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The cuboid is a small but important bone on the outer side of the foot, and with every stride, running places steady pressure along this area. When the cuboid becomes irritated or slightly displaced from repetitive impact or sudden changes in training, runners may feel a sharp ache along the outer midfoot. This discomfort can grow worse during push-off or when navigating uneven ground. Some people notice swelling or a sense that the foot feels weak or unstable. Supportive shoes, gentle stretching, and reducing mileage can offer early relief, but symptoms that do not improve should be taken seriously. A podiatrist can evaluate the cuboid’s position, identify soft tissue irritation, and provide treatments that restore comfort and alignment. If pain along the outer foot continues during or after runs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper assessment and guidance.

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.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm and moist areas, often between the toes. Symptoms include an itchy and scaly foot rash, redness, cracked skin, burning, and thick white skin that may peel. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, walking barefoot in public locker rooms, having sweaty feet, or sharing contaminated towels or footwear. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that thrive in damp environments and can spread easily if not treated. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend effective treatments, and offer guidance to prevent it from returning. Athlete’s foot can be uncomfortable. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes thickens. Morton’s neuroma most often affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain or tingling that spreads from the ball of the foot into the toes. Many people describe it as feeling like a pebble trapped beneath the foot. The condition often results from excessive pressure or friction caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or frequent use of footwear that lacks adequate support. Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can also increase strain on the forefoot and irritate the nerve. A podiatrist can assess the nerve, confirm the diagnosis through imaging, if needed, and recommend suitable treatment or surgery when appropriate. If you have pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate 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.

Foot pain is common in fibromyalgia patients, with studies finding it in more than half of those living with the condition. This type of foot pain can make even simple tasks difficult, since it affects every step a person takes. Many describe burning on the bottoms of their feet, sharp pain when stepping on small objects, or discomfort when shoes press on their toes. Some even feel pain just from resting their feet on the floor. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors may contribute. The band of tissue that supports the arch can become irritated, leading to heel or arch pain. Nerves in the feet can also become overly sensitive, causing normal pressure to feel intense. In some cases, the joint beneath the ankle that controls side-to-side motion may not move properly, adding to strain. If you have foot pain as a result of fibromyalgia, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  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 assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Merrillville, and Munster, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.