Peripheral artery disease affects blood flow to the feet and legs. It can lead to serious complications if not identified early. Common signs include leg or foot pain when walking that improves with rest, as well as coldness in the feet and numbness or tingling. Slow-healing sores, changes in skin color, shiny skin, and hair loss on the lower legs may also be present. Because reduced circulation limits oxygen delivery to the extremities, even minor foot injuries can progress and increase infection risk. A podiatrist can recognize warning signs of periphery artery disease through a detailed foot exam, pulse assessment, and vascular testing. Coordinated care can protect skin health, manage wounds, and reduce complications. Early evaluation is important for people with diabetes, smoking history, or cardiovascular concerns. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

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.

Running shoes gradually lose their ability to protect the feet, and mileage is one of the most reliable ways to judge when replacement is needed. For many runners, shoes begin to break down between 300 and 500 miles, depending on body weight, running style, and surface. Even before visible damage appears, cushioning and stability can weaken, placing more stress on the feet and ankles. Other warning signs include uneven sole wear, reduced traction, heel breakdown, or new soreness during or after runs. Keeping a simple log of mileage can help runners avoid using shoes beyond their effective lifespan. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, walking and running mechanics, and shoe wear patterns to determine whether worn footwear is contributing to discomfort. They can also provide guidance on shoe selection and support needs based on activity level. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kinna Patel, DPM of Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are not working properly, people may experience numbness, tingling, burning, or a pins and needles feeling in the feet or toes. In some cases, sensation becomes reduced, making it harder to feel pain, heat, or pressure. This can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, skin breakdown, or balance issues. Although causes can vary, peripheral neuropathy is often linked to diabetes, circulation problems, certain medications, or nerve compression. Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time, if not addressed. Daily foot checks and wearing supportive footwear are important parts of care. Early evaluation helps reduce complications and protect long-term foot health. If changes in sensation, balance, or foot comfort are noticed, it is suggested that a podiatrist provide guidance on evaluation and treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, 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 for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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.

Supination describes how the foot rolls during walking when weight stays toward the outer edge, causing the sole to turn inward instead of flattening evenly. During a step, some supination is expected at heel contact and push-off, but excessive motion can strain the feet and ankles. People with higher, rigid arches often place more pressure on the heel and outer toes, which can lead to ankle instability, calluses, overall discomfort, and uneven stress. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, arch height, and wear patterns on shoes to determine how supination affects gait. Treatment focuses on improving alignment and shock absorption through footwear guidance, custom orthotics, and monitoring whether surgery is needed. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for help.

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.