Dr. Rosenstein,
How can I get rid of calluses and prevent them from coming back?
Calluses, those hardened patches of dead skin cells formed from keratin that generally develop on the ball or heel of the foot, can actually protect the feet and often do not need to be treated.
The skin on the sole of our feet is actually forty times thicker than skin anywhere else and a callus can be double this thickness. A protective callus layer naturally develops to guard against excessive pressure and chafing as people age and the padding of fat on the bottom of the foot thins out.
Calluses develop from wearing poorly fitting shoes and walking on hard surfaces. People with diabetes should be extremely careful as calluses can be a strong predictor of subsequent ulceration.
If the callus is causing pain, there are several treatments. You can sand callus with a pumice stone after bathing. Soft cushions can be placed in the heel of the shoes or under the ball of the foot to relieve pain. You can purchase special fitted shoe inserts.
Creams and special ointments can be used to effectively prevent and remove calluses.
If your calluses are well developed , then professional attention is needed. Consult your podiatrist for proper treatment.
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Stress Fractures of the Legs and Feet
Dr. Rosenstein,
My son plays a lot of sports and I am concerned about the wear and tear on his feet. He recently experienced a stress fracture, and he seems to want to ignore it. What is the best treatment?
People who engage in high impact aerobic exercise or sports are certainly at risk for stress fractures and other foot injuries.
Stress fractures can occur as a result of prolonged repeated loads on the legs. Long distance runners are susceptible to this type of injury. Symptoms include:
A mildly pronated (flattened) foot in normal conditions would not develop a stress fracture, but a runner with a mildly pronated foot could very easily sustain a stress fracture by repetitive usuage on an altered biomechanical foot.
Stress fractures usually take time to develop and the symptoms are pain, redness and swelling. X-rays are usually only positive after about three weeks of symptoms. In some cases, a bone scan is necessary to make the diagnosis.
Treatment for a stress fracture like most conditions of the foot requires immobilization, ice and compression. Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary. Athletes should see a podiatrist for advice.
Orthotics are the best treatment for long-term control of stress fractures. Immediate control would consist of a cast boot.
When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. Many people start back running and complain of pain because they have let their muscles get hard and tight particularly in the lower leg.
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website www.DrRobertRosenstein.com
My son plays a lot of sports and I am concerned about the wear and tear on his feet. He recently experienced a stress fracture, and he seems to want to ignore it. What is the best treatment?
People who engage in high impact aerobic exercise or sports are certainly at risk for stress fractures and other foot injuries.
Stress fractures can occur as a result of prolonged repeated loads on the legs. Long distance runners are susceptible to this type of injury. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected bone during exercise.
- Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone.
A mildly pronated (flattened) foot in normal conditions would not develop a stress fracture, but a runner with a mildly pronated foot could very easily sustain a stress fracture by repetitive usuage on an altered biomechanical foot.
Stress fractures usually take time to develop and the symptoms are pain, redness and swelling. X-rays are usually only positive after about three weeks of symptoms. In some cases, a bone scan is necessary to make the diagnosis.
Treatment for a stress fracture like most conditions of the foot requires immobilization, ice and compression. Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary. Athletes should see a podiatrist for advice.
Orthotics are the best treatment for long-term control of stress fractures. Immediate control would consist of a cast boot.
When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. Many people start back running and complain of pain because they have let their muscles get hard and tight particularly in the lower leg.
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at
440-946-5858 or visit our website www.DrRobertRosenstein.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Morton's Neuroma
Dr. Rosenstein,
I have a sharp pain in a couple of my small toes. It is more painful when I walk barefoot. What is this and what should I do to treat it?
The symptoms you describe may be caused Morton's Neuroma. The most common symptom of Morton's Neuroma is localized pain in the third interspace between the third and fourth toes. It can be sharp or dull, and is worsened by wearing shoes and by walking. You also may feel burning or even a lack of feeling in the area.
Morton's Neuroma is a swelling of a nerve usually at the ball of the foot causing a sensation much like walking on a pebble.
In most cases, initial treatment consists of padding and taping to disperse weight away from the neuroma. you would then be instructed to wear shoes with wide toe boxes and avoid shoes with high heels.
An injection of local anesthetic to relieve pain and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation may be administered. A podiatrist would then monitor your progress over the next two weeks.
If the pain has been releived, the neuroma is probably small and caused by the structure of your foot and the type of shoes you wear. It can be releived by a custom-fitted orthotic that helps maintain the foot in a better position.
Sometimes soft tissue surgery is necessary if the foot does not rspond to the above treatments.
Of course, it's always best to consult your podiatrist for the proper individual diagnosis and treatment. There is no reason to endure pain.
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
For more information or to schedule a visit please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
I have a sharp pain in a couple of my small toes. It is more painful when I walk barefoot. What is this and what should I do to treat it?
The symptoms you describe may be caused Morton's Neuroma. The most common symptom of Morton's Neuroma is localized pain in the third interspace between the third and fourth toes. It can be sharp or dull, and is worsened by wearing shoes and by walking. You also may feel burning or even a lack of feeling in the area.
Morton's Neuroma is a swelling of a nerve usually at the ball of the foot causing a sensation much like walking on a pebble.
In most cases, initial treatment consists of padding and taping to disperse weight away from the neuroma. you would then be instructed to wear shoes with wide toe boxes and avoid shoes with high heels.
An injection of local anesthetic to relieve pain and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation may be administered. A podiatrist would then monitor your progress over the next two weeks.
If the pain has been releived, the neuroma is probably small and caused by the structure of your foot and the type of shoes you wear. It can be releived by a custom-fitted orthotic that helps maintain the foot in a better position.
Sometimes soft tissue surgery is necessary if the foot does not rspond to the above treatments.
Of course, it's always best to consult your podiatrist for the proper individual diagnosis and treatment. There is no reason to endure pain.
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
For more information or to schedule a visit please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
The Right Shoes For The Right Job!
Dr. Rosenstein,
I enjoy running as an exercise. Is there anything I should do so that I do not over stress my ankles and feet or cause injury?
First, you should gradually work up to the distance and speed you are comfortable running.
Of course, the shoes you choose are very important and they should be regularly replaced. The best shoes are the ones that give you the greatest amount of shock absorption.
And a lot depends on how much you run and what speeds. If you are running 20 miles a week or more, you should replace your shoes between 4 and 8 months.
There are strectching exercises also that can help reduce pain and injury. Runners often experience tightness in muscle groups.
The calf should be gently stretched as well as the hamstrings. Stretch one set of leg muscles at a time with the "wall stretch". One leg is back, knee straight, the other leg is forward with the knee bent. The leg that is back is being stretched. Try and repeat this 10 times holding for 10 seconds.
There are many more stretches to loosen muscles and help you avoid any type of serious injury.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our web-site http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
And remember,
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
I enjoy running as an exercise. Is there anything I should do so that I do not over stress my ankles and feet or cause injury?
First, you should gradually work up to the distance and speed you are comfortable running.
Of course, the shoes you choose are very important and they should be regularly replaced. The best shoes are the ones that give you the greatest amount of shock absorption.
And a lot depends on how much you run and what speeds. If you are running 20 miles a week or more, you should replace your shoes between 4 and 8 months.
There are strectching exercises also that can help reduce pain and injury. Runners often experience tightness in muscle groups.
The calf should be gently stretched as well as the hamstrings. Stretch one set of leg muscles at a time with the "wall stretch". One leg is back, knee straight, the other leg is forward with the knee bent. The leg that is back is being stretched. Try and repeat this 10 times holding for 10 seconds.
There are many more stretches to loosen muscles and help you avoid any type of serious injury.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our web-site http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
And remember,
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Snug Shoes
Dr. Rosenstein,
My husband is a diabetic and he likes to wear his shoes snug. Is this okay or what advice would you give him?
Wearing the correct size shoes is extremely important for diabetics. Studies have shown that many people with diabetes choose shoes that are too small and that can cause ulceration.
To avoid any complications, select shoes that are wide enough and long enough. To ensure proper fit, consult with a professional who can determine that correct shoe size and fit.
The difficulty is that once diagnoced with neuropathy, an individual may not feel pain in their feet and that is where the danger lies. They will be unaware that the shoe is too tight.
In addition, the size of the foot changes as we age. Just as we gain and lose weight, so our feet respond in the same fashion. Our shoe size changes.
Individuals with diabetic neuropathy do not have the luxury of putting on an old pair of shoes without first having a professional determine whether they still fit well.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc.
440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
My husband is a diabetic and he likes to wear his shoes snug. Is this okay or what advice would you give him?
Wearing the correct size shoes is extremely important for diabetics. Studies have shown that many people with diabetes choose shoes that are too small and that can cause ulceration.
To avoid any complications, select shoes that are wide enough and long enough. To ensure proper fit, consult with a professional who can determine that correct shoe size and fit.
The difficulty is that once diagnoced with neuropathy, an individual may not feel pain in their feet and that is where the danger lies. They will be unaware that the shoe is too tight.
In addition, the size of the foot changes as we age. Just as we gain and lose weight, so our feet respond in the same fashion. Our shoe size changes.
Individuals with diabetic neuropathy do not have the luxury of putting on an old pair of shoes without first having a professional determine whether they still fit well.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc.
440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
Swollen Ankles
Dr. Rosenstein,
My Ankle keeps swelling. Can that have something to do with my varicose veins?
There are actually several causes for swollen ankles- inflammation, or trauma or a thrombosis in the in the vein around that area. Generally, but not always, swelling in both ankles would indicate other causes that affect the whole body.
It is important to start with a correct diagnosis from your podiatrist. An evaluation would include consideration of varicose veins, or varicose ulceration or pigmentation of the leg.
Treatment might include raising the foot ofyour bed 9 inches, so that fluid drains away from the foot during the night. When you sit down, you should raise your foot so that it's higher than your backside. Compression hoisery, support socks, stockings or tights can lesson swelling and they should be put on prior to swelling in the morning when you first get up.
If the problem is not relieved and it is due to varicose veins, then surgery to remove the veins may be necessary.
If your ankle is causing you pain and discomfort, by all means, have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
For more information or to schedule an apppointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
My Ankle keeps swelling. Can that have something to do with my varicose veins?
There are actually several causes for swollen ankles- inflammation, or trauma or a thrombosis in the in the vein around that area. Generally, but not always, swelling in both ankles would indicate other causes that affect the whole body.
It is important to start with a correct diagnosis from your podiatrist. An evaluation would include consideration of varicose veins, or varicose ulceration or pigmentation of the leg.
Treatment might include raising the foot ofyour bed 9 inches, so that fluid drains away from the foot during the night. When you sit down, you should raise your foot so that it's higher than your backside. Compression hoisery, support socks, stockings or tights can lesson swelling and they should be put on prior to swelling in the morning when you first get up.
If the problem is not relieved and it is due to varicose veins, then surgery to remove the veins may be necessary.
If your ankle is causing you pain and discomfort, by all means, have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
For more information or to schedule an apppointment please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website: http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
PLANTAR WARTS
Dr Rosenstein,
I have never had this problem before. It appears to be some kind of wart on the bottom of my foot and it hurts. What can I do to get rid of it?
Warts are caused by a virus and can appear anywhere on the skin. Warts on the foot are referred to as plantar warts.
On the bottom of the feet, plantar warts are usually hard and flat, rough, with well-defined boundries; but they are generally fleshier on the top of the feet or the toes. They are gray or brown with a center of black pinpoints.
It is recommended that you consult your podiatrists if you think you have a wart to not only get relief for pian, but to ensure a correct diagnosis. Warts are frequently confused with other foot disorders such as corns. If untreated, warts can spread and last a long time.
Self-treatment with over-the-counter medicatons is not recommended. They may destroy normal skin cells. There are numerous ways to remove a wart and your podiatrist will prescribe the most effective treatment for your specific condition.
Prevention Tips:
1) Don't walk barefoot
2) Change shoes daily
3) Keep your feet clean and dry
4) Do not ignore skin growths or changes
5) Visit your podiatrists anually.
For more information, please contact Affiliated Podaitrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
I have never had this problem before. It appears to be some kind of wart on the bottom of my foot and it hurts. What can I do to get rid of it?
Warts are caused by a virus and can appear anywhere on the skin. Warts on the foot are referred to as plantar warts.
On the bottom of the feet, plantar warts are usually hard and flat, rough, with well-defined boundries; but they are generally fleshier on the top of the feet or the toes. They are gray or brown with a center of black pinpoints.
It is recommended that you consult your podiatrists if you think you have a wart to not only get relief for pian, but to ensure a correct diagnosis. Warts are frequently confused with other foot disorders such as corns. If untreated, warts can spread and last a long time.
Self-treatment with over-the-counter medicatons is not recommended. They may destroy normal skin cells. There are numerous ways to remove a wart and your podiatrist will prescribe the most effective treatment for your specific condition.
Prevention Tips:
1) Don't walk barefoot
2) Change shoes daily
3) Keep your feet clean and dry
4) Do not ignore skin growths or changes
5) Visit your podiatrists anually.
For more information, please contact Affiliated Podaitrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/
"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"
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