Items filtered by date: December 2016

Orthotics are different from shoe inserts in that they are designed specifically for your feet, meant to treat your specific foot condition. At least “58 percent of Americans have said they have had heel pain due to ill-fitting shoes,” according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, and many resort to using over-the-counter shoe inserts to aid in fighting foot pain. However, even though shoe inserts can offer comfort and support, they are not customized to address the individual’s specific foot problems. Orthotics are crafted from an individual’s foot imprints and can be used to treat a multitude of problems including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendon problems, arthritis, flat feet and more.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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

Read more about Orthotics

Sweet potatoes and broccoli may be considered as potential options for alleviating inflammation in the body, such as arthritis. Vegetables like these are high in alkaline and antioxidants, which help fight against arthritis symptoms. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Arthritis is described as a condition in which the body’s joints become inflamed and are prone to symptoms of pain. Inflammation occurs when the nerve endings in the joints react to damaged cells, leading to pain and limited mobility. Other arthritis symptoms include redness, swelling, increased temperature and stiffness.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care 

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Read more about arthritic foot care

Before buying shoes online, make sure to go in person to have the shoes fitted properly. Finding the right shoes includes taking into consideration the correct length and width of your feet. Our feet are prone to growing wider as we age, especially as we spend more time walking and standing. If you like a specific shoe brand and prefer to shop online, it is recommended to choose shoes directly from the brand’s website. However, having your feet fitted in person, particularly with a specialist, can determine the best fit for your feet.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even go barefoot
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion

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

Read more about Choosing the Right Running Shoe

A study conducted by King George’s Medical University’s orthopaedic department concluded that “over 90% of overweight or obese kids develop flat foot.” Flat-footed people can be characterised as having a lack of arch in the soles of our feet. There are three types of flat feet grades, with grade 1 flat feet described as having little arch, grade 2 lacking an arch and grade 3 developed into a convex arch. The research published indicated that “45% kids had grade 2 flat feet while 43% had grade 1 flat feet. The remaining 12% belonged to grade 3.” Flat feet can affect our everyday lifestyle, so it is best to have it managed at an early age.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are 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. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch 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 our office located in Bloomfield, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet