Items filtered by date: May 2023

Reflexology is a popular form of foot therapy. This type of therapy focuses on pressing on specific reflex points on the foot, and many people find it to be relaxing. It is known to balance energy in the body, and patients may find this helps to maintain well-being. Organs and certain areas of the body are connected to these points and can invoke a healing response. Some of the benefits that are associated with reflexology can include boosting the immune system, increasing circulation, and cleansing the body of toxins. Additionally, some people have noticed existing headaches, sinus conditions, and stomach pains may be reduced when reflexology is practiced. Healing may occur to organs that need it, and the overall body may become stronger when the entire foot is massaged. If you are interested in learning more about foot reflexology, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Reflexology is a popular form of foot therapy. This type of therapy focuses on pressing on specific reflex points on the foot, and many people find it to be relaxing. It is known to balance energy in the body, and patients may find this helps to maintain well-being. Organs and certain areas of the body are connected to these points and can invoke a healing response. Some of the benefits that are associated with reflexology can include boosting the immune system, increasing circulation, and cleansing the body of toxins. Additionally, some people have noticed existing headaches, sinus conditions, and stomach pains may be reduced when reflexology is practiced. Healing may occur to organs that need it, and the overall body may become stronger when the entire foot is massaged. If you are interested in learning more about foot reflexology, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Many joints in the body can sometimes crack, and this can be common in the back and neck. The toes are no exception. Sometimes, when the joints in the toes crack, it is generally harmless. However, other times, cracking in the toes may be a sign of something more serious. Cracking of the joints in the toes is referred to as crepitus. This may be indicative of a more serious condition, possibly arthritis, or a kind of foot fracture or toe injury. Conversely, when cracking in the toes is harmless, it may be explained by cavitation. Cavitation is defined as a vacuum that forms in the fluid surrounding a joint. If you are someone that experiences frequent toe cracking, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

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.

Many joints in the body can sometimes crack, and this can be common in the back and neck. The toes are no exception. Sometimes, when the joints in the toes crack, it is generally harmless. However, other times, cracking in the toes may be a sign of something more serious. Cracking of the joints in the toes is referred to as crepitus. This may be indicative of a more serious condition, possibly arthritis, or a kind of foot fracture or toe injury. Conversely, when cracking in the toes is harmless, it may be explained by cavitation. Cavitation is defined as a vacuum that forms in the fluid surrounding a joint. If you are someone that experiences frequent toe cracking, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an appointment.

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.

It is crucial for people who are elderly to practice fall prevention techniques. The feet can easily become hurt during a fall, and this can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The home may be the first place to observe tripping hazards. This can begin with removing worn rugs from the living environment, and improving existing lighting. Many people choose to have grab bars installed in the shower and toilet area, in addition to using a bathmat. Engaging in a routine exercise program may help to strengthen the overall body, which can be effective in preventing falls. Additionally, having regular physical and eye examinations is useful in updating medications and eyeglasses. If you would like to know more about how to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful information. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.

The pain that comes from having an ingrown toenail cannot be ignored. The medical term for this condition is referred to as onychocryptosis, and it generally affects the big toe. It happens when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it, and noticeable symptoms may be redness, soreness, and swelling. Effective prevention methods for an ingrown toenail can consist of wearing shoes that fit properly and trimming the toenails straight across instead of in a curved direction. An ingrown toenail also can happen if a toe injury has occurred, or if the shoes and socks that are worn are too tight. Patients may find temporary relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, and the nail is gently pulled away from the skin by using a small piece of cotton. Permanent relief can be found when a podiatrist is contacted, who can perform minor surgery, if necessary for removal of the nail. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

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.

There are bones in the toes that are known as phalanges. The big toe has two, which are referred to as the distal and the proximal. The remaining toes have three phalanges, and an additional one is found between the distal and proximal. The bones in the toes can be easily fractured, as they are at the end of the body. When an injury happens, and the impact presses the ends of the bone toward the center, this is known as a compressed fracture. If the bone split into many pieces, a comminuted fracture has occurred. A displaced fracture is noticeable as the bone protrudes from the skin, and moves out of alignment. Conversely, a bone that is broken and remains in its normal position is called a non-displaced fracture. Research has shown the most commonly broken toe is the pinky. This can happen if the toe is stubbed into a piece of furniture, or if a heavy object suddenly drops on it. An X-ray is generally performed that can determine the extent of the injury. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can begin you on the right treatment path.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.