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Patients who are afflicted with a bunion may choose to have surgery that can permanently repair this foot condition. A bunion is defined as a large, bony protrusion that develops on the bottom of the big toe. Common causes for a bunion to form can include genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. For severe bunions, many patients consider having surgery repair the affected joint. Additionally, bunion surgery may be successful in correcting the ligaments and tendons that may have shifted from the growing bunion. If you have a bunion, and are considering having surgery performed, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist be consulted for an in depth discussion about the risks and rewards of bunion surgery.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, East Chicago, and Munster, IN, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children. This condition occurs when the growth plate in the heel (calcaneus) becomes inflamed. This results in heel pain and most commonly affects adolescents during growth spurts between the ages of 8 and 14. Common signs of Sever's disease include heel pain during exercise, pain that is worse after exercise, limping, and a tendency to walk on their tiptoe. Contributing factors may include height and weight, as well as how often physical activity is endured or intensified. This condition usually eases over time, but a podiatrist can help ease and manage the pain. Common treatments for Sever’s disease include limiting the amount of time a sport/activity is played, rest, orthotics, ice, and medication for pain and inflammation. If your child is complaining of heel pain that may be a result of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that they are under the care of a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Merrillville, East Chicago, and Munster, IN, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Plantar Warts, and warts in general, are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Plantar warts occur when the virus enters the skin through tiny cracks or weak spots in the skin on the soles of the feet and forms thick, flat warts—sometimes forming clusters. Plantar warts are painful and can make you feel like you are walking on pebbles. Although it is possible for plantar warts to go away on their own, they are hardy and may take years to disappear, if at all. If your plantar warts are causing you pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, contact a podiatrist. There are a variety of therapies and procedures they can use to get rid of plantar warts, including topical treatment, cryotherapy, and laser therapy. For a proper diagnosis please speak with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Ahmad Elsamad, DPM from The Institute of Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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