plantar fasciitis6Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fasciia, the band that lines the soles of our feet, becomes swollen and irritated, leading to pain and inflammation. Plantar fasciitis becomes more common as we age and “is responsible for about 2 million medical visits per year.” Risk factors that can lead to the development or progression of plantar fasciitis include extensive physical activity, standing for long periods of time, obesity, and physical injury. Treating your plantar fasciitis involves visiting your foot and ankle specialist, physical therapy, and proper management of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

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 Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

ankle sprain3New guidelines about managing diabetic feet have been published in the Journal for Vascular Surgery, emphasizing the importance of taking proper care of feet as a diabetic patient. “Diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic disease and limb loss worldwide, currently affecting 382 million people.” If diabetic feet are not properly treated, this can lead to risk of neuropathy and foot ulcers. The guidelines suggest preventative care recommendations such as periodic foot inspections, patient and family education, therapeutic footwear, and controlling blood levels.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

●     Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.

●     Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.

●     Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Care

broken foot6Kody Walker, senior running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks, suffered a broken foot injury while practicing in early April, the ninth practice of the spring for the team. The broken foot required surgery, but the surgery was successful and Walker is currently in recovery until June. “If anyone knows how to battle adversity, it’s Kody Walker,” said Arkansas Coach Bielema.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. To learn more, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury.

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising

  • Pain

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Blue (foot)

  • Numbness

  • Cold

  • Misshapen

  • Cuts

  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Broken Feet

foot injuryBuster Posey of the New York Giants suffered a bruised right foot, which might lead to Posey potentially missing the entire Rockies season. The foot was causing pain, and “Posey had a hard time running on it Wednesday afternoon,” according to manager Bruce Bochy. However, X-rays came back negative, and Bochy was confident the foot is “going to be fine,” but wanted to let Posey have sufficient recovery time.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

●     Plantar Fasciitis

●     Plantar Fasciosis

●     Achilles Tendinitis

●     Achilles Tendon Rupture

●     Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Read more about sports related injuries.

Arthritis5A new drug, baricitinib, was introduced in late March, with its effects intended to treat patients who have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The drug was offered as “a potential treatment for people with few options to ease the progressive condition.” According to upi.com, “rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.5 percent of people in developed countries,” and leads to debilitating symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and disability of small joints of the body such as the hands and feet.

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 attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

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 & 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more on Rheumatoid Arthritis

toenail fungus7The feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to one’s general health. With warmer temperatures approaching, the feet will undoubtedly become more exposed to dirt and sun while wearing open sandals. To take care of the feet, be sure to always include them while washing. After spending time outside, wash the feet and apply moisturizing lotion to keep them from becoming cracked. Those with especially cracked heels may benefit from applying a nourishing gel onto the heels before going to bed.

Every day foot care is very important, especially for those that are lacking the proper foot care resources. For more information about everyday foot care, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

Also, 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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

broken foot4Union captain Maurice Edu will be out for three months due to a stress fracture injury he recently discovered in his leg. An X-ray diagnosis found that Edu had a stress fracture rather than a stress reaction. Edu had hernia surgery last fall and was in recovery for five months. Edu’s diagnosis rated the stress reaction at grade two, with the bone showing “signs of cracking or breaking.” Edu will have to wear a walking boot and use crutches, unable to participate in any strenuous physical activity.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners                                  

-people affected with Osteoporosis

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

childrens feet15Bananas may be one possible solution for getting rid of your plantar warts. Geeta Ramesh, Director of Kairala Ayurveda Group, explains how the potassium in a banana peel can help suppress warts, reduce irritation, and provide relief. Warts affect people of all ages, including children, and are easily contracted as they are contagious. Warts are characterized as painless, unsightly blisters that can appear anywhere on the body. Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable.

To learn more, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

●     Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy

●     Hard or thick callused spots

●     Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots

●     Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

●     Freezing

●     Electric tool removal

●     Laser Treatment

●     Topical Creams (prescription only)

●     Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about plantar warts.

ankle surgeryPoint guard BenoUdrih of the Miami Heat underwent successful surgery for his foot injury, and is out for three months. Udrih tore his plantar plate in the game against the Indiana Pacers in late February, and will be out for the rest of the season. Josh Richardson will take Udrih’s place after Udrih served as Goran Dragic’s substitute.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

●     Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions

●     Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues

●     Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

●     Bunionectomy for painful bunions

●     Surgical fusion for realignment of bones

●     Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Read more about foot surgery.

pregnancy6Kim Kardashian showed off her swollen,pregnant feet during the latest season’s finale of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Her swollen feet was just one potential symptom of a larger problem, preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition which can spike blood pressure and disrupt blood flow to the baby’s placenta. Swollen feet during pregnancy can also be a symptom of edema, in which water is retained in the legs, feet, and ankles. Avoid wearing uncomfortable footwear and drink lots of water to prevent edema.

Pregnant women are susceptible to aching and swollen feet and should be treated with care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim ofRoselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

What foot problems can arise during pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is over-pronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy, but tends to occur in the later stages.

How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?

·         Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly

·         Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot

·         Wear shoes with good arch support

·         Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet

·         Elevate feet if you experience swelling

·         Massage your feet

·         Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Read the more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

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