Luckily, we are highly skilled in treating a variety of conditions and issues. Whether you have slight discomfort or severe pain, we can provide you with care that allows you to live the lifestyle you want!
These are just some of the conditions, treatments, and services you will find at our podiatric office. Just ask us if you have any questions!
- Custom Orthotics
- Surgical Corrections of Foot Disorders
- Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
- Ankle Instability
- Athlete's Foot
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Sprains
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Shin Splints
- Sports Medicine
- Children Feet/Podopediatrics
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bunions and Hammertoes
- Ankle Sprains and Foot Sprains
- Tendon Injuries
Custom Orthotics
Custom foot orthotics are designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look similar to insoles, but are biomedical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. The plastic body of the custom orthotic helps to re-align the foot while you walk. We understand that everyone is different, which is why custom foot orthotics are made just for you.
Surgical Corrections of Foot Disorders
In most cases, invasive methods are not necessary to correct many foot disorders. Though in more extreme conditions, surgery may be required. The need for surgery will depend on the severity of the condition, the amount of pain the patient is experiencing, and the patient’s past response to various treatments.
Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciitis
Heel spurs occur in at least 50% of people who have plantar fasciitis. Past treatments for heel spurs, a bony growth that begins on the front of your heel bone and points toward the arch of your foot, included surgery to remove the growth. Nowadays, surgery is rarely a treatment option and more plans for physical therapy, ice, and pain medications are used to treat heel spurs.
Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and is described as the gradual giving way of the outside of the ankle. Some symptoms of ankle instability include constant inflammation or swelling, tenderness, and instability in the ankle. After a sprained ankle, the ligaments become stretched and torn. Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and rehabilitate the tissues within the ankle that affect your balance. In addition, physical therapy, medications, and bracing can help treat chronic ankle instability. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains, or possibly surgery.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a specific type of fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. A common cause of athlete's foot is sweaty feet that are confined to tight shoes for a long period of time. Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete’s foot is contagious and should be carefully monitored and treated. Athlete’s foot can easily be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection is likely to recur. Prescription medications also are available.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis is caused by overuse of the band of tissues that connects the lower region of your calf muscle to your heel bone, also known as your Achilles tendon. Those at a higher risk for Achilles tendinitis are runners engaging in intense training or middle-aged people who participate in sports on occasion.
Ankle Sprains
A sprained ankle occurs when you twist your ankle in an abnormal way causing the ligaments holding your ankle bones together to stretch or tear. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although you may just need proper rest and pain medications to heal, it is important to have the sprain looked at by a professional to determine the severity and proper treatment.
Peripheral Neuropathy
As a result of damaged peripheral nerves, peripheral neuropathy can occur causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, burning, and tingling in the hands and feet as well as other parts of the body. Traumatic injuries, diabetes, and even some exposure to toxins can cause peripheral nerve damage.
Once damage to nerves occurs, the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are gradual and worsen with time. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to aid in the prevention of damage to those specific nerves.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are painful sensations on the sides of the leg bone caused by muscle or tendon inflammation, usually seen in athletes.
Proper stretching before and after exercising can drastically reduce the occurrence of shin splints. Corrective shoes and/or orthotics can also aid in the prevention of shin splints.
Sports Medicine
Dr. Nair is a member of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and is working on her sports medicine fellowship. This means she is actively working and researching within the field of sports medicine to make sure that she is offering her patients the best options and outcomes possible. More importantly, she really enjoys helping patients with these injuries as she considers them biomechanic mysteries.
Biomechanics is the study of the body’s movements and physiology. How muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to promote ideal and expected movement of the body’s motion. Biomechanics can help us understand why an injury occurred, how to prevent future injuries, how to improve movement, and how to rehabilitate.
Whether you are a competitive or recreational athlete, your feet take a beating in every sport!
Dr. Nair is equipped to handle both nagging and severe injuries caused by an active lifestyle.
Children Feet/Podopediatrics
Dr. Nair is one of the few podiatrists in the Bay Area that is equipped to handle pediatric foot conditions. Her practice can address problems that range from treating newborns with clubfeet to helping high school athletes with fractures.
Dr. Nair has two children of her own, Liam and Veda, and she not only enjoys seeing young patients but her practice was built around the model she would want her own family to experience. Her practice allows for patients and their family members to have ample time to have questions and concerns addressed - online or in person. You will never feel rushed out of the treatment room as she understands that treating pediatric conditions requires time.
This fall, Dr. Nair is gearing up for a Girls on the Run in Oakland - inspiring young girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. She understands the importance of giving back to her community and empowering individuals early on in their lives.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain can be due to a number of things but plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is especially common in certain individuals, like runners and pregnant/breastfeeding moms. This injury can occur when a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed.
Since you rely on your feet for every step, an injury that is so simple can significantly limit your day to day life. The right treatment for your problem depends on the cause of the problem, your lifestyle and biomechanics. Dr. Nair will recommend a treatment that could include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area)
- Change in shoes
- Over-the-counter or custom orthotics
- A personal exercise and rehabilitation program
- Temporary change in diet and lifestyle
- An injection or surgery, if necessary
Bunions and Hammertoes
Bunions and hammertoes are common bony deformities in the forefeet. They can be very painful and since they project out of the foot they result in limited shoe selection, poor fit of shoes, and limitations in activity. There are many options for treatment of these bunions and hammertoes - what options are available to you depends on what stage these deformities are in. There are even simple ways to prevent them from worsening!
The right treatment for your problem depends on the cause of the problem, your lifestyle and biomechanics. Dr. Nair will recommend a treatment that could include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area)
- Change in shoes
- Over-the-counter or custom orthotics
- A personal exercise and rehabilitation program
- Temporary change in diet and lifestyle
- An injection or surgery, if necessary
Ankle Sprains and Foot Sprains
A sprain means that the ligament holding two bones together has been injured. A sprain can be minor, only resulting in a temporary period of pain and limited activity. Sprains can also be severe which can result in long term pain and instability when active. Understanding your biomechanics, lifestyle and needs we can work together to keep your injury from limiting your movement.
The right treatment for your problem depends on the cause of the problem, your lifestyle and biomechanics. Dr. Nair will recommend a treatment that could include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area)
- Change in shoes
- Over-the-counter or custom orthotics
- A personal exercise and rehabilitation program
- Temporary change in diet and lifestyle
- An injection or surgery, if necessary
Tendon injuries
Tendon injuries can result from a traumatic event, overuse of your feet, or improper form. The good news is the foot does a good job of compensating to prevent you from using the injured tendon. The bad news is that the compensation can result in other problems. This compensation can aggravate your history of back, hip, or knee problems.
Come in and see Dr. Nair to limit the progression of your problem and, even more importantly, prevent it from occurring in the future. The right treatment for your problem depends on the cause of the problem, your lifestyle and biomechanics. Dr. Nair will recommend a treatment that could include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area)
- Change in shoes
- Over-the-counter or custom orthotics
- A personal exercise and rehabilitation program
- Temporary change in diet and lifestyle
- An injection or surgery, if necessary