Items filtered by date: October 2019

Diabetic patients are often aware of the importance of taking care of their feet. It may be difficult to feel if a cut or scrape has occurred, and it is crucial to implement proper wound care. This process can consist of keeping as much weight off the affected foot as possible, in addition to using the right kind of bandage for each type of wound. This can be beneficial in allowing the wound to properly drain and heal. Wounds that have difficulty in healing may have to undergo other forms of treatment. These can consist of a method that can increase the oxygen supply in the bloodstream which is referred to as hyperbaric oxygen therapy. An additional alternative may be using a skin substitute over the affected area, and this may help to protect the wound as the healing process takes place. If you are afflicted with wounds on the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct wound care treatment for you.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

The purpose of the Achilles tendon is to connect the calf muscles to the heel. This enables the patient to point and flex the foot, which is necessary in performing daily activities. If this tendon should become injured as a result of suddenly stepping off of a curb, intense pain can be felt in the back of the leg. Additional symptoms can include stiffness in the affected leg upon arising in the morning, and it may become swollen as the day progresses. Additionally, Achilles tendon injuries can occur if exercising is done on an uneven surface, consistently wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if a new sport is started. Moderate relief may be found when the foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce a portion of the swelling. If you feel you have injured your Achilles tendon, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The majority of people who enjoy the sport of running and jogging are aware of the importance of properly warming up before beginning their practice. It is important to keep the muscles limber and flexible, and this may be beneficial in preventing running injuries. It is equally as important to perform cool down stretches, and this may be helpful in preventing muscle soreness the following day. Research has indicated it is wise to follow a training plan. This can consist of gradually increasing the mileage and speed of your workout as to avoid strained muscles. Many runners incorporate strength training into their running routine, in addition to cross training activities. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

An injury that has occurred to the growth plate in the heel may be referred to as Sever’s disease. This type of injury typically affects teenagers who frequently practice sporting activities that include running and jumping. The symptoms that are generally associated with this condition can consist of heel pain, and it may be difficult to walk. It is beneficial for the child to cease participating in the activity that caused this condition to develop as the healing process occurs. Benefits may come from performing specific stretching techniques that may help the heel and the overall health of the foot. If your child tells you he or she has heel pain, it may be Sever’s disease, and it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist so the proper treatment can begin.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.

Pain from the medical condition Morton’s Neuroma often occurs between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s Neuroma typically causes the tissues in this area to thicken and can cause considerable discomfort. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition can include a numbing sensation or a burning feeling that can extend to the ball of the foot. Morton’s Neuroma can happen as a result of a foot injury or from wearing shoes that don’t fit correctly. Patients may find mild relief if the affected area is frequently massaged, and it may also help to wear orthotics. Orthotics may reduce pressure on the nerve and therefore decrease pain. If you have pain in this area of your foot, speak to a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

When a toenail grows into the skin instead of over it, it’s referred to as an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails generally cause severe pain and discomfort, and shoes may become difficult to wear. Some associated symptoms include pus draining from the sides of the nail and the surrounding skin turning red and swollen. Common reasons why ingrown toenails develop include trimming the toenail incorrectly, wearing shoes and socks that are too tight, or an injury that has occurred to the toe. Patients who have this ailment may find moderate relief when the toe is soaked in warm water. This helps soften the skin around the nail. If the area becomes infected, seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat ingrown toenails.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.