Blog Archive

If you’ve battled athlete’s foot before, you know how frustrating it can be when it keeps coming back. This common fungal infection affects 15% of the population and causes itching, redness, and peeling skin, often between the toes.  But why does it seem to return even after treatment? As it...

Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just someone looking to try a new workout routine, switching up your exercise regimen can help you reach your goals. However, it can also put extra strain on your feet, especially if you’re prone to plantar fasciitis.  This common condition causes pain...

 If you have ingrown toenails — a common condition that happens when the edge of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin along the edge of your nail — don’t brush it off. Athletes who run, play soccer, or play tennis are also prone to ingrown nails, but they can...

Calluses on your feet can be unsightly, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If they grow too thick, they can become uncomfortable. Thick calluses can also crack and lead to complications in people with diabetes. While they are a common issue for many people, understanding what causes them...

Managing diabetes goes beyond blood sugar control — it’s about protecting your entire body from your eyes down to your toes. You read that right: diabetes even affects your feet! Diabetes increases your risk for foot problems like infections, ulcers, and nerve damage (neuropathy).  The good part is that there...

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is often associated with cervical cancer and other sexually transmitted infections, but did you know it can also affect your feet? Certain strains of HPV cause plantar warts.  Plantar warts are small, hard growths that form on the plantar surface (i.e., your sole) of your foot....

October is arguably one of the best months to go hiking — beautiful fall colors and comfortable temperatures make for gorgeous hiking days — and you’ve got no shortage of options here in the Chicago metropolitan area and northwest Indiana. Whether you’re heading out to Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Park,...

If you're experiencing foot pain — whether that’s from plantar fasciitis, bunions, diabetic foot pain, or another cause — you might wonder if custom orthotics are right for you. Luckily for you, that’s the focus of this blog! Take a moment as Aamir Mahmood, DPM,  Joseph Wilson, DPM, FACFAS, and...

Several types of arthritis can affect your ankle, but osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the three most common. Regardless of which type of ankle arthritis you have, the end result is still the same: ankle pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Lifestyle modifications can, however, help...

If you find yourself repeatedly battling the uncomfortable (and embarrassing) symptoms of athlete’s foot, you're not alone. Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects as many as 70% of the population at some point in their lives — and it’s not just athletes who suffer...

Bunions can make working out a challenge, but they don’t have to sideline your fitness goals entirely. With the right approach and some modifications, you can still get your work out without exacerbating your bunion! If you have bunions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Aamir Mahmood, DPM,  Joseph Wilson,...

For people living with plantar fasciitis, the changing seasons — particularly the colder seasons — can exacerbate your symptoms. As we inch closer and closer to summer here in the Chicagoland area, you might wonder if the warmer temperatures will bring relief.  Read on as  Aamir Mahmood, DPM,  Joseph Wilson,...

Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be a real pain — literally. If you spot the telltale signs of an ingrown nail, you might wonder if you can do anything about it at home.  That’s just what Aamir Mahmood, DPM,  Joseph Wilson, DPM, FACFAS, and the Momentum Foot & Ankle...

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the common theme in each condition is joint pain and inflammation. Over 53 million Americans have arthritis — a leading cause of disability in the United States — with osteoarthritis being the most common type. Arthritis can develop in any joint,...

Living with diabetes means that you’re always monitoring various aspects of your health, such as your blood sugar levels. But because diabetes can lead to specific foot complications, you’ll also need to monitor your foot health 一 and that means never ignoring diabetic foot pain. If you have diabetes and...

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or picking up the habit as part of your New Year’s resolution, you may know that the joy of hitting the pavement comes with a few foot-related issues. Runner’s nail and blisters are par for the course, but surprisingly, plantar warts are also more common...

A visit to the nail salon is nothing short of luxury — especially if you include the foot and calf massage! However, before you head to any nail salon, it’s important to do your due diligence and ensure your salon is reputable and hygienic.  If not, you run the risk...

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp or burning heel pain, especially with your first few steps each morning. You might be tempted to power through the pain or hope that it disappears on its own; however, the reality is that without intervention and proactive management, plantar fasciitis can persist and worsen over...

Whether you’re dealing with specific foot problems, such as warts, arthritis, or plantar fasciitis, or simply want to maintain your health, receiving regular podiatric care can go a long way in helping you reach your goals.  To make the most of your appointment with Aamir Mahmood, DPM, and ensure your...

Whether you’re dealing with a bunion or a bunionette, the reality is that these bony bumps are both painful and unsightly. Surgery — in which Aamir Mahmood, DPM repositions your toe joint bones and the soft tissues to keep your joint stable — can eliminate the pain of a bunion and improve the look of your feet,...

Stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge medical treatment that has shown great promise in various fields of healthcare, and podiatry is no exception. Here at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic, stem cell therapy has revolutionized how Aamir Mahmood, DPM, and our team approach foot and ankle injuries. If you’re dealing...

Skin grafting — a surgical technique employed for many years and has evolved significantly over time — is primarily used to repair and reconstruct damaged or lost skin due to various factors, such as severe burns, trauma, ulcers, infections, or surgical procedures.  Here at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic, Aamir Mahmood, DPM,...

Athlete's foot — also known as tinea pedis — is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, particularly the spaces between your toes. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, athlete’s foot can lead to various complications if left untreated.  Understanding the potential risks associated with...

Neuropathy is a debilitating condition that affects over 20 million people, and when it occurs in your feet, it can make even the simplest movements painful. Fortunately, several strategies can help alleviate this type of pain.  If you’re struggling with neuropathic foot pain, here are five strategies that you can...

Running is one of the best forms of physical exercise. As a weight-bearing exercise, it helps your body build strong bones. Running also boosts your mood, supports healthy immune function, supports your cardiovascular health, helps you sleep better at night, improves your memory, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately,...

Bunions 一 officially known as hallux valgus 一 are bony bumps that form on your metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. These bumps on your big toe joints aren’t just painful; they can also affect your self-esteem, especially when you’re barefoot or wearing strappy sandals.  To compound matters, bunions can worsen over time,...

Plantar fasciitis — a common foot ailment notorious for causing intense foot pain — develops when the fascia on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. It’s a common sports injury, especially among runners, but it can also develop because of your foot structure, wearing ill-fitting or non-supportive shoes, and overuse....

When temperatures dip down low, joint pain can creep up. While Aamir Mahmood, DPM, and his team at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic offer arthritis treatments here in Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, and Roselle, Illinois, they also want to help you manage pain during the colder months with simple lifestyle modifications. Below, here are five...

If your feet always hurt — regardless of what type of shoe you’re wearing or what activity you’re doing — you’re not alone. Bunions, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis are common sources of foot pain. About 77% of Americans report foot pain, though only one-third seek podiatric care.  Ankle pain can be just as debilitating...

When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can cause poor blood circulation, compromised healing, and nerve damage in your feet. These problems can mean sores or ulcers on your feet have trouble healing and often worsen. About 130,000 people in the United States have a lower limb amputation each year because of complications...

You're not alone if you’ve been experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail. Two out of 10 people who seek medical help for a foot problem have an ingrown toenail. But how do you know if you should see your podiatrist or treat it at home? Aamir Mahmood, DPM, and his...

Dear Dr. Mahmood, Do orthotics have to be custom made or can I just buy some over the counter ones? What kind of orthotics are used for different types of foot problems? Signed, Laura Dear Laura, Thank you for being our first question in the Ask Dr. Mahmood segment of...

Inspect Feet Regularly Our feet are often neglected since they aren’t a very obvious part of our physical appearance that we are constantly tending to and not really the first thing people see. It’s still important to give them some TLC regularly to ensure cleanliness and prevent infections or other...

Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic is looking for a part-time Medical Technician for immediate hire. The role is evolving as the practice continues to grow. The job responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Answering phone calls and booking appointments Checking patients in upon arrival Checking patients out and scheduling follow-up appointments Rooming patients...

Many jobs require their employees to constantly lift, move and work with heavy objects, while standing for long periods of time. When these factors come together, it can result in pain, discomfort and injuries that start with the feet and work their way up to the rest of the body....

A podiatrist is a doctor who works in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of lower extremity diseases, disorders and injuries. They are awarded the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) and are part of the healthcare team that works closely with other health professionals to treat and control disease....