February 2021

Stress fractures are tiny hairline fractures that are usually the result of the foot no longer being able to handle the loads and weight that are being placed on it. Issues such as overtraining or overuse, improper training, wearing improper footwear, foot deformities, and osteoporosis can all lead to stress fractures. Stress fractures are usually indicated by pain, swelling, redness, and bruising. If left untreated, they can lead to complete breaks. Patients who believe that they are suffering from a stress fracture should be under the care of a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options include rest and immobilization, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

An ingrown toenail is defined as the nail on the big toe growing into the surrounding skin. Parents may notice their child is limping as this condition develops. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty walking, and may be beneficial to seek immediate treatment. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort, and often occur due to wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to the onset of an ingrown toenail. The symptoms patients can experience can include redness, swelling, extreme tenderness, and a yellow discharge oozing from the affected area. If you notice your child has any of these symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat ingrown toenails. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

As the feet get older, they can become worn down from years of supporting the body. The skin becomes less elastic, which can lead to issues such as blisters and cracked heels. Because of the complexity of issues that can arise, wearing the right footwear is one of the most important factors in caring for your feet. Shoes should have a proper grip and gently hug the feet. Keeping the feet clean, warm, and dry is important as well in order to prevent an infection. The toenails should be cut short and straight across in order to prevent ingrown toenails. Any issues with the feet should be checked by a podiatrist in order to prevent them from getting worse. This includes any sores or other abnormalities. A podiatrist will also be able to provide other recommendations on how to care for your feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Many people who are eager to take up the sport of running often start with walking. This generally means that two different pairs of shoes are worn. Walking shoes typically have a lower heel, and shoes that are worn for running have a thicker sole. This adds to the cushioning of the shoe, and the sides can also be thicker. A good pair of running shoes will help to protect the joints, ligaments, and muscles while running is done. This is not necessary while walking, which has a result of less impact on the body. If you would like additional information about the differences between walking and running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can provide the information you are seeking.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

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.