January 2024

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that results from the thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. This ailment commonly affects the area between the third and fourth toes, causing discomfort, burning sensations, or often the feeling of a small pebble inside the shoe. Individuals experiencing Morton's neuroma may notice pain that intensifies while walking or standing, often accompanied by numbness or tingling. As the condition progresses, sufferers might observe a change in the shape of their toes or find relief by massaging the affected area. Early detection is essential, as ignoring the signs may lead to increased pain and potential complications. If you suspect you have developed Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you with successful treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Gout, a form of arthritis, develops when uric acid accumulates in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain. The primary cause is an overproduction or underexcretion of uric acid, resulting in crystalline deposits that settle in the joints. Dietary factors, such as excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination of symptoms that include sudden, severe joint pain, swelling, and redness. Podiatrists may conduct blood tests to measure uric acid levels and analyze joint fluid for crystal presence. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, aid in assessing joint damage. A meticulous evaluation helps differentiate gout from other forms of arthritis, enabling podiatrists to devise an effective treatment plan. If you have joint pain in your feet and believe it might be caused by gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can successfully treat this condition and offer preventive tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of 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 care needs.

Our feet, resilient and reliable, are subjected to the rigors of daily life, often bearing the brunt of our activities. Amid this constant support, certain common foot problems can emerge, warranting attention to maintain optimal foot health. Bunions, characterized by a bony bump at the base of the big toe, and plantar fasciitis, involving inflammation of the tissue connecting heel bone to toes, are frequent culprits. Ingrown toenails, a painful condition where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, can disrupt daily comfort. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection causing itching and peeling, is another prevalent woe. Additionally, corns and calluses, thickened skin resulting from friction or pressure, often develop on weight-bearing areas. Recognizing these common foot predicaments is the first step toward proactive foot care. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose the cause and offer appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot 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 care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and potential infection. Several factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails, including improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes, and hereditary predispositions. Additionally, injuries or trauma to the toe can increase the likelihood of ingrown nails. Preventing this discomfort begins with adopting careful nail cutting practices, which is defined as trimming the nails straight across and avoiding rounded edges. Wearing shoes with adequate toe room and opting for breathable, moisture-wicking socks helps maintain optimal foot hygiene. Individuals with recurring ingrown toenails may benefit from consulting a podiatrist, who can provide guidance on proper foot care. If you have developed this ailment, it is strongly suggested to speak to this type of doctor who can determine what the best treatment method is for you.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. 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 occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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.

An acute ankle sprain refers to a sudden and unexpected injury to the ligaments that support the ankle joint. These ligaments can become stretched or torn when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of motion. This injury often results from a misstep, an awkward landing, or a sudden change in direction, such as in sports activities. The causes of an acute ankle sprain are typically linked to excessive or forceful movements that strain the ankle ligaments. Common situations include stumbling on uneven ground, stepping off of a curb, or rolling the ankle during sports activities, such as basketball or soccer. Wearing high heels and poorly fitting footwear can also increase the risk of ankle sprains by destabilizing the ankle. Understanding the definition and causes of an acute ankle sprain is essential for both prevention and timely treatment. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose this condition, and offer treatment methods that are right for you.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.