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
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I have a mole on my feet?
Of course any time there is a visible abnormal skin lesion with irregular margins, changes in coloration, and enlargement over time the lesion needs to be biopsied and possibly READ MORE
Of course any time there is a visible abnormal skin lesion with irregular margins, changes in coloration, and enlargement over time the lesion needs to be biopsied and possibly excised. Do not procrastinate, seek medical consultation soon. I would recommend you consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

Can chiropractors help with foot pain?
It depends on what is causing your pain. A proper diagnosis is essential. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medications or provide any invasive procedures like injections or surgery. READ MORE
It depends on what is causing your pain. A proper diagnosis is essential. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medications or provide any invasive procedures like injections or surgery. I would recommend you be examined and treated by a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
What anesthesia is used for ingrown toenail surgery?
As a general rule a local anesthetic injection is utilized for ingrown toenail surgery.
Is my foot broken?
Based on this photo it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. There appears to be some edema (swelling) and eccymosis (bruising), but you did not mention the mechanism READ MORE
Based on this photo it is not possible to make an accurate diagnosis. There appears to be some edema (swelling) and eccymosis (bruising), but you did not mention the mechanism of injury and the area of injury. Your anatomy appears normal so there does not appear to be any dislocation(s). The only way to validate a fracture would be to have an x-ray. I recommend you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

How long does an ankle injury take to heal?
Generally speaking a non-medically trained individual does not have sufficient knowledge to judge whether an injury is "mild" or how to properly treat it. You don't even know READ MORE
Generally speaking a non-medically trained individual does not have sufficient knowledge to judge whether an injury is "mild" or how to properly treat it. You don't even know what kind of injury you have. I would recommend that you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.
How long does it take to walk again after ankle surgery?
It all depends on what type of ankle surgery. There are hundreds of surgical procedures that can be done on the ankle joint area. Your surgeon should advise you as to when you READ MORE
It all depends on what type of ankle surgery. There are hundreds of surgical procedures that can be done on the ankle joint area. Your surgeon should advise you as to when you can safely and appropriately walk on the operated ankle.
Toe question?
With all due respect there is nothing you personally can do about it. You need to be examined and x-rayed to identify the problem. I recommend you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon READ MORE
With all due respect there is nothing you personally can do about it. You need to be examined and x-rayed to identify the problem. I recommend you consult with a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Is this just a bruise or something more on my toenail?
Pressure on the toenail with physical activity and shoe gear can cause bleeding beneath the nail plate. Based solely on the pictures it appears that this is the problem in your READ MORE
Pressure on the toenail with physical activity and shoe gear can cause bleeding beneath the nail plate. Based solely on the pictures it appears that this is the problem in your case. The area of of discoloration, which is a mixture of blood and serum, should grow forward as the nail plate develops over the next 3-4 months and you are not at risk for infection. If it does not move forward or changes color you should be examined by a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.




Injured foot?
Very unlikely, but of course anything is possible in medicine. A maxim in medicine is: "Never say Never". As a general rule to your question - not likely.
I have pain in left pinky toe can you help me?
It is possible you may have sustained a fracture, but it may only be a sprain. You should be evaluated and have an x-ray by a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American READ MORE
It is possible you may have sustained a fracture, but it may only be a sprain. You should be evaluated and have an x-ray by a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Can chiropractors work on bunions?
A Chiropractor could massage your bunion joint but that is not really treating the deformity. Chiropractors are not trained nor are they legally permitted to perform any invasive READ MORE
A Chiropractor could massage your bunion joint but that is not really treating the deformity. Chiropractors are not trained nor are they legally permitted to perform any invasive procedures on the human body. You should consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Is it better to go to a podiatrist or orthopedist for foot pain?
Podiatrists and Podiatric Surgeons have more extensive training and experience in evaluating and treating the human foot, ankle, and lower leg than most orthopedists. A Podiatric READ MORE
Podiatrists and Podiatric Surgeons have more extensive training and experience in evaluating and treating the human foot, ankle, and lower leg than most orthopedists. A Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery is recommended.
Is a chiropractor good for ankle pain?
Not really. The best a Chiropractor could do would be to massage your ankle because they are not permitted by law to do any invasive procedures or prescribe medication. You should READ MORE
Not really. The best a Chiropractor could do would be to massage your ankle because they are not permitted by law to do any invasive procedures or prescribe medication. You should be evaluated by a Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Why do I find it hard to flex my toes?
The most common problem would be some type (there are several) arthritis. It all depends on your age, activity level, family history, etc. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric READ MORE
The most common problem would be some type (there are several) arthritis. It all depends on your age, activity level, family history, etc. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
Can heel pain be treated surgically?
Not necessarily. The vast majority of heel pain symptoms can be successfully treated with conservative (non-surgical) treatments. Heel surgery should be a "last resort" treatment READ MORE
Not necessarily. The vast majority of heel pain symptoms can be successfully treated with conservative (non-surgical) treatments. Heel surgery should be a "last resort" treatment option, and especially because you are diabetic. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
Red ankles?
There are several potential causes, but the most common would be the result of varicose veins (venous congestion)Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified READ MORE
There are several potential causes, but the most common would be the result of varicose veins (venous congestion)Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
Starting of ingrown toenail?
Self treatment is not recommended. In fact in your age group it is the most common cause of ingrown toenails. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified READ MORE
Self treatment is not recommended. In fact in your age group it is the most common cause of ingrown toenails. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
How to manage my foot pain?
Unfortunately your symptoms match up with your diagnosis of neuropathy. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & READ MORE
Unfortunately your symptoms match up with your diagnosis of neuropathy. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
I have a cut in the inward side of my right foot?
Well it depends on the location and depth of the wound. The "vibrating" sensation can be part of the normal healing process and/or depending on the depth of the "cut" there could READ MORE
Well it depends on the location and depth of the wound. The "vibrating" sensation can be part of the normal healing process and/or depending on the depth of the "cut" there could have been injury to a superficial sensory nerve. Consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
What’s up with my ankle?
Well depending on the weight of the table and the amount of swelling and bruising in the picture you clearly have bleeding beneath the skin which is in contained area and cause READ MORE
Well depending on the weight of the table and the amount of swelling and bruising in the picture you clearly have bleeding beneath the skin which is in contained area and cause pain. By your own description it is unlikely that you broke a bone. However, there is a large tendon (Posterior tibial tendon) in that area and the hematoma in a confined area over the tendon will cause pain on pressure. Ice over the area (every 4-6 hrs. for 30 min.) for 2 days and then local dry heat for 5-6 days should resolve the swelling and bruising. If your symptoms do not resolve in 7-10 days then consult with a Board Certified Podiatric Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
