Items filtered by date: August 2016

A new device called the Lunula Laser increases the amount of clear nail in patients with toenail fungus. The Lunula device is the first and only low-level laser to receive FDA 510(k) approval marketing clearance for nail fungus. In the past, oral medication was the only way to treat toenail fungus. However, these medications increased the likelihood of developing liver toxicity issues. Fortunately, Lunula Laser serves as a treatment option that doesn’t require a blood test or cause any pain. While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible.

 For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor will attend to your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments 

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body.  Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free. 

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

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.

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Both children and adults have been susceptible to the painful blisters that accompany hand-foot-mouth disease, a systemic disease that can easily be spread. The disease typically begins with a fever before it progresses into trouble eating and swallowing or even trouble putting on shoes and socks. Experts suggest frequent and thorough hand-washing to help avoid the spread of the disease.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, 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 Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

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 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.

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A sedentary or non-active lifestyle can be dangerous because it can cause the body to develop poor circulation. Poor circulation in turn can lead to more severe problems such as increased blood pressure and cholesterol. Those who hold desk jobs are especially prone to poor circulation and can benefit from regular walks during breaks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator to upper floors, or even stretching out the legs and feet at the desk.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.To learn more, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

-muscle pain            -numbness in legs

-cramps            -skin discoloration

-weakness            -slower nail & hair growth

-stiffness             -erectile dysfunction

Those who are over 50-years-old, have diabetes and/or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

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.

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Warts are non-malignant growths that can appear on the hands, feet, and face. They can be spread through close skin contact, or sharing clothes with someone who has them. There are different types of warts that people may have. Common warts are usually grey or brown and appear on fingers, toes, elbows, or knees. Flat warts appear in groups and are usually found on arms or the face. Plantar warts are different from any other type of wart because they grow inside the skin. Plantar warts are found on the sole of feet and can cause a lot of pain for those that have them. Warts usually go away on their own, without any sort of treatment. However if your wart does not go away, you could use herbal remedies in order to get rid of it.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.

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All diabetics are advised to see a podiatrist on a regular basis. A diabetic foot exam usually consists of checking foot pulses, looking for deformities, and checking for skin issues. It also may involve the podiatrist trimming the toenails and calluses of his diabetic patient in order to prevent any further issues. The entire exam is usually painless and simple, but it can help diabetics catch diseases early.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctorcan provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

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