As a working mother of two, Dr. Harshini Avula of Onward Foot and Ankle definitely understands how much time women—many of whom are moms, working professionals and caregivers—spend running from one job to another, but as a board certified foot and ankle surgeon, she also knows how easily acute foot and ankle issues can develop in women because of it.
“Many times, we just put foot and ankle issues aside until it’s too painful,” said the West Bloomfield physician, who specializes in diabetic foot care and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery with an emphasis on education, health and wellness. “I have always advised my patients that acute pain and acute conditions are more responsive to conservative treatment options than chronic issues.”
Onward Foot and Ankle is a patient-centered, state-of-the-art practice led by Dr. Avula. who helps patients with athlete’s foot, balance, orthotics, bunions, plantar fasciitis, diabetic foot care, warts, wound care, ankle pain, hammer toe and even pediatric foot care. She noted a few other treatable issues that are common among her female patients:
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Fungal infections: “Patients, especially athletes and diabetics, are treated with topicals more so than oral medications. A more holistic approach is treating these conditions [with] a simple foot soaking in one part epsom salt and two parts lukewarm water.”
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Ingrown toenails: “Ingrown toenails are sometimes chronic conditions with genetic predisposition. Some patients have maintained this for many years, and sometimes a bad pedicure or a minor trauma can cause infections and inflammation. Contact your foot and ankle specialist right away before it gets too infected.”
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Runners’ blisters: “Shoes play a major role in a runner's life. Proper fitting shoes and the right shoes for your foot type are essential to avoiding blisters, stress fractures and chronic dislocation syndromes.”
In addition to foot and ankle services, Onward also offers a curated menu of spa services, which would be a great and local destination for mothers this Mother’s Day: “Our spa takes a holistic approach to pampering while providing the highest quality medical grade treatments and sterilization,” said Dr. Avula. “We are [a] very relaxing and laid-back team here. We only take one [to] two people at [a] time for all-natural manicures and pedicures. Our medical grade and licensed nail technician is also trained in lower-extremity massage therapy.”
With her cultural background and being of an Indian descent, Dr. Avula said she has studied and worked with holistic practitioners in both India and the US. “This experience has presented me with another tool in my bag to help my patients who are opposed to some modern medical solutions,” she explained.
From medical and surgical treatment options to aesthetics and wellness, Onward’s clinic and spa offer a well-rounded and comprehensive approach for women, men, children and seniors. The team at Onward strives to exceed patient expectations by fostering an environment of excellence, hospitality and compassion.
For more information, visit onwardhc.com or call (248)-538-3030. Onward Spa gift certificates are available for purchase for all occasions.
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Onward Foot and Ankle Specialists
5829 W. Maple Rd (Suite #115)
West Bloomfield, Mich.
(248)-538-3030