November 2020

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located on the side of the ankle, near the ankle bones. Inside of the tarsal tunnel are arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed or squeezed. The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensations, numbness, and pain along the inside of the ankle and the bottom of the foot. Symptoms can appear suddenly, and are often brought on or worsened by overuse of the foot. Left untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome can progress and lead to permanent nerve damage. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flip flops are a popular shoe style, and many people enjoy wearing them in the warm summer months. They are constructed with flat, foam soles, and have a plastic or rubber strap that lies between the big toe and second toe. Despite the simplicity of wearing them, they could possibly cause damage to your feet. Bunions can form as a result of pulled and overstretched ligaments, and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, the majority of flip flops have little or no arch support, and this may cause conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs to arise. The possible damage that can happen to your feet from frequently wearing flip flops may outweigh the temporary ease that comes from wearing these types of shoes. If you would like more information about how flip flops can affect your feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

• Ankle problems
• Hip problems
• Lower back problems
• Pain in the balls of the feet
• Problems with foot arches
• Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

• Sprained ankles
• Blisters
• Infections
• Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN .  We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a condition that can affect the feet and cause them to sweat excessively. This is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. Generally, one of the most common side effects is that the excessive sweat causes discomfort due to the sogginess of the socks and shoes. People afflicted with this condition tend to go through shoes quicker because of the salt mineral within the sweat. Plantar hyperhidrosis can also lead to embarrassment and avoidance of activities. Fortunately, treatments for this condition are available. If you are experiencing excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition and find the correct treatment for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle fractures can involve one or more bones in the ankle. This type of injury can happen from a fall or from suddenly twisting the ankle. Some of the symptoms that are often associated with a broken ankle include severe pain and discomfort, and the ankle may be bruised and swollen. Relief can be found when the affected foot is frequently elevated, as this may reduce a portion of the swelling. After a proper diagnosis has been made, which typically involves having an X-ray taken to visualize the injury, a protective boot or cast may be prescribed. Daily activities may be gradually resumed, and it is beneficial to rest the foot if it becomes painful. If you have broken your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help determine the best course of treatment for you.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The importance of taking the necessary steps to prevent running injuries may not be known by everyone, however, it is often recognized among people who enjoy running as a sport or hobby. Firstly, it is beneficial to practice strength training for the whole body and this may aide in the prevention of painful injuries. Performing single-leg exercises can help to improve balance and stability, in addition to practicing squats and deadlifts. Secondly, the recovery process is just as important as running and performing strength exercises. Proper recovery can help prevent damage to the bones and muscles. If you are experiencing a sharp or stabbing pain you shouldn’t run that day. If you feel slightly sore you can still run, but it is suggested to shorten the distance originally planned. To add variety to the repetitive nature of running, rotate two or more pairs of running shoes to subtly alter your biomechanics. If you would like more information about running injuries and how to prevent them, please speak with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.