Items filtered by date: February 2017

There are over 100 different varieties of HPV, or human papilloma virus.  Nearly 12% of the global population have had warts at one time, and plantar warts are but one of these types.  They all share one basic characteristic, they have the ability to infect skin cells.  Many people, when they hear the term HPV, think that it refers to genital warts.  But this is not the case, and HPV can manifest itself in many different forms.  Plantar warts occur on the feet, typically on the palms or the soles.  They can be flat or raised, and usually occur in dry, cracked areas of the foot.  Treatments vary in scope and effectiveness.  If you think you may have a plantar wart, talk to your podiatrist and go through the treatment options available.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

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

• Lesions 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, can 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.

Getting from place to place during the winter can be treacherous.  Whether driving in a car or traveling on foot, it is important to take precautions.  When walking, make sure to take it slow.  Ice can be lurking underfoot and being mindful of it can help keep you from taking a spill.  For the elderly, this is especially important.  According to Dr. Gudren Mirick from Hennepin County Medical Center, the most common injury from falls in the winter is an ankle fracture.  Giving consideration to the type of shoes you are wearing is key.  Winter boots are the best choice, but if you don’t have them, make sure that your shoes have good traction.  Put away your heels until springtime, you might end up with a broken ankle.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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 care needs.

Since feet are carrying the weight of the body all day, cramps are apt to occur especially after walking, standing, or during any type of vigorous exercise. While foot cramps are often unexpected, podiatrists suggest that sufferers stop the activity that caused the cramp and immediately stretch the foot. In a seated position, use your hands to hold your toes upwards to stretch the arches and hold for 30 seconds. Putting all of your body weight on one foot can also sufficiently stretch the cramped muscles and tendons in the feet. In addition to stretching, walking around on the cramped foot can help to release tension.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.