Items filtered by date: January 2024

Toenail fungus, clinically known as onychomycosis, is a prevalent ailment characterized by the invasion of fungi into the toenail, leading to discoloration, thickening, and a brittle texture. This condition primarily results from the overgrowth of dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, often thriving in warm and moist environments. Individuals with compromised immune systems, poor circulation, or a history of nail injuries are more susceptible. Furthermore, shared spaces like public showers and swimming pools contribute to the spread of these fungi, making preventive measures vital. Additionally, wearing tight-fitting shoes or using communal nail care tools can create an ideal breeding ground for toenail fungus. Understanding the definition and causes empowers individuals to adopt proper foot hygiene practices and seek timely treatment, ensuring healthier and fungus-free toenails. If you have developed this unsightly foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment, which may include prescribed medicine.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Obesity, a prevalent health concern among seniors, exerts a substantial toll on the feet, with repercussions that often go unnoticed. The excess weight places an increased burden on the joints and soft tissues of the feet, contributing to a myriad of issues. Arch collapse, a common consequence, leads to overpronation and increased strain on ligaments, fostering conditions like plantar fasciitis. Additionally, the fat accumulation alters the natural padding of the feet, diminishing shock absorption and amplifying discomfort. Compromised circulation further exacerbates the problem, heightening the risk of peripheral artery disease. The feet, pivotal for maintaining balance and mobility, become a battleground for obesity-related complications. If you are overweight and have foot pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with correct treatment and management techniques.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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.

Minimally invasive foot surgery offers several benefits for patients seeking relief from various foot conditions. First and foremost, it involves smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced scarring, and a quicker recovery period. Patients typically experience less pain and discomfort after the procedure, and they can often return to their regular activities sooner. Furthermore, minimally invasive techniques often lead to shorter hospital stays or even outpatient procedures, minimizing the overall healthcare costs and reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. These procedures are performed using advanced technologies such as endoscopes and specialized instruments, allowing for precise and targeted interventions. Minimally invasive foot surgery is versatile and can address a wide range of conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas. It offers the potential for improved cosmetic outcomes and better functional results compared to traditional surgery. Overall, this approach enhances patient satisfaction by offering effective treatment options with reduced pain, shorter recovery times, and improved quality of life. If you have a foot condition that requires surgery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether minimally invasive foot surgery is a good option 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.

Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the underside of the heel, can cause significant pain and discomfort. They often occur along with plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the bottom of the foot, particularly in the heel area. To alleviate this discomfort, various treatments and remedies from a podiatrist are available. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation in the heel tissue. This may be achieved by using a cold compression pack or rolling the foot over a frozen water bottle. Wearing comfortable and well-fitting shoes is essential to reduce pressure on the heel spur. Wearing custom orthotics, prescribed by a podiatrist, can also provide extra heel support. Taking anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate heel pain and reduce tissue inflammation. Stretching exercises for the calf, surrounding muscles, and the plantar fascia can ease strain and pressure on the heel spur. If you have a heel spur that is causing you persistent pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment methods.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Toddler foot pain can be concerning for parents as little ones may not always be able to express what they are feeling accurately. It can stem from a range of issues, including minor injuries from falls or bumps, which are part of normal childhood activities. Overuse from running and jumping can also lead to pain, especially if toddlers are very active. However, there are also specific conditions to be aware of. Growing pains can be associated with Sever’s disease and are a frequent cause of discomfort in children, usually occurring at night or after a day filled with physical activity. Other potential causes include flat feet as well as in-toeing, where the feet turn inward instead of pointing straight. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can also cause pain or discomfort for toddlers, making proper shoe fitting important. Infections such as hand, foot, and mouth disease can cause painful sores on the feet. Additionally, serious conditions like juvenile arthritis, although rare, can result in foot pain. If your toddler is experiencing persistent foot pain that affects their ability to walk, is associated with swelling or redness, or is accompanied by a fever, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

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

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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.