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Items filtered by date: March 2026

Sesamoiditis affects the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help support movement and absorb pressure when walking and running. Sesamoiditis is considered a cause of pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Signs of this condition may include tenderness under the big toe joint, swelling, difficulty bending the toe, and discomfort during weight-bearing activity. Causes often involve repetitive stress, high-impact sports, or footwear that increases pressure on the forefoot. Risk factors include running, dancing, and wearing high-heeled shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide targeted treatment. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Roy Rothman, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 00:00

Heel Pain With the First Step

Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. This band, called the plantar fascia, supports the arch and absorbs stress during walking. When it becomes strained, small tears and inflammation can develop. Many patients notice a sharp pain in the heel with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The discomfort may improve slightly with movement but often returns after long periods of standing, walking, or exercise. The heel may feel tender to the touch and the bottom of the foot can feel tight or sore. Causes may include overuse, tight calf muscles, flat feet, or footwear that lacks support. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through examination and imaging when needed. Treatment may include supportive shoes, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises. When conservative care fails, surgery may be considered. Most patients can bear limited weight in a boot shortly after surgery, with gradual return to walking over several weeks. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Published in Blog
Sunday, 22 March 2026 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint and stays in a raised position instead of lying flat. It most often affects the second toe. In early stages, the toe may still be flexible, but over time it can become stiff and hard to straighten. Hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe become unbalanced, causing the joint to remain bent. Contributing factors include inherited foot shape, arthritis, injury, bunions that crowd the toes, and years of wearing tight shoes. Common symptoms include pain when walking, redness over the bent joint, and calluses or corns caused by rubbing. Some people also feel aching in the ball of the foot due to added pressure. A podiatrist can examine the foot, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend orthotics or surgery when needed. If you have symptoms of hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the affected toes
  • Development of corns or calluses due to friction
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 10 March 2026 00:00

When Thickened Skin Becomes Painful

Corns and callouses develop when the skin responds to repeated pressure or friction by becoming thicker and harder. Corns are usually smaller and form on the tops or sides of toes, often with a central core that presses into deeper tissue. Callouses are broader areas of thickened skin that commonly appear on the soles of the feet, especially under the heel or ball of the foot. The skin may look yellowed or rough, and patients often describe tenderness while walking or wearing certain shoes. Tight footwear, foot deformities, and abnormal walking patterns can all contribute to their formation. A podiatrist begins with a careful examination to identify the source of pressure. Treatment includes gentle trimming of the thickened skin, padding, custom orthotics, and guidance on proper footwear. Targeted exercises may also improve foot alignment and reduce recurrence. If you have painful corns or callouses, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Roy Rothman, DPM of Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

  • Well-fitting socks
  • Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
  • Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 03 March 2026 00:00

Explaining Ganglion Foot Cysts

A ganglion cyst on the foot is a small, soft, fluid-filled sac that usually develops near a joint or along a tendon sheath, most often on the top of the foot. The lump may feel movable beneath the skin and can change in size over time. Many ganglion cysts cause no discomfort, while others produce aching, burning, or pressure pain when a shoe presses against the area or during activity. Although generally harmless, the mass may interfere with walking or shoe comfort. The exact cause is uncertain, but prior injury, repetitive stress, and joint irritation are commonly associated factors. A podiatrist can evaluate the lump, confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other conditions with imaging when necessary. Treatment options include protective padding, pressure relief, fluid aspiration, or surgical removal. If you have an unexplained lump on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog

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