Items filtered by date: August 2024

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition where a fungal infection leads to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. The primary causes are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as public showers, swimming pools, and sweaty shoes. People with a weakened immune system or those who have diabetes are at higher risk. Symptoms can include toenails becoming yellow or white, thickening, and sometimes separating from the nail bed. To prevent toenail fungus, maintain good foot hygiene, keep nails clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the infection. Antifungal creams and nail lacquers may be effective for mild cases. Laser treatments and nail removal are options for severe cases. For persistent toenail infections, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Kinna Patel, DPM of Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Ankle pain while walking can stem from various causes. Common culprits can include sprains, arthritis, tendonitis, and fractures, all of which can result in inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Overuse, wearing improper footwear, and previous injuries can also contribute. Ankle pain impacts mobility and quality of life, making walking difficult. To avoid ankle pain, wear supportive shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and perform exercises to strengthen ankle muscles. Rest, compression, and elevation can help manage pain. However, if you have persistent or severe ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist ensure ongoing foot and ankle health, allowing walking to remain a simple and effective means of transportation without discomfort.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

In ballet, the coordination of foot bones is essential for achieving fluid and graceful movements. During a tendu, the foot extends and stretches, with the bones and tendons working together to create a smooth, elongated line. A plié involves bending the knees while keeping the feet firmly grounded, requiring precise articulation of the ankle and foot bones to maintain balance and control. Port-de-bras, the movement of the arms in coordination with the feet, enhances overall fluidity and expression. Effective foot and ankle articulation involves strengthening the muscles and tendons surrounding these areas to ensure flexibility and stability. Proper technique and consistent practice help ballet dancers achieve aesthetic, elegant movements and avoid injury through careful, controlled use of the foot bones and surrounding structures. If you are a ballet dancer, and have injured your foot or ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide treatment and guide you on how to perform specific stretches for optimal results.

If you have any concerns 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire foot to make contact with the ground. This condition can arise from genetics, trauma, or underlying health issues like diabetes. While many people with flat feet manage symptoms through nonsurgical treatments, surgery may become necessary when these interventions fail to provide relief. Complications from flatfoot can include changing the way you walk, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis, which can significantly impact daily activities. Custom orthotics, bracing, stretching exercises, and certain medications can help to alleviate pain and improve foot function. But when these measures are insufficient, a podiatrist may recommend surgical reconstruction to restore the foot's arch and alleviate discomfort. Surgery typically involves repairing or reconstructing tendons and ligaments, realigning bones, or fusing joints to create a stable arch. Because recovery from flatfoot surgery can take up to three months, carefully following post-operative care instructions is paramount to a successful outcome. If you have severe pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determne if surgery is right for you.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.