Plantar fascial disorders include two common conditions, plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Plantar fibromatosis involves the growth of firm nodules within the same tissue, leading to discomfort or lumps along the arch. Both conditions may have possible genetic variants that increase susceptibility to tissue changes or inflammation. A podiatrist can diagnose these disorders through an examination and imaging tests, provide stretching programs, custom orthotics, and advanced therapies to reduce pain and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet do not develop properly or collapse over time, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. Individuals with flat feet may experience fatigue, pain in the heels or arches, swelling along the inner foot, and difficulty standing or walking for long periods. Causes include genetics, as some people are born with naturally low arches, or conditions that affect muscles, nerves, or joints, such as cerebral palsy or rheumatoid arthritis. Flat feet can also develop due to injury or aging. A podiatrist can assess the structure and function of the feet, recommend custom orthotics, provide supportive footwear guidance, and develop exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve alignment. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide personalized care, helping you to better manage this condition.

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 care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity that causes one or more toes to bend downward at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. It often affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and is usually caused by muscle imbalances, wearing tight footwear, trauma, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and corns or calluses on the top of the toe. You may also experience redness, and difficulty wearing shoes. The affected toe may appear raised at the joint and may feel rigid or flexible depending on severity. Over time, the condition can worsen and lead to permanent deformity or open sores. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure of the toe through a physical exam and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on whether the hammertoe is flexible or rigid, and may include shoe modifications, padding, custom orthotics, or surgical correction, in advanced cases. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience persistent toe discomfort or deformity.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Kinna Patel, DPM of Sava Podiatry & Wellness Centers. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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 care needs.

Chronic ankle instability develops when repeated sprains or ligament injuries weaken the ankle over time. This condition often causes persistent pain, swelling, and a sense that the ankle might give way, especially on uneven ground. Ongoing instability can also lead to joint inflammation and early arthritis, if not properly treated. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of damage through physical examination and imaging to determine the best care plan. Treatment may include balance training, strengthening exercises, and custom orthotics to improve stability and alignment. In more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures may be needed to repair or tighten stretched ligaments. With early intervention and consistent rehabilitation, most patients can regain strength and confidence in their ankle. For lasting pain relief and better mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist experienced in treating chronic ankle instability for expert advice and appropriate treatment.

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.