October 2022

Most babies are born with flat feet, which will dissipate into adulthood. There are some individuals who continue to have flat feet beyond childhood, and this generally happens as a result of genetic reasons. It is noticeable while standing on the floor, and observing that the foot lies flat on the floor. It is a condition that can range from producing severe discomfort or no pain, and many people who have flat feet have learned to live with it. There is a large population of people who enjoy running, and this includes patients who have flat feet. Over-pronation, which is the degree of how much the foot rolls inward, is often related to having flat feet. The arch maintains support and provides shock absorption for the body, and this may be compromised in flat-footed runners. There are simple methods that can help to make running easier. These include maintaining a healthy weight, training effectively, and performing specific stretches that are geared toward people who have flat feet. If this condition applies to you, please consult with a podiatrist who can give you advice on how to run more efficiently.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of 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.

Sometimes when you sit for a while with legs crossed, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the feet sets in, but dissipates rapidly after standing up or changing positions. The term for this sensation is transient (temporary) paresthesia. Frequent or long term numbness, however, can indicate more serious problems and could be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Other possible causes of numbness in the feet include an injury that puts pressure on the nerves, lower back problems, or sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve). Tarsal tunnel syndrome, when a nerve that runs from the back of leg to the ankle and foot is compressed or damaged, also can result in numbness. Tumors or growths that put pressure on the spinal cord, legs or feet may be another cause. Numbness is often joined by tingling, pain, and a burning or itching sensation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

A good shoe should fit the shape of your foot. Poorly fitting shoes can cause all sorts of foot problems, including corns and bunions. With properly fitted shoes, your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably without hanging off the front of the shoe. Your heel should fit snugly and securely without feeling like it is slipping up and down. It is best to get your feet measured since one foot is usually larger than the other. Try shoes on both feet. Shoes should fit the larger foot. Pay attention to whether the shoes rub or pinch anywhere. Shoes should have at least ¼ inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe for proper fit. For shoes with heels, make sure the toes lie together and are not cramped from wearing too high of a heel. If you plan to wear socks or stockings with shoes, try them on with those foot coverings. If you have questions about the proper fit of shoes, consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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.

Ankle and foot injuries are common problems gymnasts deal with. In gymnastics, there is a high likelihood of lower body injuries in gymnastics because of the high impact forces, repetitive movements, and the preponderance of youth participants who are still growing. These young people are subjected to many hours of training, often year-round, and are generally encouraged to specialize in gymnastics to the exclusion of other sports early on. This causes a higher incidence of burnout, overuse injuries, and negatively impacts their overall athletic potential long-term. Research shows that there are also a lack of strength and conditioning methods in the sport that increase risks of injury. The most common foot and ankle injuries in gymnastics include acute and overuse injuries. Acute injuries are usually caused by an incident and tend to be more severe. These include ankle sprains and bone fractures. Overuse injuries happen when multiple incidents cause an injury to accumulate over time. Such injuries include things like growth plate irritations, tendonitis issues, and stress fractures. These injuries plague gymnasts for their gymnastic careers and beyond. Some of these athletes just tape their ankles and take over-the-counter pain relievers and live with the pain while participating in the sport. If you are or have been a gymnast and suffer from foot and ankle injuries, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can not only help in the diagnosis and treatment if an injury has been sustained but can provide important injury prevention information as well.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. 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.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.