A Pott’s fracture is a type of ankle fracture that can occur after a forceful twisting injury, especially when the foot turns inward while pointing downward. This movement is common among basketball and volleyball players. While an ankle sprain may be involved, the same force can also cause a fracture around the ankle along with the ligament damage. Because the outer side of the ankle is less stable, a Potts fracture may be overlooked and mistaken for a simple sprain. Symptoms include ongoing ankle pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Proper evaluation is important to identify whether a fracture is present. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, order imaging, and determine the best course of care to support healing and restore stability. If you are experiencing such ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Preventing falls is an important part of protecting mobility and independence for older adults, and foot health plays a direct role in balance and stability. Painful feet, stiff ankles, weak calf muscles, reduced sensation from nerve damage, and deformities like bunions or curled toes can make walking less steady. Wearing safe footwear can help lower this risk by keeping the feet secure and improving contact with the ground. Shoes with a firm heel collar, a broad and slightly beveled heel, textured soles, and laces or straps can improve control during walking. Thin, firm midsoles may also help people better sense the surface beneath their feet. Shoes that are loose, worn down, backless, or higher than one inch at the heel can increase the chance of slipping. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify problems affecting balance, and recommend appropriate care or footwear options. If you are concerned about falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
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.
Foot infections can affect the skin, nails, and deeper tissues of the toes, soles, and ankles when bacteria or fungi enter small breaks in the skin. Fungal infections involve athlete’s foot, which affects the skin between or under the toes, and onychomycosis, which causes thickened, discolored toenails. Bacterial infections include cellulitis, where redness and swelling spread through the skin and abscesses that form painful pockets of fluid. Erythrasma is a bacterial infection that develops between the toes, often appearing as reddish or brown, mildly scaly skin that can resemble a fungal infection. Infections can worsen circulation, limit walking, and increase the risk of joint or bone involvement that sometimes requires surgery to prevent limb loss. A podiatrist can identify the infection type, evaluate its severity, and determine appropriate treatment. If you have developed a foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for treatment.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Naim G. Shaheed, DPM from Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
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 stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated impact and overuse rather than a sudden injury. Runners may continue training without realizing an injury is present because symptoms often begin gradually. Common signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness that develops during activity and improves with rest. One key warning sign is an isolated spot of pain that can be pinpointed with a finger and feels sharp or aching with pressure. Continuing to run can worsen the injury and prolong healing. A podiatrist can perform a detailed examination, order appropriate imaging, and confirm whether a stress fracture is present. They can also guide footwear choices and a safe return to running plan. If foot pain persists or becomes more focused, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
