January 2021

Heel pain can be debilitating, and it has a variety of causes.  Because the heel is the first part of the foot to hit the ground when walking, it can bear the weight of the entire body causing pain during prolonged periods of walking and standing. Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain. This occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed and aggravated. Plantar fasciitis pain is at its worst in the morning or after rest, and it usually subsidies throughout the day. Heel spurs, which are abnormal growths of bone on the heel, can also lead to heel pain. These form when calcium deposits build up on the back of the heel. If you are struggling with heel pain, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A hammertoe is a toe deformity that causes a toe to bend downward at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like or claw-like appearance. This can cause discomfort as the affected toes rubs against the shoes while walking. Hammertoes may become painful, stiff, and restricted in their range of motion if left untreated. While there are many conservative treatments for hammertoes, surgery may be needed for more severe cases. There are two main types of hammertoe surgery. In a fusion surgery, the surgeon cuts the ligaments, tendons, and the ends of the bones that form the middle joint of the hammertoe in order to straighten it. Pins and screws are then used to help the cut bones fuse together. In a joint resection surgery, the surgeon may also cut the ligaments and tendons, as well as the end of one bone, so that the toe can be straightened. To learn more about treatment for hammertoes, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains are a common ailment people may experience at one point in their life. Each foot consists of twenty-six bones, and three of these bones are located in the ankle joint. They are connected by numerous ligaments, and if they should become torn or overstretched, it may result in a sprained ankle. Common symptoms of this condition may consist of bruising and swelling, and it is often difficult to move the ankle. The ankle joint becomes unstable, and walking on the affected foot may cause severe pain and discomfort. The healing process often begins with elevating the foot, as this may reduce a portion of the swelling. Relief may be found when the sprained ankle is wrapped with an elastic bandage, which helps to limit mobility and provide the necessary stability as it heals. If you have sprained your ankle, please speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine its severity, and guide you toward correct treatment choices.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters on the feet are fluid-filled bubbles of raised skin that are usually caused by repetitive friction over an area of the foot. If you are a runner, you have likely experienced blisters. The discomfort and pain associated with them can make running difficult. Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent blisters. These include ensuring that you wear properly fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet comfortable and dry and to reduce friction as you run. You may also consider applying tape or wearing a pad over areas that tend to blister. Applying a small amount of lubricant to these areas can also help reduce friction. For more information about blister prevention, please consult with a podiatrist.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM of Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lithonia/Stonecrest and Emory/Midtown, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.