July 2023

There are branches of medicine that target specific areas of the body. Podiatry is aimed at treating disorders of the feet and ankles that can include common ailments, injuries, and deformities. The mandatory education to become a podiatrist begins with earning a bachelor's degree, followed by completing four years at a podiatric school. A residency program that will take three years to complete starts after podiatry school. This generally takes place in a hospital setting, which can provide the students with practical experience. At this point, qualified candidates will become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, which is abbreviated as DPM, and these letters will follow their name. Podiatry has become a popular branch of medicine as a result of increased incidents of diabetes and chronic diseases. These types of illnesses can affect the feet, and medical attention is often sought for relief. There are various forms of podiatry that can include sports medicine, wound care, and pediatrics. If you are interested in pursuing podiatry as a career, it is suggested that you converse with this type of doctor who can answer any questions you may have.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Having an injury can cause runners to become upset, realizing they may have to stop running or jogging so their body can heal properly. This may be avoided when correct running prevention techniques are implemented. It is beneficial to take the necessary time to perform a warm up and cool down before and after any running activity, which may be successful in protecting the feet. Additionally, running injuries may be avoided when mileage and distance are increased gradually, and it may help to use proper form while running. Incorporating strength training exercises is a good method in keeping the muscles and bones strong, and there are multiple ways this can be accomplished. The soles of the feet can become stronger when they are rolled on a foam roller or frozen water bottle. This may be helpful in breaking up existing scar tissue, and generally loosening the feet up before embarking on a running routine. If you would like more information about how to protect the feet and prevent running injuries, it is suggested that you confer 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.

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the lower leg and connects the heel to the calf muscles. An injury can cause this tendon to become torn or inflamed, which often produces severe pain and discomfort. People who increase speed and distance too quickly while running may be prone to incurring an Achilles tendon injury, and this and similar activities will have to temporarily stop as the tendon heals. The Achilles tendon is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot and is instrumental while walking and running. Treatment generally begins with resting the affected foot, and it may help to take over the counter pain medications for mild relief. Many people will seek medical care for this type of injury, which can start by having a diagnosis performed. This can consist of having an X-ray done, which can determine if there is a bone injury. Once the Achilles tendon has healed, mild stretches can be performed, which may help to restore strength to the leg. If you have experienced this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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 the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.

Walking is considered to be one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. Lately, a type of exercise called Nordic walking has become more popular, largely because it is easy on the joints and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Nordic walking started out as a summer training exercise for cross-country skiers. They use long walking poles to propel them as they walk, similar to how ski poles are used in the snow. These walking poles use the upper body to propel you forward, which relieves pressure on the knees, ankles, and feet. Further, it is believed that Nordic walking can reduce the risk of several serious ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and stroke. It also is thought that Nordic walking is no harder on the joints than traditional walking, even for people who are overweight. Besides a good pair of walking shoes, the only equipment needed is a pair of walking poles. After learning the proper technique for using walking poles, you are well on your way. For more information, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.