fungal toenail2According to a study conducted by the University of Delaware, barefoot running and running with ordinary running shoes will have the same effects on the feet and body. Dr. Allison Altman-Singles and Dr. Irene Davis used 107 barefoot participants and 94 runners with shoes and studied their injuries over the course of a year. While they expected the barefoot runners to sustain a fewer amount of injuries, the study showed that both groups sustained an equal amount of injuries within the year. However, the study showed that the barefoot group was only able to cover 24 kilometers per week while the shoe group covered 41 kilometers per week covering more ground with less injury. While the shoe group did cover more ground Altman-Singles did find that the demographic of the barefoot group seemed to be an older and less competitive crowd.

Barefoot running has its own share of benefits and disadvantages. To learn more about this trend, consider speaking to Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will explain the facts of barefoot running and help you decide if it’s a practice you’d like to take up.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

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

Read more about Barefoot Running

broken toeSpring and summer weather is a sure indication of sandals, bare feet, and painted toes. Some women, however, have to contend with foot conditions such as ingrown toenails that developed over the winter months. Experts provide women with4 tips for ingrown toenail prevention and treatment. Be careful while cutting toenails and be careful to not cut the cuticles. Wear shoes that do not squish toes or force the big toe inward. Clip toenails straight across. Finally, soak the feet in a solution of ½ cup iodine and 1 gallon of warm water for 15 to 20 minutes a day.

Ingrown toenails are very painful and could lead to other complications. If you have any concerns about your ingrown toenails contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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

Read more about ingrown toenails.

foot ankle injuriesAlex Carter of the Detroit Lions recently partook in his first practice since having sprained his ankle. The rookie cornerback was sidelined for all of training camp due to the injury. Carter only participated in individual drills. “I’m doing as much as I can do right now,” he stated. “We’re still working on the progression, getting back. But this week will be a good week for me.” Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell shared that he is not rushing Carter’s return: “He’s missed so much, it’s going to take him a little bit to catch up.”

Getting back into sports after injuring a foot or ankle can be very difficult for both the body and mind. See Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctorwill attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

While one of the most common injuries among athletes may be a sprained ankle, there are still many other types of injuries that plague athletes in any sport. But for less severe foot and ankle injuries, it is recommended by physical therapists and sports medicine doctors that athletes use the R.I.C.E. method to help alleviate pain and to speed up the healing process.

The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These four steps help in the healing process, not only to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to improve overall health of the affected area, allowing you to get back on to your feet again. Although resting is usually the key to all healing, it is necessary to see a doctor to ensure treatment for any other problems that may not be obvious to you right away.

It is best for injured athletes to allow themselves time to heal. Some athletes need hours of re-training, exercise, check-ups with their physical therapist, and other remedies.

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

Read more about Getting Back into Sports after Foot and Ankle Injuries

orthotics5Foot Levelers, a custom orthotic manufacturer, has recently come out with a new orthotic flip-flop known as Bling. The flip-flop has been created for women because of its rhinestone straps and it's comfortable suede top cover. “For years there’s been a tremendous need for a flip-flop that doesn’t do harm to the body, but instead helps people achieve total body wellness,” stated Senior Vice President Dawn Galbraith. Foot Levelers Bling flip-flop is made with an EVA mid-layer, cushioning, and a rubber sole for non-slipping.

Orthotics can help provide support and prevent injury to your feet. If you have any questions contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.

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

Read more about Orthotics.

toenail fungus7Louisville, KY is asking their residents to help homeless veterans take better care of their feet as they recognize the vast population of former service members that are currently homeless. On October 7, the city is participating in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, a federally funded event that offers foot washing for homeless veterans. While the city estimated nearly 260 homeless veterans last year, they understand that many of which are suffering from diabetes and other foot ailments may not have the proper care, resources, or understanding to care for their feet. The event will have volunteers use a clean washcloth and towel in addition to providing new socks for the volunteers.

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, consult with Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctorwill provide you with the foot- and ankle information you seek.

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Everyday Foot Care

broken foot4Anna Rohrer, national cross country champion, is ready to run for Notre Dame after suffering stress fractures in the navicular bones of both feet. Rohrer, becoming one of the top 10 runners in the country during high school, obtained the stress fractures due to years of an improper foot-strike and had to face surgery with six weeks of wheelchair recovery. With the proper amount of rest, physical therapy, and training, Rohrer was cleared to run again by the spring of 2014. Since then the athlete has had her heart set on joining Notre Dame’s running community. “I really connected with the team and coach,” she states.

Activities, where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Yeon 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.

For more information about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, follow the link below.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

toenail fungus7Although keeping nails well-kept by having them adorned with colorful polish can be fun, many doctors recommend giving your nails at least a week of polish free nails to avoid problem such as nail fungus. Certain nail polishes have dyes in them that can dry out the nail bed and cause bacteria, mold, and nail fungus. One of the best ways to keep the nails healthy is to expose them to air every now and then. However, some salons do offer special polishes that specialize in preventing toenail fungus and other problems.

While toenail fungus is troublesome to eradicate, it is not impossible. For more information about treatment, consult with Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will attend to all of your podiatric needs.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a problem which affects many people and is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating toenail fungus.

Antibiotics & Treatments

Lamisil – is the most commonly effective treatment for toenail fungus. It is available as an antibiotic Terbinafine tablet and cream. Terbinafine is a chemical component which kills fungal growth on the body. Applying regular doses will gradually kill the fungal growth. It is important to keep the area clean and air free.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well

Alternative Treatments

There are always surgical procedures that are available for toenail fungus. Some people would like immediate quick removal of toenail fungus. Surgeons will be able to cut through and remove the growth using laser surgery. It is important not to try and remove it yourself. Once removed, your old shoes will need to be replaced to avoid reinfection.  

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 Toenail Fungus

stretching4According to various trials and reviews on PubMed health and Google Scholar, running--when compared to walking--can lead to more injuries. As the intensity of the running program increases, so does the risk for injury. Of all runners, ultra-marathoners are at highest risk for sustaining injury; the most common being tibia stress syndrome, Achilles tendon injuries, and plantar fasciitis. In general, more than 50% of people who run will sustain an injury of some sort; only about 1% of walkers sustain injury, and one can walk for an indeterminate amount of time without risking injury.

Exercising your feet regularly is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you to gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important and often we forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Read more about exercising your feet.

feet3Julie Lopez was attending her daughter’s wedding when she decided to kick off her high heel shoes and attend the reception barefoot, an occurrence many women who have suffered high heel pain are surely familiar with. The experience caused Lopez, who has a background in orthopedic nursing, to take matters into her own hands and design her own shoes. Her company, Julie Lopez Shoes, produces high heels that are much more comfortable for women. “We widen the forefoot of the shoe just a little bit,” she explains, which allows for the toes to spread out and keep them from uncomfortable positions.

High heel have a history for causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because they are associated with femininity. Despite their appeal, they can cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

What parts my body will be affected by high heels?

·         Ankle Joints

·         Achilles Tendon – may shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear

·         Balls of the Feet

·         Knees – heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them

·         Back – they decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain. Also, the vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What kinds of foot problems can develop from wearing high heels?

·         Corns

·         Calluses

·         Hammertoe

·         Bunions

·         Morton’s Neuroma

·         Plantar Fasciitis

How can I still wear high heels and maintain foot health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems. Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet. Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising. If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work. Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock; you can buy either full inserts or metatarsal pads.

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 the effects of high heels.

stretching2 Australian surgeons are now practicing minimally invasive surgery for bunions to reduce the amount of pain and recovery time for patients. Michelle Thacker of North South Wales experienced both minimally invasive surgery and traditional bunion surgery for the bunions on her left and right feet. The difference between the two are that minimally invasive surgeries include multiple smaller 3mm incisions with the bunion drilled and realigned with screws; traditional surgeries involve one large incision. After the second bunion surgery involving minimally invasive surgery, Thacker stated, “The recovery time was much quicker - a lot less pain post op, I can barely see a scar and I was able to run after three months.”

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 by 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 cause bunions to form

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 concerns 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 bunions.

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