unfortunately no. In the very early stages of development, which is rarely noticed by a patient, one could wear a splint on the toe(s), but generally patients will not wear such a splint for a long time. Also, even if a splint is worn it will not "correct" a hammer toe, but it might slow the progression. In its advanced moderate or severe development a hammer toe can only be corrected through various surgical procedures.

Can a chiropractor help with dislocated ankle?

Your question is vague. What do you mean by "help"? It is difficult to believe that you are casually sitting around typing questions on a computer with a dislocated ankle. In READ MORE
Your question is vague. What do you mean by "help"? It is difficult to believe that you are casually sitting around typing questions on a computer with a dislocated ankle.
In answer to your question, Chiropractors are not trained or licensed to treat an acute injury such as a dislocated ankle. Dislocated ankle treatment requires anesthesia (Local, General, or Spinal) which Chiropractors are not licensed to administer. They also do not have the training with this type of injury which may require open surgery which they cannot perform. They are not licensed to perform invasive procedures.

Is ankle ligament surgery painful?

There is always some degree of pain involved with any surgical procedure. There are multiple factors involved: ie - your individual tolerance of pain; the skill of the surgeon READ MORE
There is always some degree of pain involved with any surgical procedure. There are multiple factors involved: ie - your individual tolerance of pain; the skill of the surgeon in performing the procedure; and the extensiveness of the procedure being performed.
In ankle ligament repair surgery if the procedure performed only involves operating on the soft tissue (ligaments or capsule) then there should be mild to moderate pain for 2 - 4 days. If however, the procedure involves cutting into or drilling through bone then one could experience moderate to severe pain for 4 - 5 days. Any pain should be easily controlled by proper usage of pain medication.