Items filtered by date: August 2020

Joint pain can accompany the medical condition that is known as a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe and pushes the other toes toward each other. Common reasons bunions can develop can include genetic factors, and from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can cause bunions to form, including certain types of arthritis, and poor foot function. It is beneficial to wear larger shoes that can accommodate the bunion, and patients may choose to wear a protective covering over it. If you are afflicted with a bunion, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can recommend treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.

Podiatrists are professional experts in taking care of the feet and ankles. Typical conditions that podiatrists diagnose and treat include broken bones, sprains, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, and warts to name a few. Podiatrists also help diagnose pain in the feet, ankles, and heels that may be leading to more serious ailments. These can include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Morton’s neuroma, and heel spurs. High risk patients, such as those who have diabetes, suffer from arthritis, or the elderly who are at a higher risk of falling, are encouraged to be under the care of a podiatrist. If you or a loved one is considered high risk for developing any of the conditions mentioned, or is currently experiencing any type of foot pain, it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to 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 a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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.

Injury to the foot and ankle can be common among runners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent injuries. It is said when you first start running, build up your training regimen slowly, increasing the amount of time and distance that you run at a very gradual pace. Allow your body and feet adequate time to adjust, as well as rest and heal. It is also important to develop a good running technique. This can be accomplished through running lessons, where an instructor can teach you about proper foot placement and other techniques to ensure that you stay safe while you run. Finally, make sure that you wear supportive, properly-fitted running shoes when you exercise. For more advice on preventing running injuries, consult with a podiatrist today.

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.

Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults. This is unsurprising, as the plantar fascia can undergo heavy wear and tear from our daily habits and activities. Some of the things that can put the plantar fascia at an increased risk of injury are wearing poorly-fitted shoes, sudden weight gain which puts increased pressure on the feet, excessive or very intense exercise routines, standing for prolonged periods of time, and abnormalities in the way you walk. There are several things that you can do that may prevent plantar fasciitis. Wearing comfortable, properly-fitted shoes or using orthotic inserts can help support the plantar fascia during walking, standing, and other physical activities. It is also important to rest your feet regularly, which can reduce foot strain. Stretching your feet may help prevent plantar fasciitis as well, as stretching increases your foot’s flexibility and resistance to injury. For more information on what you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis, or to learn about treatment options if you are experiencing foot pain, consult a podiatrist today.

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.

Patients who have pain between the toes may be experiencing a condition that is referred to as Morton’s neuroma. This condition is a result of a compressed nerve and can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may occur from participating in sporting activities such as running and dancing. Some patients have a foot structure that can lead to developing this ailment, and existing foot conditions including hammertoes and bunions may contribute to the onset of Morton’s neuroma. The pain and discomfort can range from a tingling to a burning sensation, and can radiate to the ball of the foot. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly recommended that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

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.