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.

fungal toenail2According to a study conducted by Bridget Teevan Burke of Johns Hopkins University, older individuals suffering from gout and hyperuricemia are more likely to have limited function of the lower extremities. The study included 5,819 participants; 10% reportedly suffered from gout and 21% suffered from hyperuricemia. The study concluded that participants suffering from gout had a slower walking speed and a lower Short Physical Performance Battery score compared to those without the disease. Assistant professor Mara McAdams DeMarco stated, “We were surprised to see that these associations were limited to lower extremity function. However, this makes sense given that the most common localizations of affected joints are in the lower extremity.”

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you have any concerns regarding gout, consult with Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Read more about Gout

Monday, 03 August 2015 22:32

Steps to Cope with Arthritis

xrayArthritis affects approximately 52 million people in the United States—and these are the people officially diagnosed by a physician. Those suffering from arthritis and its symptoms, however, can benefit from several steps to help cope with the condition. The first steps one can take involve learning more about the condition, knowing what kind of arthritis one has, and responding to prolonged symptoms by seeing a physician. Excess weight can add pressure on the joints—especially the feet; therefore exercising, losing weight, and leading an active lifestyle is important. Protect the joints by avoiding using the same joints constantly and alternating movement. Rest and relaxation is also important to avoid straining affected areas.

The feet are one of the most common sites for arthritis to occur in the body. If you are struggling with arthritis in your feet or ankles, call Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can examine your lower extremities to help alleviate your joint pain.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility

  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications

  • Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your 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 of your foot ankle injuries.

Read more about Arthritic Foot Care

stretching3The NHS team at Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is holding a walk to back Diabetes UK’s Putting Feet First campaign to raise awareness for the thousands of amputations that occur each year from a lack of diabetic foot care. Many of the amputations that occur each year are completely preventable and Dr. Sohail Abbas of Bradford states, “It is especially important to look after your feet if you have diabetes because it can reduce blood supply to your feet and cause a lack of sensations. The main message of the campaign is for diabetics to pay better attention to their feet.

Amputations occur in extreme cases in diabetics when the feet are not properly cared for. If you have any concerns about your diabetic feet, contact Dr. Yeon Shim, DPM of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 feet.

corns2Ethan Finlay of the Columbus Crew SC has broken his toe during a game against the Chicago Fire. Gregg Berhalter, team manager, knew there was a problem during the game when a Chicago defender slid into Finlay, earning a yellow card for the defender. Finlay attempted to play after the injury, but ended up limping of the field and getting replaced by another team member. Berhalter plans to hold Finlay out of the next game with limited training, but he is not expected to miss more than just a couple of games.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

·         throbbing pain

·         swelling

·         bruising on the skin and toenail

·         the inability to move the toe

·         toe appears crooked or disfigured

·         tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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 a broken toe.

hammertoe4During the summer months many patients seem to experience an increase in heel pain. This often occurs due to walking barefoot, wearing unsupportive flip-flops, and an increase in exercise or outdoor activities such as running putting a huge strain on the plantar fascia. Most doctors would recommend icing or stretching the area in addition to regularly wearing orthotics; however, surgery is an option if all else fails.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctorwill treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Causes of Heel Pain

● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  

- Wearing non-supportive shoes

- Weight change         

- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

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 Heel Pain

fungal toenail2Joseph Fauria of the Detroit Lions is finally in training again after spraining his ankle chasing his dog around his apartment. It took nine months for the tight end to fully heal, but everyone is equally ready to have Fauria back. Fauria has since been running some drills during minicamp just to show the rest of the team how prepared he is for a return. “I’m still pushing through some injuries and still pushing through some pain, but at the same time just going to be out there with my guys and getting better.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your potential ankle sprain contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

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 can aid in prevention

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

Read more about ankle sprains.

plantar fasciitis5A new study being conducted byLoyola University Medical Center is testing two physical therapy regimens on their ability to treat plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain. Participants will be randomly sorted into two groups: one group will receive therapy that focuses on soft tissue mobilization with hand manipulation by a physical therapist, while the other group will receive therapy called the Graston Technique which uses stainless steel instruments to identify and then break up scar tissue to be absorbed by the body. The study’s participants will undergo treatments twice per week for four weeks, with treatments lasting from 30 to 60 minutes.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a 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 contact our office in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis

fungal toenail2Athlete’s foot has been known to rise more so in the warmer months. Luckily, the condition can be a quick fix most of the time. Athlete’s foot or any other kind of foot fungus can appear as red, scaly, or very dry, typically healed with antifungal cream. The condition is very contagious, making it important to keep your feet protected and to let anyone that may have close contact know you are suffering. If your feet go untreated for more than a week or two, secondary bacterial infections may develop and can potentially invade the nail beds.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you are concerned about your athlete’s foot contact Dr. Yeon Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

·  Hydrate your feet by using lotion

·  Exfoliate

·  Buff off nails

·  Use of anti-fungal products

·  Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best 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 athlete’s foot.

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