Peripheral artery disease, often called PAD, occurs when arteries become narrowed and reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. This limits oxygen delivery to tissues, which can lead to pain, especially during walking, known as claudication. Some people may also notice cold feet, skin color changes, or slower nail and hair growth. In more advanced cases, wounds on the feet may heal very slowly or not at all, increasing the risk of infection. Because the feet are far from the heart, they are especially vulnerable to poor circulation. Early detection is important to help prevent serious complications. A podiatrist can check circulation, monitor skin health, and help manage foot-related risks of PAD through routine care and guidance. They also work with other providers as needed. If you have leg pain with walking or slow-healing foot wounds, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, 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.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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.

Big toe joint pain can develop from several conditions that affect movement and weight-bearing. One common cause of big toe joint pain is arthritis of the joint. This occurs when cartilage wears down and leads to stiffness, pain, and reduced motion over time. Bunions can also create big toe joint pain by shifting the toe out of alignment and forming a hard bump at the base. Sudden, intense big toe pain may be linked to gout, caused when crystals build up in the joint and cause swelling and redness. Pain under the toe can come from irritation of two small bones beneath the big toe joint due to repeated pressure. Injuries, such as a sprain from bending the toe too far backward, can also lead to ongoing discomfort. Nerve irritation may cause burning or tingling sensations. A podiatrist can examine the big toe joint, assess movement, and use imaging to identify the exact cause and guide treatment. If you have big toe joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Chronic ankle instability develops when the outer side of the ankle repeatedly gives out, often after one or more ankle sprains that did not fully heal. The ligaments become stretched or weakened, making it harder for the joint to stay stable during movement. Other common causes include improper rehabilitation after a sprain, weak ankle muscles, and poor balance or coordination. Over time, this can lead to ongoing discomfort, swelling, and a higher risk of future sprains. Treatment usually begins with conservative care such as targeted exercises  to strengthen muscles and improve balance, bracing for added support, and activity modification. Anti-inflammatory measures may also help reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms persist despite these efforts, surgical options like ligament repair or reconstruction may be recommended to restore stability. If your ankle feels unstable or keeps rolling, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to prevent further injury and regain confidence in your movement.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet are fluid- filled pockets that develop in response to friction, heat, or moisture. They are often the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes or increased activity. These areas may appear as raised, clear bubbles on the skin and can feel tender, especially when walking or wearing shoes. The surrounding skin may be red or irritated, and if the blister breaks, it can become painful and vulnerable to infection. People with diabetes should be especially cautious, as even small blisters can lead to more serious complications. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of recurring blisters and help prevent them from returning. Treatment includes protecting the area, safely draining larger blisters when appropriate, and recommending proper footwear or padding to reduce friction. Guidance on foot hygiene and skin care can also support healing and prevention. If you have painful or recurring blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate management solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.