September 2020

A common fungal skin infection is known as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious, and can be spread by not wearing the proper footwear in places where fungus thrives, such as swimming pools and communal showers. Scaly, itchy rashes between the toes are often a key indicator that you have developed this uncomfortable condition. To help relieve this discomfort, over the counter powders, sprays, ointments, and lotions may be beneficial for your case. Using hydrogen peroxide can also be useful in killing the fungus on the surface of the skin. Making sure your feet are clean and dry is another great first step in preventing the infection from worsening. For a proper diagnosis and advice on which treatment may be best for you, please speak with a podiatrist.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery .  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best 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.

When the joints or ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone in your foot are injured or torn, it’s possible you may develop cuboid syndrome. Certain forms of arthritis may increase your chances of getting cuboid syndrome, such as osteoarthritis and gout. Common risk factors for this condition may include obesity, wearing footwear that is too tight or lacks support, not stretching before working out, partaking in physical activity on uneven surfaces, and a lack of rest between physical activities. Pain on the lateral side of your foot is a common indicator of cuboid syndrome, along with tenderness and redness towards that area. If you believe you have developed cuboid syndrome, please consult with a podiatrist for advice on treatment options.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Toenail fungus is a contagious fungal infection, and can spread from wearing an infected person’s shoes or socks, and possibly from sharing towels. Toenail fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, locker rooms, and surrounding areas. Common symptoms that are often associated with toenail fungus can include the affected nail becoming yellow, thick, and brittle. In severe cases, the nail may lift off of the nail bed, and a new nail will gradually grow underneath it. If you see the beginning stages of toenail fungus, please speak to a podiatrist as quickly as possible so that the proper treatment can begin.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Have you noticed a bump appear on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed a bunion. Bunions can be common among older women, however, they can affect anyone. Those affected by a bunion may experience pain, swelling, difficulty walking, a callus on or around the bunion, and a misshapen toe that leans inward, caused by the bunion. Symptoms generally worsen over time if left untreated, which is why it’s important to seek immediate care. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a bunion, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised treatment plan.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• 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 care needs.