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Foot Health for Runners

Common running injuries such as Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures can sideline runners and hinder training progress. Achilles tendinitis involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse, improper footwear, or inadequate stretching. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, typically arises from excessive running, poor foot mechanics, or inadequate support. Stress fractures, tiny cracks in bones resulting from repetitive impact, often occur in the feet or lower legs due to sudden increases in training intensity or duration. To prevent these injuries, runners should gradually increase mileage, wear appropriate footwear, incorporate strength and flexibility exercises, and listen to their bodies for signs of overtraining. A podiatrist can provide valuable assistance by assessing foot biomechanics and recommending proper footwear or orthotics. Additionally, these types of doctors can prescribe tailored rehabilitation exercises, and offer guidance on training modifications to prevent recurrence and promote optimal foot health for runners. If you have sustained an injury while running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

  • Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
  • Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
  • “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
  • Cross-Training is Crucial
  • Wear Proper Running Shoes
  • Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How Podiatrists Treat Foot Corns

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet in response to pressure or friction. They typically form on the toes or soles of the feet and can be caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, repetitive motion, or abnormalities in foot structure. Symptoms of corns include pain, tenderness, and the presence of a raised, hardened bump on the skin's surface. Prevention strategies include wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective padding or inserts, and practicing good foot hygiene. Podiatric treatment for corns may involve debridement to remove the thickened skin, trimming to reduce pressure, and recommending cushioning products or custom orthotic devices to redistribute weight and alleviate discomfort. In some cases, addressing underlying foot deformities or gait abnormalities may be necessary to prevent recurrence. If you have a corn on your foot and it is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for care.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors 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 doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Long-Term Outlook for a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones making up the ankle joint break. This injury often happens due to trauma, such as twisting the ankle during a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Symptoms of a broken ankle include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the ankle joint. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential to properly diagnose and treat the fracture. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the ankle with a cast or brace to allow the bones to heal properly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or stabilize the fracture with hardware. While recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation is often recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the ankle joint. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and rehabilitation, for the best possible outcome with minimal complications.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Taking Care of Children’s Feet

Children's feet undergo significant changes as they grow, making proper shoe selection an important consideration. Typically, infants' feet are soft and pliable, with bones gradually forming over time. They usually start walking between nine and 18 months, signaling the need for wearing supportive shoes to protect their delicate feet. As they grow, their feet require shoes with adequate room for movement and growth, typically needing replacements every few months to accommodate size changes. Parents should watch for signs such as blisters, redness, or complaints of discomfort, indicating that shoes may be too small. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help address any developmental concerns, such as flat feet or gait abnormalities, ensuring healthy foot development. If you have an infant, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a consultation on proper foot care and footwear to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy walking and foot function.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Reasons to Visit a Podiatrist

Optimal foot health is important for maintaining overall well-being, and a podiatrist is instrumental in achieving this goal. This type of foot specialist will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, followed by a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your foot, toe, or ankle problems. A podiatrist can then offer a range of treatment options, which in some cases may include surgical intervention. In addition to treating more common foot ailments, like ingrown toenails or sprained ankles, many podiatrists also specialize in managing sports-related injuries, diabetic wound care, and surgery. With their expertise in ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasounds, podiatrists ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Podiatrists can prescribe medications for pain management, as well as provide advice for ongoing or preventive care. Whether you're dealing with foot pain, or injury, or seeking preventive care, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Pain in Different Parts of the Foot

Various causes can lead to foot pain, requiring different treatments depending on the affected area. Toe pain, including big toe pain, may result from conditions like ingrown toenails or arthritis. Foot and ankle joint pain may stem from arthritis or injuries. Pain in the ball of the foot may arise from conditions like metatarsalgia. Morton's neuroma is characterized by pain in the ball of the foot. Arch pain may indicate conditions like plantar fasciitis. Heel pain is commonly caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Depending on the location of foot pain and its cause, treatment can include custom-made orthotics, injections, nail care, and in severe cases, surgery. If you are suffering from foot pain in any part of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that will bring you relief.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Causes and Diagnosis of Foot Neuropathy

Foot neuropathy, a nerve disorder affecting the feet, can stem from various underlying causes. It presents with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain. One primary cause of neuropathy is diabetes, which can lead to nerve damage over time due to high blood sugar levels. Other contributing factors include autoimmune diseases, infections, vitamin deficiencies, and traumatic injuries. To diagnose foot neuropathy, podiatrists typically begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination to assess symptoms and identify potential risk factors. Diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography may be performed to evaluate nerve function and assess the extent of nerve damage. Additionally, blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying medical conditions contributing to neuropathy. Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be utilized to rule out structural abnormalities or nerve compression. If you have numbness or tingling in your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage foot neuropathy.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy

Are Heel Spurs Causing My Heel Pain?

Heel spurs, bony outgrowths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, can cause heel pain when they rub against the soft tissues of your feet. Heel spurs do not usually cause pain. Pain typically comes about when the spurs press against or irritate the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. People with plantar fasciitis are more prone to developing heel spurs due to chronic inflammation. The pain associated with heel spurs is typically most pronounced during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Treatment for heel spurs may include stretching exercises, orthotic inserts, or other interventions to alleviate discomfort associated with heel spurs and promote overall foot health. If you are experiencing heel pain or heel spurs, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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 condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Atco, and Turnersville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain

Injury From a Winter Sport? Get the Care You Need

Winter sports can be fun for many – but only with the proper protective gear. Even with the right equipment, however, injuries can happen. If you’ve sustained foot or ankle trauma or a foot or ankle injury, we’re here to help.

With offices in Atco, Cherry Hill and Voorhees, the doctors at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey are easily accessible to our patients in Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, and Burlington Counties

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