Items filtered by date: November 2023

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, stealthily creeps into the lives of many, causing discomfort and irritation. The primary culprit behind this ailment is a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. Shared spaces such as locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers become breeding grounds, facilitating the transmission of the infection. The symptoms of athlete's foot manifest in various ways, often starting with itching, burning, or stinging sensations between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may peel, crack, or develop blisters. In some cases, persistent fungal growth can lead to a distinctive, unpleasant odor. Recognizing the causes and symptoms is vital for swift intervention. If you have these symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition in addition to educating you on effective prevention methods.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Carrying extra weight can put additional strain on the feet, as they bear the body's load with every step. This increased pressure can lead to a range of foot conditions, including flattened arches, which may result in plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. It can also exacerbate the development of joint problems, such as osteoarthritis in the feet and ankles due to the higher demand placed on these areas. It is important to approach weight management and foot care gently and gradually. Taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle, choosing supportive footwear, and engaging in gentle, low-impact exercises can help ease the strain on your feet. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself during this process. Positive change takes time, and self-compassion is key to a sustainable journey towards better health. If you are overweight and are experiencing foot pain of any kind, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment, as well as provide effective tips on managing your weight for better overall health.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by painful, inflamed joints. It typically affects the joints in the big toe but can occur in other joints as well. Gout is primarily caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the affected joints. While gout was historically associated with rich diets, today, gout can affect anyone, regardless of social status. However, certain factors can increase one's vulnerability. Men are more susceptible than women, with an increased risk after the age of 30. A family history of gout can also predispose individuals. Lifestyle choices, such as consuming purine-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity, can contribute to higher uric acid levels, thereby increasing the risk of developing gout. Understanding the definition of gout and its risk factors is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. If you suspect you may be prone to gout or are experiencing symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and offer appropriate treatment and relief choices.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. 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 Smyrna, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

After one breaks an ankle, weight bearing restrictions can be imposed to facilitate proper healing. These restrictions encompass non weight bearing, where no weight can be placed on the leg.  Toe touch weight bearing, which involves minimal toe contact with the ground can be effective for balancing. Partial weight bearing allows for a specific percentage of weight to be placed on the leg, and is generally managed by using crutches. Compliance with these restrictions is vital to promote the healing process. Disregarding them can lead to complications or delayed recovery. Signs of non compliance can include increased pain, swelling, or redness in the leg. If you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend the weight bearing protocols that will best help you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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