September 2023

For runners, black toenails and toenail loss can be distressing issues that affect comfort and performance. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to maintain strong and healthy toenails while pursuing your passion for running. It all starts with choosing the right footwear. Opt for running shoes that provide ample toe room, ensuring your toenails aren't cramped or subjected to undue pressure. Moisture management plays an important role; keeping your feet dry and utilizing moisture-wicking socks can prevent nail softening and potential damage. Be diligent about lacing your shoes securely to prevent your feet from shifting forward and affecting the front of the shoe. Additionally, consider a gradual approach to increasing training intensity to minimize the repetitive stress on your toenails. By following these proactive measures, you can safeguard your toenails from becoming bruised or falling off. If you have problems with your toenails as a result of running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for expert guidance and care. 

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.

Plantar fibromas are small lumps that develop in the sole of the foot and can cause foot arch pain in some cases. Treatment aims to reduce pressure on the nodule and alleviate pain. Treatment options include observation if the fibroma is not causing significant pain and non-surgical treatments like exercises. Other options are corticosteroid injections, shoe orthotics if the pain is mild to moderate, and surgery if the pain is severe and non-responsive to non-surgical methods. Exercises focus on stretching and strengthening the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues, to reduce tension on the fibroma. Corticosteroid injections can provide immediate pain relief and reduce the size of the nodule. Orthotics help relieve pressure on the nodules, although custom orthotics may be needed for larger nodules. Physical therapy may include ultrasound or shockwave therapy to reduce the size of the nodules, and radiotherapy can stabilize and shrink fibromas. Surgery is considered a last resort and involves removing the fibroma along with a portion of the plantar fascia. Recovery from plantar fibromas can take 6 to 12 months, during which modifications to activities and foot care are essential. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is important and then the most suitable treatment can be recommended.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot circulation is an important aspect of overall foot health, and when it falters, it can lead to discomfort and serious issues. Several factors can contribute to poor foot circulation. One common cause is peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, in which arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, limiting blood flow to the extremities. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to circulatory problems. Obesity puts extra pressure on the circulatory system, making it more difficult for blood to flow freely. Additionally, smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce circulation. Prolonged periods of inactivity can also hinder circulation. Finally, cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow. Understanding these causes is vital for prevention and early intervention to ensure optimal foot circulation and overall well-being. If you have poor foot circulation, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and help you manage this condition.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Fungal nails, also known as onychomycosis, result from a fungal infection. This condition often leads to nail thickening and discoloration, along with the buildup of dead skin beneath the nail plate. Sometimes, the nail's shape can also change. Among fungal infections affecting the body, nail infections are particularly challenging to prevent and treat. Onychomycosis arises due to an overgrowth of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas. Typically, fungal growth begins at the nail's end and gradually spreads beneath it. Occasionally, chalky white patches may form on the nail's surface. As the infection progresses, yellowish or brownish discoloration becomes evident. The fungus can also cause damage to the nail's base, resulting in a thickening and altered shape. Treatment for fungal nail infections involves conservative, laser, and surgical approaches. Conservative treatment consists of using a topical medication applied like nail polish. Reinfection is a risk, and antifungal spray can be used inside shoes to treat any residual infection. Laser treatment for fungal nails is non-invasive. Surgical intervention is considered only if other treatments are not effective. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your nails assessed and treatment administered that is right for you.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.