Sometimes when an individual breaks their foot or ankle, they might require some kind of surgical procedure. Depending on the procedure, the patient might not be able to put weight on their impacted foot or ankle following the surgery for a certain amount of time. Therefore, they might need the assistance of mobility devices to move around post-operation. Specifically, a medical professional might recommend that a patient use a pair of crutches after a foot surgery. These tools are significantly light in weight. Alternatively, for more serious surgical procedures, a medical professional might recommend using some kind of wheelchair during the recovery period of a surgical procedure. A knee walker is also an option for an individual who recently suffered a foot injury. It is also important to note that walking boots are smaller than any of the aforementioned mobility devices. The mobility device that you might use after a surgical procedure on your foot is largely dependent on the nature of the injury and procedure. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for more information.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM of The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, CMT,  is an inherited nerve condition that attacks muscles in the feet, legs, arms, and hands. The disease, which is named after the three doctors who first described it, is progressive and incurable. It is thought to be caused by a disorder in a particular gene that controls the peripheral nervous system. In short, the peripheral nerves have trouble sending the correct messages to the extremities. Symptoms often are noticed in the feet and legs first, causing weakness and balance problems. Often, sufferers may think they are clumsy or accident-prone. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also causes the ankles to become weakened. This further affects the gait, and falling is prevalent. A visit to a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis is suggested, because there are some ways to treat the symptoms. People with CMT can benefit from custom shoes and leg braces, along with other walking aids to improve mobility and balance. In some cases, surgery can correct bone abnormalities. For more information, contact a podiatrist.  

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

An inflamed nerve found between the third and fourth toes is indicative of Morton’s neuroma. It is a benign condition, despite it causing severe pain and discomfort. This condition is often caused by wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Women who frequently wear high heels may be afflicted with Morton’s neuroma and medical attention is often sought for pain relief. The pain comes from an irritated nerve that gradually becomes compressed, which can affect the entire foot. There may be existing medical conditions that lead to the development of Morton's neuroma. These can consist of bunions, hammertoes, or arch abnormalities. Additionally, participating in running and jumping sporting activities may put pressure on the ball of the foot, resulting in this type of neuroma. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

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.

The sensation of burning in the toes can be caused by a number of conditions, many of which may need immediate and long-term treatment. Among the many possible causes of burning toes, diabetes, joint disease, and nerve pain top the list. If any of these serious health conditions are ignored, they can affect your quality of life and ability to carry out daily activities. Another common cause of burning in the toes is from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. In addition, hot toes can be the result of an injury or a blood circulation disorder. If the blood flow is blocked or oxygen-depleted, the result can be felt in the toes. Blood clots and inflammation of the veins and arteries can result in burning toes. Extreme cold can also damage the peripheral nerves, which can cause a burning sensation. If you frequently experience the sensation of burning in the toes, it is wise to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who may be able to determine the root cause and offer treatment suggestions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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 Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.