Running offers great benefits, from improved heart health to better mood and endurance, but it can also lead to injury if not done carefully. Many runners deal with issues like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures when they increase mileage too quickly or wear improper shoes. Paying attention to form, pacing, and surface can make a big difference in how your body responds. Gradual training allows muscles and joints to adapt, lowering the risk of strain. It is also important to understand your foot type, as this affects how you move and absorb impact. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, recommend supportive footwear, and provide custom orthotics, if needed. They can also address early signs of injury before they become serious problems. It is suggested that if you experience foot pain while running, you see a podiatrist for appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor 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 office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Thick toenails are often caused by toenail fungus, a common infection that targets the nail and surrounding tissue. This condition develops when fungi enter through small cracks and thrive in warm moist environments. Symptoms include discoloration, nails that become yellow or brown, thickened texture, splitting, and lifting away from the nail bed. Walking barefoot around pool areas and locker rooms increases exposure, and athlete’s foot can spread infection to the nails. Athlete’s foot may cause itching, redness, and peeling skin. Risk factors include poor hygiene, wearing damp footwear, and a weakened immune system. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, provide targeted treatment, and recommend preventive care. If you have noticed your toenails have become thick or have changed color, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM of Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor 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 contact our office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Osteoarthritis can increase the risk of falling due to joint damage, stiffness, and reduced function that affect balance and mobility. As cartilage wears down, pain and a limited range of motion make walking and standing less stable. Poor mobility and weakened muscles can further contribute to instability, especially on uneven surfaces. Certain medications may also cause dizziness or affect coordination. Preventing falls involves creating a safer home by removing hazards, improving lighting, and using supportive footwear. Regular exercise can strengthen muscles and improve balance, while reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can reduce side effects. A podiatrist can assess gait, recommend proper footwear, and provide custom orthotics to enhance stability. If you have fallen or fear falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer additional effective fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.

Taking care of your feet during spring and summer is important to keep them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Warm weather and increased activity can lead to dryness, calluses, and irritation. Regular foot soaks can help soften the skin and relax tired feet. Using a foot scrub can remove buildup and keep skin smooth. Applying moisturizer daily helps prevent dryness and cracking. Proper nail trimming supports healthy nail growth and reduces the risk of ingrown nails. Wearing breathable footwear can also help maintain overall foot health. A podiatrist can help by addressing concerns, providing professional care, and recommending personalized treatments. If you have concerning foot conditions, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on additional everyday foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.