Falls at home can happen quickly. A fall may cause bruises, sprains,or foot and ankle pain. Common symptoms after a fall include swelling, tenderness, and pain when putting weight on the foot. Some injuries may not seem serious immediately, so ongoing discomfort should not be ignored. Anyone can experience a household fall, regardless of age or activity level, and they can affect daily routines and confidence at home too.

Falls prevention starts with making your bedroom safer. Remove clutter from walkways and keep shoes, cords, and other items off the floor. Make sure lighting is bright enough for nighttime movement. A securely attached bed cane can provide support when sitting down or standing up from bed. In the bathroom, install grab bars near the toilet and shower. Non-slip mats can also help reduce slipping. These changes can make movement more stable and reduce hazards.

A fall can lead to several foot conditions, including ankle sprains, toe fractures, and soft-tissue injuries. If foot and ankle pain develops after a fall, a podiatrist can evaluate the injury and determine whether imaging is needed. The examination may include checking swelling, range of motion, and your ability to bear weight. Treatment depends on the injury and may include rest, wearing supportive footwear, or other appropriate care. Follow-up visits help monitor healing.

Preventing falls is about protecting your ability to walk comfortably. Keep pathways clear and use support equipment correctly. Pay attention to new pain after any fall. Prompt podiatric care can help identify injuries before they worsen and support safe healing. If you have foot and ankle pain from falling at home, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and additional prevention tips. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Weak ankles can make uneven sidewalks, rocky trails, and sports feel risky. The ankle may roll easily, feel unsteady, or give way without warning. Previous sprains are a leading cause, because an injured ligament may not support the joint. In addition, weak muscles surrounding the foot and ankle can reduce control. Some people have loose ligaments or a foot shape that places extra strain on the ankle. Repeated instability can lead to more sprains, ongoing pain, and joint damage. A podiatrist can identify why the ankle feels weak and whether an unhealed injury is contributing. Ankle-strengthening exercises can improve stability, balance, and control. 

A podiatrist may recommend gentle resistance exercises that move the foot up, down, and from side-to-side. Calf raises strengthen the muscles that support the ankle while standing. Balance exercises, including standing on one foot, help the body respond when the ground shifts. These exercises should begin at a safe level and should not cause sharp pain. After a recent sprain, the injured tissues need to heal before harder exercise begins. Starting too soon can increase pain or lead to another injury. A podiatrist can explain which movements are appropriate and how often they should be performed.

A podiatrist can examine ankle motion, muscle strength, and balance to build a suitable plan. Treatment includes guidance on safe exercises and supportive shoes. Custom orthotics may improve foot alignment and reduce strain on an unstable ankle. A brace can provide support for sports or demanding activities, but it does not replace strengthening. The podiatrist can monitor progress and adjust the plan as control improves. Imaging tests may be ordered when pain, swelling, or repeated sprains suggest ligament or bone damage. Severe instability that continues despite conservative treatment may require surgery to repair damaged tissue or correct a structural problem. If you have ankle weakness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.

Athlete’s foot can cause more than temporary irritation. This fungal infection affects the skin of the feet and commonly develops between the toes. Shoes can create a warm, dark, and moist environment that allows fungus to grow. Damp areas around pools, showers, and locker rooms can also expose feet to the fungus. The condition can cause dry-looking skin, itching, or scaling. Some patients develop swelling or blisters that can leave the skin cracked and sore. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the soles of the feet and toenails.

Recognizing the signs can help a podiatrist determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the skin changes. Other skin conditions can look similar, so an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can examine the affected area and determine whether a fungal infection is present. Treatment can include antifungal medication, which works against the fungus causing the infection. Depending on the location and severity of the infection, medication can be applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth. A podiatrist can also create a treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms and how the infection has responded to previous care.

Prompt attention can be especially helpful when symptoms continue or spread to other areas of the feet. Athlete’s foot can affect the toenails and can spread to other parts of the body through scratching and touching. A podiatrist can help identify the source of persistent symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Podiatric care can also help distinguish athlete’s foot from another condition that causes similar skin changes. Patients should seek evaluation when symptoms do not improve with appropriate care or when the infection continues to return. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Kinna Patel, DPM from Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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.

Nerve damage in the foot can develop when nerves between the toe bones become irritated and enlarged. These nerves travel between the toes and supply feeling to the forefoot. Irritation usually affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes, although another space can be involved. The thickened tissue surrounding an irritated nerve is known as a neuroma. Pressure from wearing tight or pointed shoes can contribute to the problem. Other causes include thinning of the protective fat beneath the forefoot and poor foot alignment. Certain foot shapes can also place stress on these nerves.

Symptoms often begin with a mild ache near the third or fourth toe. The discomfort can then become burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot. Some patients feel as though a pebble is trapped under the foot. Pain can spread into the toes and become more noticeable when wearing shoes that squeeze the forefoot. Continued irritation can make closed-toe shoes difficult to tolerate. A podiatrist will ask when the symptoms started and what makes them worse. The examination includes checking the painful area, foot structure, and toe movement. Imaging tests can help to rule out other problems, but they do not always clearly show an irritated nerve.

A podiatrist can reduce pressure on the affected nerve and address causes of irritation. Treatment includes recommending shoes with a wider toe box and proper support. Custom orthotics can improve foot alignment, while carefully placed pads can shift weight away from the painful area. A podiatrist may also provide an injection to decrease pain and inflammation around the nerve. When these measures do not bring enough relief, other office-based procedures can be discussed. Surgery to remove the enlarged nerve is reserved for persistent symptoms and can leave lasting numbness in nearby toes. If you have symptoms of nerve damage in the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.