Items filtered by date: April 2022

Ankle pain can be sharp or dull depending on the type of injury that has occurred. While some patients experience pain from ankle sprains or strains, ankle pain may stem from arthritis as well. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe ankle pain, and this can happen due to an injury that overstretched this strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms of a fractured ankle can include swelling surrounding the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Soft tissue damage can come from an ankle sprain or strain and can cause significant pain. Additionally, a medical condition known as gout can also cause ankle pain, and it is necessary to seek immediate treatment. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

April is Foot Health Month! To honor the importance of good foot health and prepare for the warmer months and more attractive sandal-wearing, we can give our feet the proper time and attention they deserve for all they do for us. Because of all we subject our feet to, they are the part of the body that is most apt to sustain injury. Proper foot care is simple if tended to regularly. The things to do to care for your feet are routinely washing them and making sure to dry them completely, moisturizing the feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, avoiding lotion in between the toes, ensuring the proper fitting of shoes, choosing supportive shoes and socks that are not tight or irritating to feet, alternating the shoes you wear daily and changing up heel heights, wearing clean socks each day that socks are worn, and not going barefoot for extended time periods. Women who are pregnant, older, or have health conditions, like diabetes or poor circulation, need to pay additional attention to specific things related to their feet. For example, pregnant and elderly women need to wear shoes that have better shock absorbency, and women with diabetes need to check their feet regularly to make sure nothing unusual is going on that they may not feel. If getting pedicures in a salon is something that you do, make sure the tubs and instruments used are well sanitized. Most of these suggestions (other than pregnancy-related foot care) apply to men and women alike. Consulting with a podiatrist as part of your regular health care is a good practice to make sure these vital parts of the body are well maintained and painful foot problems, even disability, are prevented.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many patients choose to have foot surgery performed when other treatment options have failed. A common surgery is called bunionectomy, and this is successful in removing bunions. A bunion is defined as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe and can cause pain and discomfort. Severe cases of arthritis in the feet may require surgery. This is accomplished by fusing the bones together which may eliminate existing pain. Heel surgery is done to find relief from foot conditions that can include heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Patients who have Morton’s neuroma may benefit from having surgery performed that may involve cutting a piece of the nerve that was causing the condition. If you have foot pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many older people are at an increased risk of falling. It is believed that one-third of people over 65, and half of people over 80, fall at least once a year. Common factors that contribute to the likelihood of falling are impaired vision, loss of balance, dizziness, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. Also, diabetic neuropathy (which causes numbness in the feet), slick or highly polished floors (especially in the bathroom), loose rugs, poor lighting, and pathways blocked with furniture may risks. Actions like slipping on a ladder or step stool, reaching for something too high, or going down stairs may cause falls. One good way to prevent a fall is by paying attention to your surroundings. Here are some suggestions to help lessen the risk: Use non-slip mats in the bathroom, and wear shoes or slippers with non-skid soles; get help moving heavy items and carrying awkward objects; make sure hallways have adequate lighting; use a cane or walker if balance is an issue; and remove throw rugs and loose carpeting. If you are at risk of falling, it may be wise to see a podiatrist for guidance in proper footwear and an examination to make sure your feet are not part of the problem.

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 Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.