- Warts
- ArthritisThere are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis can occur for many reasons, including aging, “wear and tear,” autoimmune disease, trauma, and inflammatory disease. Arthritis usually affects the bones and the joints; however, it can affect other parts of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and some internal organs. Two of the more common types of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are discussed below.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition. It occurs when connective tissue at the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, is irritated and inflamed. The condition commonly occurs among people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Heel pain that occurs in the morning upon wakening is a hallmark sign of plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, for the majority of people, symptoms are relieved with non-surgical treatments.
- CryotherapyPlantar warts should not be removed with over-the-counter treatments. A podiatrist can remove warts with liquid nitrogen or cryotherapy that freezes and removes warts. Laser therapy and surgery are also methods for wart removal. Prescription cream may be used to help treat warts or prevent new ones.
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Diabetes Care
- UltrasoundSome physicians may order medical imaging tests, such as ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to determine the location and type of tendon tear. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image when a device is gently placed on the skin. An MRI provides a very detailed view of body structures. The MRI equipment focuses on the leg area while the individual remains very still. In some cases, x-rays are ordered to assess if the leg or heel bone was injured when the Achilles tendon ruptured.
- MRIAs part of the examination, your podiatrist will hold your foot in a specific position to try to produce a clicking noise (Mulder’s Sign) that is associated with Morton’s Neuroma. X-rays will be used to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or arthritis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to learn more about the size and location of the neuroma.
- X-Rays
- ChemotherapyPeople with diabetes, poor circulation, AIDS, or receiving chemotherapy have an increased risk of developing an ingrown toenail infection. Such people at high risk for infection should contact their doctor immediately if they develop an ingrown toenail.
- Orthopedics
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryGenerally, traditional open joint surgeries take several months to heal, depending on the joint. Minimally invasive surgery and arthroscopic surgery use smaller incisions and typically heal in a shorter amount of time, from several weeks to a few months. Your doctor may restrict your activity for a short time following your surgery. In most cases, rehabilitation is recommended to mobilize and strengthen the joint.
- Ankle SurgeryDr. Danis completed his residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he received extensive training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery as well as diabetic limb loss prevention and salvage.
- Bunion SurgeryBunion surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure. An ankle-block anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used so that you do not feel pain during the procedure. Following the surgery, the bones are held in position with wires, screws plates, or cast while they heal.
- Joint ReplacementIn advanced arthritis, the damaged joint can be replaced with an artificial one. Artificial joints are made of metal, plastic, ceramics, or a combination of the materials. The material selected depends on the reason for the surgery, as well as which joint is being replaced. Joint replacement can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility.
- Arthritis SurgeryRecovery from arthritis surgery is very individualized. Your recovery time will depend on the extent of your condition, the joint that was involved, and the type of surgery that you had. Your doctor will let you know what you may expect.
- BunionsSimply changing to wide shoes with a low heel can treat some bunions. If non-surgical treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to restore normal alignment, pain-free movement and function. There are numerous surgical techniques for treating bunions, and the majority of people experience good results.
- Ingrown ToenailsIngrown toenails can result from poorly shaped toenails. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not rounded. Some medical conditions, such as fungal infections or arthritis, can cause toenails to thicken and grow abnormally. Additionally, ingrown toenails can result from toe injury.
- CornsCorns typically appear on the foot in areas that do not bear weight. Hard corns develop on the foot in response to friction or pressure, such as from shoes that do not fit well or toe deformities. Soft corns, also referred to as kissing corns, develop between the toes, usually as a result of misshapen toes.
- Cyst
- CallusesThe symptoms of hammertoe are progressive, meaning that they get worse over time. Hammertoe causes the middle joint on the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes to bend. The affected toe may be painful or irritated, especially when you wear shoes. Areas of thickened skin (corns) may develop between, on top of, or at the end of your toes. Thickened skin (calluses) may also appear on the bottom of your toe or the ball of your foot. It may be difficult to find a pair of shoes that is comfortable to wear.
- FungusNot only is toenail fungus unsightly, but it is difficult to treat. You should consult a podiatrist at the first sign of toenail fungus, such as white or yellow spots on the nails. Your doctor will provide treatments to help stop the fungus and promote healthy nail regrowth.
- Physical TherapySurgery is not recommended for inactive people or those who are at high risk for complications or cannot tolerate surgery. Treatment for these individuals includes approximately six weeks of casting to allow the tendons to heal, followed by physical therapy. Physical Therapists focus on improving physical functioning by addressing muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination. This method can be effective, and it avoids the risks associated with surgery.
- Occupational TherapyThere are several different treatment options available to reduce pain and inflammation associated with tendonitis. A splint, cast, or brace may be necessary to allow your tendons to rest and heal. Your doctor may recommend using an ice pack, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections. Physical or occupational therapy can help to restore function and prevent future injury.
- Flatfoot Correction
- Heel Pain
- Back Pain
- Aquatic TherapyOccupational or physical therapists can help you strengthen the muscles surrounding your joint. The resulting added joint stability can help relieve pain. Aquatic therapy in a heated pool can be especially soothing. In addition, the buoyancy of the water takes stress off the joints while exercising, and the resistance of the water can help strengthening efforts. Your therapists may also apply heat to treat stiffness, and ice to decrease pain. They may recommend splints, walkers, or canes to help relieve stress on your joints. The therapists will instruct you on how to do your daily activities, such as housework and meal preparation, in a manner that puts less stress on your joints.
- Orthotics and Prosthetic Therapy
- General PodiatryAmanda joined West Georgia Podiatry in 2001, as a Business Office Specialist / Medical Assistant. Amanda previously worked at Parkway Medical Center. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, traveling, and reading.
- Achilles TendonitisThe Achilles tendon can rupture when a flexed foot sustains a sudden strong force and the calf muscles powerfully shorten. This can happen while playing sports. Sports such as basketball, football, and tennis require quick movements, jumping, and cutting that can create an imbalance of pressure on the leg and foot. Achilles tendon rupture can also result from tendons weakened over time by Achilles tendonitis (chronic inflammation of the tendon).
- Bunions ProblemsBunions are a common foot deformity, especially in females. They most frequently result from wearing shoes that are too small and or have a high heel. Abnormal pressure from poor fitting shoes causes the bones in the big toe and foot to move out of position. This results in a large painful bump on the side of the foot at the big toe.
- Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Flat Feet
- Fungus ToenailsA toenail fungus infection results when fungi (dermatophytes) enter the nail through a small opening. The fungi grow best in a warm moist environment, such as damp socks or shoes. Because the toenails do not have a good blood supply, it is hard for the immune system to rid the body of the infection on its own.
- HammertoesHammertoe most commonly affects the second toe on the foot. It causes the middle joint to bend. Hammertoe is most frequently caused by structural problems in the toe or from wearing poor fitting shoes. It is important to diagnose and treat hammertoe early because the condition tends to become worse over time. If left untreated, hammertoe can require surgery.
- Heel SpursYour podiatrist will review your medical history and examine your foot. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and the amount of time that you spend on your feet. X-rays, bone scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used to show more information about your foot structure and identify the location and size of a heel spur.
- Heel Pain
- Foot Pain
- Ingrown ToenailsIf an ingrown toenail becomes infected, the redness and swelling gets worse. A white or yellow colored discharge may drain from the area. You may develop a fever although this rarely occurs.
- Foot Neuroma
- Foot OrthoticsFoot orthotics fall into three broad categories: those that primarily attempt to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
- Pediatric Foot CareDr. Clark has been in practice at West Georgia Podiatry since 2019. Born and raised in North Carolina, Dr. Clark attended the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He earned his medical degree, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and then completed his residency at Geisenger Health Systems in Scranton, PA, where he received extensive training in Podiatric medicine as well as foot and ankle reconstruction. Dr. Clark underwent further training in complex adult and pediatric foot and ankle deformities at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore, MD.
- Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is caused by structural problems in the foot. People with flat feet have an extra long plantar fascia, and people with high arches have a short plantar fascia, which makes them prone to plantar fasciitis. Sudden weight gain, obesity, and prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces contribute to the condition.
- Podiatric DeformitiesYou can help prevent foot deformities by wearing properly fitting shoes. Ask your podiatrist for footwear recommendations or about shoe inserts. Wear socks with shoes to help prevent friction.
- Podiatric SurgeryOrthotics differ from commercially made devices, such as cushioned heel cups or insoles for shoes. These are sold over-the-counter in drug stores. The custom made orthotics, however, are devices made specifically to meet individual needs. Doctors of podiatric medicine and orthopedic surgeons often prescribe orthotics as a conservative treatment for many foot problems or as a method of control after certain types of foot surgery and their use is a highly successful, practical approach to treatment.
- Allergies