Wednesday, 17 August 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Research has indicated that children may have a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings when they frequently walk barefoot. They may be able to notice a sharp object on the ground quicker than if they were wearing shoes, for fear of stepping on it. Many parents are concerned about spreading germs if their child walks barefoot outside, but disease is more apt to spread by hands than feet. Shoes have been known to hold bacteria and moisture, which can lead to athlete’s foot. Additionally, it is said when our feet touch the earth, our bodies pick up negative electrons. This may be instrumental in offsetting the large amount of positive electrons that can come from electronic devices. There are pressure points in the feet which are connected to nerve endings. When children do not wear shoes while walking on dirt and playing outside, the entire nervous system can be stimulated. The muscles in the feet typically become stronger when shoes are not worn as the toes grip the earth. If you have questions or concerns about the benefits of your child walking outside without shoes, please confer 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. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. 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 Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Care for Your Child's Feet

A small percentage of people who have plantar fasciitis experience little or no positive response to ordinary treatment. An option to consider may be to have Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) performed. This can be a successful treatment for this type of foot condition. Shockwave therapy is administered by targeting shock waves into the damaged tissue surrounding the plantar fascia. This procedure generally takes about 20 minutes and anesthesia is typically not needed if the treatment is low impact. Conversely, with high-intensity treatment, general anesthesia may be needed as a result of the pain that may be felt. Patients have experienced little or no downtime after the session, however, several treatments may be needed for permanent relief. Possible side effects may include swelling, redness, and slight bruising at the treatment site. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if shockwave therapy is right for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Read more about Treating Heel Pain with Shockwave Therapy
Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Sever’s Disease and Sports

Sever’s disease is an affliction of the foot that can threaten your child’s health, so it is important to be fully aware of what this condition is. Primarily affecting children, Sever’s disease occurs when excessive strain is placed on the growth plate of a child’s heel. The condition can produce pain in the heel. A child is most susceptible to developing Sever’s disease during the onset of a growth spurt. Sever’s disease in children has an interesting link to sports and physical activities that parents should be aware of. Playing high-impact sports puts children at an increased risk of developing Sever’s disease because it can place extra strain on the growth plate of the heel. Specifically, soccer, basketball, track, and gymnastics are all common sports that can put children at an increased risk. Additionally, physical activities and other sports that include children engaging in a lot of running or jumping can make the development of Sever’s disease more likely. It is therefore no surprise that cases of Sever’s disease are usually seen prominently at the beginning of sports seasons. If your child is engaged in a sport or some kind of comparable physical activity, then consider contacting a podiatrist who can help you learn how to prevent or treat Sever’s disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. 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 Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Wednesday, 27 July 2022 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

The medical name for pain in the ball of the foot is referred to as metatarsalgia. The bones that connect the ankles to the toes support the weight of the body and can become painful. This condition can be caused by wearing shoes that lack adequate support or by medical conditions that may include arthritis, gout, and bunions. People who engage in high-impact sporting activities may experience this type of pain too. Obesity may be a contributing factor to developing metatarsalgia, in addition to having an unusual bone structure. The symptoms that people may experience can consist of shooting pain, a tingling or numbing sensation in the toes, and it often feels like a small stone is under their foot. Mild relief may come from frequently resting the foot and temporarily stopping the activity that caused the pain. If you have any type of foot pain and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Falling down a flight of stairs can cause many injuries, some quite serious. It is not uncommon for a person to take such a fall and sustain a foot or ankle fracture. Since other injuries, like dangerous and life-threatening head injuries, can occur from falling, it is imperative that falls be carefully evaluated and treated promptly. An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint stretch or tear. Foot and ankle fractures are breaks in bones. With either of these, pain will be intense, and walking will be difficult, if not impossible. The foot or ankle will likely become swollen, and bruising may appear. Practice safety tips when climbing up or down steps. Use a handrail with at least one hand. If the stairs are in your home, try covering them with a non- slippery surface, such as carpet. Make sure the stairs are well lit and free of objects that could pose as falling hazards. If you should fall on stairs and injure your feet, contact a podiatrist who can examine your ankle, determine whether it is a sprain or fracture, and provide appropriate treatment options.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankles

The overall body may feel better when everyday foot care is practiced. The feet carry the weight of the body, and are often neglected by many people. There are several foot conditions that may be avoided with proper foot care. These include cracked heels, bacterial or fungus infections, and corns. It is aesthetically pleasing to have healthy toes and feet while wearing flip flops during the summer months, and this may be done by practicing good foot care for the rest of the year. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly is the first thing to do, followed by applying a good moisturizer. This is helpful in keeping the skin smooth, and it is beneficial to do as the aging process occurs. Many people feel pampered when their feet are soaked in warm water several times a month, and it helps to drink plenty of fresh water daily. The feet will feel good when the right size shoes are worn and are comfortable from the moment they are put on. If you would like more tips on how to have your feet feel and look good, it is suggested to talk to a podiatrist about how to do so. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Read more about Every Day Foot Care
Wednesday, 06 July 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

When you spend a lot of your time on your feet there is a good chance that you will experience foot pain at some point. This likelihood increases when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Experts say that most people with rheumatoid arthritis have daily pain in the feet and ankles. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints in your body, specifically the synovial fluid that keeps the joints moving smoothly. Since the feet and ankles have so many joints they are common targets, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Being overweight compounds the problem of rheumatoid arthritis by adding more pressure to the foot and ankle joints. As a result, lower-impact exercises such as swimming, biking, and yoga are recommended as a way to maintain a healthy weight. Several specific exercises can help as well as wearing shoes with deep cushioning and a wider base. In addition, certain medications are available to confront the pain of RA flare-ups. If you have foot or ankle pain from rheumatoid arthritis that interferes with your daily activities, it is suggested to see a podiatrist for treatment options that work best for you.  

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet
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