Items filtered by date: March 2022

When the heart pumps blood around the body, it is called circulation. Good blood circulation works to provide oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste from the body. Factors that can lead to poor circulation include high or low blood pressure, high red blood cells, a weak heart, and problems with veins and arteries interfering with the flow of blood to the body. Circulation can be improved by being more active, implementing cardiovascular and stretching exercises, and maintaining good health habits, like having a healthy body weight and not smoking. Other ways include reducing saturated fats, increasing omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in the diet, and having a balanced level of iron intake. Underlying conditions that can impact proper blood circulation include obesity, diabetes, and a heart condition. When one has poor circulation they may experience numbness, tingling, and pain in their limbs, including the feet. This can lead to falls or other conditions that can be dangerous and should be checked by a qualified podiatrist who can examine the feet, diagnose problems, and suggest proper treatment methods.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

There are several reasons why your child may be having heel pain or tenderness at the back of their foot. Sever’s disease is a condition in which a child’s Achilles tendon pulls on and aggravates the growth plate at the back of the heel bone. In Achilles tendonitis, a sudden increase in activity can damage the Achilles tendon, causing pain, warmth, inflammation, and difficulty in walking. Plantar fasciitis is a very common form of heel pain. This condition is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot, which connects the heel to the toes. If your child has fallen or had an acute injury to the heel, they may have fractured the heel bone. No matter what the cause of your child’s heel pain is, a podiatrist can diagnose it and devise an appropriate treatment plan. If your child is limping or walking on their toes, or complains about pain in their heel or tenderness at the back of their feet, make an appointment for them with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 main job of the many bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the foot is to get you where you want to go. When you take a step, and most of us do this without really thinking about it, the heel touches the ground and absorbs some of the force. The muscles in the sole of the foot then give way, and the band of tissue beneath (plantar fascia) stretches out. Next, your weight shifts to the ball of the foot, and finally the toes push off the surface. Your weight is now fully on the foot, and you start the process again with the other foot. You can do several things to keep your feet operating as they should: A) Wear shoes that fit properly, have plenty of room in the toe box, and have low heels; B) Maintain a healthy body weight; and C) go for walks regularly to keep the foot muscles strong and flexible. If you experience any problems walking, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist for a thorough examination.

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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Morton’s Neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot causing a thickening of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s Neuroma may be painful and feel like one is walking on a golf ball because the nerve is irritated and swollen. This condition is often caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the toe box or high heels that can cause the toes to be forced into the toe box of the shoe. Those who have other foot issues, who are involved in activities that cause repetitive irritation of the nerve, or who have another foot injury are often more susceptible to developing Morton’s Neuroma. Treatment can involve changing shoes, obtaining orthotics, or getting a cortisone injection, but it is strongly suggested that you contact a qualified podiatrist if you experience foot pain or feel like you may be afflicted with Morton’s Neuroma to 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.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot and ankle injuries that podiatrists treat. They occur when one or more ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you seek treatment, particularly if the sprain is moderate or severe. Leaving an ankle sprain untreated can have potentially lifelong consequences. An untreated ankle sprain can lead to weakness in the ankle joint, causing chronic pain and ankle instability that makes repeated injuries more likely. Soft tissues in your ankle could also become trapped between the injured ligament and a bone, resulting in further pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Swelling caused by an ankle sprain may damage surrounding nerves, muscles, and blood vessels if left untreated. If you have sprained your ankle, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.