Items filtered by date: November 2020

One of the symptoms that is associated with toenail fungus is yellowed nails. Additionally, the nails can become brittle, and in severe cases, may fall off. Onychomycosis, also known as a fungal nail infection, is caused by the fungus entering the nail through small cracks. This type of fungus lives in warm and moist areas, typically consisting of public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding environments. There may be existing medical conditions that can lead to the development of toenail fungus. These can include diabetes, a poor immune system, or problems with blood circulation. Prevention techniques can consist of keeping the feet dry, avoid sharing nail clippers, and wearing appropriate shoes while frequenting these types of areas. If you have toenail fungus, it issuggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can determine what the correct treatment is for you.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot 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.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition can cause foot pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. While plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive overstretching of the plantar fascia and can affect anybody, there are certain risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop this condition. These include having very high arches or flat feet, being female, regularly walking, running, or dancing for exercise, being engaged in activities or occupations that require standing for prolonged periods of time, being between the ages of 40 and 60, wearing high heels, being overweight, having poor foot biomechanics, rapidly changing your activity level, and tightness in the hamstring muscles, calves, or Achilles tendons. For more information about plantar fasciitis, as well as diagnostic and treatment options, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

The majority of blisters are caused by friction. A blister is defined as a small pocket that is filled with fluid which protects the damaged skin underneath it. It is the body’s natural response in accelerating the healing process for raw skin. Blisters can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from wearing heavy boots while hiking. This condition may form more frequently in patients who have flat feet, in addition to people who are in the military. There are effective preventative methods that can be implemented which may reduce the risk of getting blisters. These can include wearing socks that absorb excess moisture from the feet and choosing shoes that fit correctly. One way to ensure that you get properly-fitted shoes is by purchasing them at the end of the day, when the feet are at their largest. If you have developed a blister on your foot, it can be quite uncomfortable, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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 it comes to heel pain, two common causes are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. They can irritate the tissues in the heel, causing pain and discomfort when you are standing or walking. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overused and causes sharp, stabbing heel pains. While heel spurs and plantar fasciitis have similar symptoms, the latter is much more likely to cause symptoms. In fact, heel spurs are often painless. However, the only true way to tell apart these two conditions is by having an X-ray taken. A podiatrist can examine your feet and diagnose and treat your condition. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

A common form of an ankle sprain is referred to as an inversion sprain. It can happen when the ankle abnormally turns in or out. This affects the lateral ligaments which are located on the outside of the ankle. Lateral ligaments are bands that help the joints to remain stable, and ankle sprains can result when these ligaments are overstretched. This type of injury can happen from suddenly stepping off a curb, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from walking on uneven surfaces. Effective treatment methods can consist of wearing a protective boot or brace, and performing specific stretches that may accelerate the healing process. If you have sprained your ankle, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment options.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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.