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.

Arthritis in the toes affects the joints and can make everyday movement uncomfortable. It often develops with increased age as joint cartilage naturally wears down. Being overweight places added pressure on the toe joints, while genetics may increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Common symptoms include persistent pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced flexibility in the toes which may worsen with walking or standing. Some people notice tenderness, redness or difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can help by evaluating joint health and recommending personalized treatment, such as supportive footwear, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, and pain management strategies. Early care can slow progression and improve function. If toe pain or stiffness is limiting your lifestyle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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.