Surgery for Bunions – The Bunionectomy

Some people suffer for a long time with their bunion problem due to fear of surgery or misinformed rumors from other people’s experiences. Bunions can typically be treated without surgery but when more conservative measures fail to help the problem and alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention is often necessary.

The goal of bunion surgery, called a bunionectomy, is to relieve your pain and correct as much of the foot deformity as possible. With bunions being such a progressive bone deformity, Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has helped many patients over the years through surgery.

There are actually two types of bunion removal surgery. The first type, called a head procedure, treats the big toe joint. The bone is cut, moved and fixed in place with a screw. A base procedure deals with the bone near or behind the toe joint and can involve different kinds of cuts and movements of the bone. Ligaments may also be treated in this type of procedure.

The degree of bunion deformity will dictate what type of surgery is best. Dr. Pandya will be able to do a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide all of the necessary pre and postoperative information. Each case is different so recovery time varies as well. When patients strictly follow proper postoperative guidelines, recovery goes much smoother and quicker. Dr. Pandya follows his patients from beginning to end in the case of a bunion surgery. Once healing has taken place, exercises and physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen and feet and improve range of motion.

If you are done with foot pain and ready for a bunionectomy, trust your feet in the capable hands of Dr. Pandya. Contact our podiatric office today to make an appointment at (518) 273-0053 or find more information at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Does Nail Polish Harm Your Nails?

Americans spend billions every year on nail care products but many may not be aware of the harm that nail polish can cause to fingernails and toenails over time.

Nails can turn yellow from absorbing pigment of color from the polish. Some polishes have iron oxides in them, the same chemicals we know as “rust.” Your nails can “rust” in their own way when using polishes with these chemicals in them. Many nail polishes also have formaldehyde in their list of ingredients. When the keratin protein in your nails reacts with this chemical, nails can become yellow and brittle.

Gel nails are very popular in salons. Through its application and removal, this type of manicure has been found to make nails weak, brittle and thin over time. Acrylic nails are also common but can be dangerous if they lift off the natural nail even slightly as this small gap leaves the natural nail at risk for infection.

If you have thick and discolored nails, which are most likely from a fungal infection, it is never a good idea to apply nail polish to cover them up. Nail polish does not allow nails to breathe and prevents necessary moisture from getting in. It is also important to remember that nail polish remover contains acetone which dries out nails and over time can make nails brittle as well.

If you have any concern about the health of your nails, contact foot specialist Dr. Tejas Pandya. His podiatric office in Troy, NY can treat any toenail problem you may have. Call our office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Winter Pedicures – Are They Safe?

Pedicures can be traced back 5000 years to India when people polished their nails with henna. Nail polish was used to show status in 3000 B.C. China. Wearing red or black gave you elite status. The Egyptians in 2300 B.C. also colored their nails.

A pedicure = foot care

In Latin, “pes” means foot and “cura” means care, meaning getting a pedicure is ultimately caring for your feet. There are some important rules to follow though to ensure feet stay safe and healthy. In the winter feet can get dry with less moisture in the air. A pedicure can slough away rough skin and calluses but never allow a technician to use a razor. It increases the risk of injury and infection. If dry feet have resulted in cracks in your skin, avoid a pedicure entirely. Cracks in your skin are at great risk for infection if any bacteria gets in.

As tempted as you may be, don’t shave before heading to the salon. Shaving can leave tiny nicks in your skin and the bacteria in a dirty foot bath is not something you want near them. Invest in your own tools as well. Even if a salon looks inviting, they may not sterilize their equipment well and germs can linger on old tools.

Here is a handy winter pedicure tip: To avoid wasting your money on a great winter pedicure, ask the technician to put cuticle oil on your toenails and put plastic around them before putting your shoes or boots back on.

If you have an injury that needs treatment before being able to get a pedicure or if getting one has given you an injury, contact Dr. Tejas Pandya, a foot specialist in Troy, NY. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Run on a Treadmill, or Not?

It is the start of a new year!  Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner ready to get your feet wet, the decision whether to get outside or stick to a treadmill can be tricky. Bad weather can make the first option less than desirable but many people question the effectiveness and safety of a treadmill.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy, NY treats many athletes and sports enthusiast. The bottom line for all runners is foot health and injuries can happen whether you are pounding the pavement or the…belt. Running on a treadmill definitely comes with some advantages. The conveyor belt on a treadmill provides a softer surface that absorbs some of the shock from your feet. This can help prevent some of the injuries that may arise from feet constantly hitting the hard concrete outside.

Changing the incline or pace at the touch of a finger is a great reason to run on a treadmill. You can ease up or push harder depending on what kind of challenge you want. You can also set yourself up in front of the TV, watch a favorite show and be in the comfort of your home.

On the other hand, a treadmill can be hard on the pocket book and a space hog in a tight place. It also does not provide a runner training for any type of a race with the right kind of running needed to properly train. If you are going to race outside, you need to train outside for optimal success.

Whichever you choose, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and have any foot pain or injury treated as soon as possible. Any running or training can be halted when a foot problem is ignored. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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Starting Exercise Off On the Right Foot

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”  - Joseph Addison

Becoming or staying healthy is no doubt on the top of many people’s New Year’s resolution lists this year. What about the beginner? Are you someone who has never made fitness a priority but is ready to make a positive change?

Starting to exercise can be daunting if you are not sure where or how to begin. It is important to start exercise on the right foot for success down the road. Dr. Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY sees and treats many patients who have done too much too soon and have foot and ankle injuries as a result.

Start with your feet. Before hitting the gym, make an appointment with Dr. Pandya. He can give your feet a thorough exam and identify any potential problems. If you have a foot deformity or a problem with bunions or hammertoes, exercise can aggravate the condition and make it worse. He can provide custom orthotics to support and protect your feet during exercise.

Pick the right shoe for the activity. Your feet may need a different type of support and cushioning depending on what you are involved in. Go to an athletic store at the end of the day since feet swell over the course of a day. Ask an expert to help you find the best shoes for your feet and the activity you want to do.

The American Heart Association recommends getting in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days for optimal heart health. People often think the more aggressive the work out, the quicker they will see results. Start slow and give your body time to adjust. Take time to warm up and stretch well at the end of a workout.

Dr. Pandya can help reach your goals and keep feet healthy along the way. If you have any foot pain while starting to exercise contact our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

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