March 2023

If your ankles hurt after completing an aerobic workout, it may be a sign that should not be ignored. The main causes of ankle pain after working out include ill-fitting shoes, an Achilles tendon problem, arthritis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is important to wear shoes that offer ample cushioning and arch support and that you wear the right type of shoe for the activity you are doing. Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common causes of ankle pain because it is prone to overuse. This causes tears in the tissue, which results in pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on joints as you age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the tissues in your joints. Tarsal tunnel pain can be caused by compression of a nerve in a portion of the ankle joint. Any of these conditions can be diagnosed by a podiatrist who will offer the appropriate treatment options. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist if you feel ankle pain after working out. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

You may look great in those high heels or strappy sandals, but studies show that women who wear these types of shoes are at much higher risk of future heel and ankle pain. When you take a step, the foot absorbs a certain amount of shock from your body’s weight. Sneakers and other types of athletic shoes contain enough cushioning to handle the shock and protect the foot. However, this is generally not the case with women’s shoes, and for this reason women report heel and ankle pain in far larger numbers than do men. In fact, more than 60 percent of women who report hind foot pain have worn high heels and pumps at some point in their lives. Therefore, it is believed that past wearing of this type of shoe is a key factor in developing foot pain later in life. If you are having heel and ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance on proper footwear and other treatment options. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

If you are someone whose employment causes you to stand on your feet for long periods of the workday, you might be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing a foot condition. For example, it is suggested that an individual stands for approximately two to four hours each day. When an individual must stand for too long every single day, they could be putting too much strain on their feet. Employees like hairdressers, cashiers, and factory line workers could all be spending too much of the day standing on their feet. To address this issue, an employee might consider breaking up the workday by taking sitting breaks to ensure that they are not standing for the entire day. If you are a worker that spends a lot of the work day standing, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

As a person ages, problems involving the feet become more common. These issues among seniors can interfere with daily activity, increase the risk of falling, and adversely affect other body parts. Among the changes to the feet specifically linked to aging are dry skin, flat feet, hammertoe, toenail changes, and arthritis. Other potential problems include a shortened Achilles tendon, edema, and neuropathy. Dry skin, especially on the feet, can cause cracks in the skin that may result in fissures. Daily moisturizing is often a good preventative measure. Deep cracks in the skin can invite infection and in the worst cases develop into cellulitis. With age also comes a loosening of the ligaments, which can cause the arches of the feet to drop. This can negatively affect body mechanics, cause foot pain, and decrease stability. The Achilles tendon may begin to lose water as one ages, which can develop into drop foot. A decline in estrogen and testosterone production can affect the toenails, which may turn brittle and become thicker. Osteoarthritis, which is also termed wear and tear arthritis, may attack the major joints of the foot, big toe, and ankle. If any of these issues have begun to affect your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to find out more.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.