General Foot Care FAQs

Q) When should I call a podiatrist?

A) A podiatrist is the medical specialist with the expertise required to treat all injuries and conditions of the lower limbs. We encourage you to call a podiatrist any time you are feeling pain or weakness in your foot or ankle or notice abnormal symptoms developing. Call our office if you have trouble walking, have a sore that won’t heal, develop discolored toenails, notice changes in your skin, or find an unusual lump or bump. It is also imperative that you regularly see a podiatrist if you have an underlying condition such as diabetes—whether you have symptoms or not. Minor symptoms can quickly turn into major ones without proper attention and treatment. Our goal is to keep you pain free and mobile, able to enjoy life without foot problems getting in the way.

We are a podiatric practice you can trust. Contact Dr. Tejas Pandya at Capital District Podiatry in Troy, NY to make an appointment or to request further information about your foot and ankle health. Visit us online or call our office at (518) 273-0053.

Q) How do PRP injections work?

A) When treating chronic foot problems such as long-term plantar fasciitis or persistent heel pain, we have the ability to try PRP injections as another form of conservative treatment. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are solid particles within your blood that contain a great amount of proteins called “growth factors”. These growth factors play an integral role in the healing of injuries.

A sample of your own blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected back into your body at the site of the injury or pain to promote healing. Since the injections are from your own blood, there is never a risk of rejection, and the risk of infection is reduced since there is no foreign or outside substance being used. This procedure can be very effective in treating tissue ruptures and long-term problems such as chronic tendonitis.

If you are struggling with chronic pain that isn’t responding to treatment, contact Dr. Tejas Pandya to discuss whether PRP therapy is right for you. Call our office at (518) 273-0053.

Q) Why should my child visit a podiatrist?

A) As a parent, it is important to remember that while your child seems invincible, their little bones are growing. Children’s feet are very vulnerable to injury. Once your little one starts walking, keep an eye on any gait abnormalities. This would be one reason to bring them to Dr. Tejas Pandya. Persistent toe walking and in-toeing are common problems that lead to foot and ankle problems later in life if they are not addressed.

If your kid is involved in sports, there are several overuse injuries that can occur—take action with any complaints of heel pain in particular and let us know if they have discomfort in their feet, ankles, shins, or knees. It is common for children to have flat feet but this lack of arch can also lead to foot pain in some cases.

It is always better to err on the safe side. Contact Capital District Podiatry if you have any questions or concerns about your kid’s feet. We can provide expert pediatric foot care – the right treatment now will set them up for success later on. You can reach Dr. Tejas Pandya by calling our Troy, NY, office at (518) 273-0053.