Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can influence foot health in several ways because it impacts the nervous system, which controls muscle strength, balance, and sensation. Many individuals experience numbness or tingling in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in pressure. Muscle weakness may alter walking patterns, leading to fatigue, instability, or an increased risk of falls. Some people develop spasticity, a tightness or stiffness in the muscles that can cause the foot to point downward or drag during movement. Changes in coordination may affect the way the foot lands with each step, creating strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments. Poor sensation and altered gait can also contribute to skin breakdown, calluses, and pressure sores, if not monitored carefully. A podiatrist can help manage these challenges by evaluating gait, recommending proper footwear or orthotics, and addressing any emerging foot problems promptly to maintain comfort and mobility. If you have MS and it is impacting your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief and management options.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels regularly can change the shape of the foot by placing excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, shortening the Achilles tendon, and altering natural gait patterns. Over time, this can lead to bunions, hammertoes, arch strain, and overall foot discomfort. Keeping feet flexible and muscles strong is essential to counteract these effects. Stretching the calves and arches, performing toe and foot exercises, and alternating footwear with supportive, low heeled shoes can help maintain mobility and strength. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending exercises, providing custom orthotics if needed, and advising on safe footwear choices. If you enjoy wearing high heels and have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and can guide you on more appropriate shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, creating a curled or elevated position that can cause pain, pressure, and difficulty walking. This condition often worsens over time due to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural issues in the foot. Hammertoe surgery may be needed when conservative care no longer relieves discomfort or when the toe becomes rigid and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe surgery aims to realign the joint, release tight tissues, or remove a small portion of bone to restore proper toe function. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the deformity and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan. If you struggle with a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry visit to explore your options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone, often associated with chronic plantar fascia stress. Many patients experience sharp pain while standing or walking, especially first thing in the morning, although some may remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays to confirm the presence of the spur. Risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, high-impact activities, flat feet, and tight calf muscles, all of which increase pressure on the heel. A podiatrist can provide effective treatment options, including custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapies, and minimally invasive procedures to relieve pain and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel spurs.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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