September 2024

A diabetic foot ulcer is a serious complication of diabetes, characterized by a sore or wound on the foot that is slow to heal. These ulcers often develop due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage, common in diabetic patients. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar levels, peripheral artery disease, and neuropathy, which diminishes sensation in the feet making injuries less noticeable. The progression of a diabetic foot ulcer typically begins with minor wounds or blisters that fail to heal properly. Over time, these can deepen and become infected, leading to more severe complications if not treated promptly. If you have developed a foot ulcer, whether or not it is related to diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

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.

A neuroma in the foot known as Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens. This happens between the third and fourth toes and can feel like you are standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Neuromas are often caused by repetitive stress or irritation, typically due to wearing tight shoes or high heels, which compress the nerve. Relief options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include changing footwear or using orthotics to relieve pressure. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove the affected nerve may be necessary. If you have foot pain that seems like a neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to prevent the condition from worsening.

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.

Ingrown toenails in babies occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pain. This can happen due to improper nail trimming, wearing tight socks or shoes, or even a natural tendency for the nails to curve as they grow. To manage an ingrown toenail in your baby, soak the affected foot in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the nail and skin. After soaking, gently massage the skin away from the nail. Avoid tight footwear, and keep the nails trimmed straight across without cutting too short. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge, or if the ingrown nail does not improve with mild care, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a more targeted treatment method.

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.

Pronation and supination are movements that describe how your feet interact with the ground as you walk or run, significantly affecting your overall alignment and posture. Pronation refers to the inward roll of your foot during movement, while supination involves an outward roll. Ideally, your foot should move through a neutral position, balancing weight evenly across your foot. However, excessive pronation or supination can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back. Overpronation often flattens the foot’s arch, causing strain. Excessive supination increases pressure on the outer edge of the foot, potentially leading to shin splints or plantar fasciitis. A podiatrist can assess your gait, identify abnormal patterns, and recommend custom orthotics or specific footwear to correct these imbalances. If you often experience foot problems, especially after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, gait analysis, and treatment options.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.