Get answers for frequently asked questions!
Haro Podiatry & Laser Center has been able to provide effective treatment for numerous patients over many years. During this time, we have been able to compile a list of questions that are often asked. You are certainly always welcome to give us a call if you have a question not featured in the section. While you’re on the line, be sure to request your appointment with Dr. Haro so he can create a treatment plan to resolve your foot or ankle problem. We add to this section, so be sure to check back periodically!
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What causes a bunion?
A bunion is a term for the bone enlargement that protrudes out where your big toe and foot meet.
A bunion can also form on the outside of the foot where the little toe and foot meet.
1. Does wearing the wrong shoes cause a bunion?
Bunions are almost always hereditary. Narrower shoes worn consistently can make the bunion hurt more, but do not cause it. If shoes were the cause, men and children would never get bunions… and they do. Unfortunately, some people are just genetically predisposed to this condition.
2. Is there a splint that can correct a bunion?
There are many splints on the market, but none of them correct a bunion. Nothing will take away the enlarged bone and make the big toe straight again other than surgery. Wearing a splint may slow down how fast a bunion grows.
3. I heard a bunion always comes back after being removed – is that true?
Although it’s possible for a bunion to recur, when the right procedure is done it’s rare the bunion will return. The techniques for bunion correction keep getting better. Also, we recommend shoes with good support and custom orthotics to decrease the chance of a recurrence.
4. When is the best time to have the bunion removed?
There are a couple of reasons to consider having surgery. The first is when there is pain on a daily basis. The second is if the big toe starts overlapping the second toe. The size of the bunion doesn’t always correlate with the pain. Some large bunions rarely hurt. Some small bunions hurt a ton. We can advise you as to if or when surgery is indicated.
5. What can be done about the pain besides surgery?
Sometimes we’ll use cortisone to relieve the pain. Custom orthotics are helpful to align the foot better. Of course, wider shoes can be helpful. Ice and Ibuprofen have also helped some people.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all for bunions.
We recommend a non-surgical approach to bunions, as we do for all foot conditions, for as long as possible.
Some bunions can get bigger and more painful quickly. An x-ray will guide us to the best option if this occurs.
If you have had a bunion that hurts fairly often, we can advise you on the best course of action. Our staff members are ready to make your appointment. Call our Clifton, NJ office at (973) 777-5771 for same-day appointments.
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Do You Really Need To Worry About Pediatric Flatfoot?
“Flat feet” is another item we see on parents’ worry lists. Take a close look at your little one’s feet as they stand (if you can get them to stay still for a second or two!).
Can you see any arch at all peeking up from the floor? Or is the whole foot flat?
Most young kids experience flat feet at an early age. Obviously, most of them seem to turn out fine, although that’s not always the case. We need to dig a little deeper to find an answer.
So What Is a Parent to Do About Their Child's Flat Feet?
Whenever you notice something odd about your child’s feet or the way they walk, it’s never a bad idea to bring them in for a checkup. However, the main thing you should be looking for is pain. If your child doesn’t appear to be in any discomfort, especially if they’re still on the young side, there’s no particular reason to be concerned.
If they’re out running, playing, and showing no signs that their feet are slowing them down in any way, then there really isn’t a problem. If, however, your child is complaining about feet that hurt, or they’re shying away from active play for reasons you don’t under stand, it’s time to bring them in for a visit. No amount of foot pain is normal for a child.
Does Your Child Suffer From Painful Foot Issues?
If your child is suffering with painful foot problems you need to speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Clifton, New Jersey office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule their appointment today. We look forward to helping your child alleviate their painful foot condition.
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Are sandals good or bad for my feet?
Depending on what you want to accomplish sandals can be good or bad for your feet. If you want to allow your feet to breathe after a long, day sandals are good. If you have athlete’s foot or your feet sweat excessively, sandals are good. But if you want to exercise or walk on the boardwalk then sandals are not a good idea.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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Should I wear water shoes while swimming?
Wearing swimming shoes around the pool and on the beach is a smart decision. The grounds around the pool are always wet and warm, which makes them a great place for fungus and viruses to grow. Walking barefoot would expose you to catching an itchy athlete’s foot condition or even a wart. Also, walking barefoot on the boardwalk or the sand can lead to splinters and puncture wounds you could live without. Wearing water shoes would protect you against all that and allow you to have a nice, healthy summer.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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Why do my feet hurt when I walk in my sandals?
While sandals may look and feel great in the summer, they are not the best walking shoes. Usually they have minimal top support and flat thin soles which can traumatize your feet. For these reasons, people come down with foot injuries or heel pain in the summer. Wearing the right shoe for the right activity is the key.
Do You Suffer From Flat Feet?
If you suffer from flat feet you need to speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Clifton, New Jersey office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to helping you!
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What kind of exercising is good while I recover from my foot injury?
Swimming is a great sport for people with foot injuries. I treat many avid athletes who never want to stay inactive while recovering from foot injuries. My advice to them always is to go swimming. Swimming is a very low impact sport as far as the feet are concerned but a great one for the rest of the body.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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What should I wear when I am ready to go for a walk, exercise or going sightseeing while on vacation?
Walking in open back shoes or flip-flops makes your feet work much harder. Our muscles tire out and next day patients wake up with sore ankles. Moreover, summer shoes tend to have no arch support which eventually results in triggering plantar fasciitis. Wearing an orthopedically supportive sneaker would help alleviate these issues.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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What sandals should I wear when I am going to spend most of my time relaxing and just sitting outside?
Our feet need to be exposed to sunlight and fresh air. I always advise my patients who have fungal infections to wear open shoes as much as they can. Sandals can help reduce excessive sweating which consequently help reduce fungal growth.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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What shoes should I wear when I am going to the pool or beach?
The moist ground around the pool is a breeding place for viruses and fungus. Walking barefoot on the beach, rivers, and lakes can always trigger puncture wounds from stones, shells and splinters. Wearing water shoes can help you avoid these issues and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Are You Suffering From A Painful Foot Condition?
If you are suffering from a painful foot condition you're not alone. Help is available. Contact our experienced podiatrist for help today. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you alleviate your foot pain. Contact us online or call our office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule your appointment.
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My child does not like to walk or play sports. Is he/she lazy?
Children in general have a great amount of energy and love to walk and play as a way of let it out. So when a child does not like to walk or play sports that can be a sign that something is wrong. Most children who come to our offices with this type of complaint are noted to have flat feet or similarly related conditions. Once they are treated, they are usually able to go back to sports just like any other kid.
Does Your Child Suffer From Painful Foot Issues?
If your child is suffering with painful foot problems you need to speak with an experienced podiatrist as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Clifton, New Jersey office directly at 973.777.5771 to schedule their appointment today. We look forward to helping your child alleviate their painful foot condition.