Falls in the home are a common concern, especially for older adults, and can result from poor balance, muscle weakness, foot pain, or environmental hazards. Cluttered walkways, loose rugs, and slippery bathroom surfaces often increase the risk of injury. Preventing falls begins with keeping living spaces clear and well organized, installing grab bars in the bathroom for added stability, using slip resistant bath mats, and refraining from using a ladder without proper support. Wearing supportive footwear indoors can also improve balance. A podiatrist can assess foot health, address pain or instability, and recommend supportive devices to enhance safety. If you have injured your foot or ankle from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional fall prevention techniques.

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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which then forms sharp crystals inside the joints. One of the most common and painful locations for a gout attack is the big toe. Symptoms include sudden and intense pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the joint. The big toe is especially vulnerable because it is the farthest joint from the heart, which can reduce efficient circulation, and it tends to be cooler than the rest of the body. Uric acid crystals form more easily in colder temperatures, making this joint a frequent target. Without proper care, repeated gout attacks can lead to joint damage. If your big toe is painful, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Vrunda Dalal, DPM from Sole Focus Foot and Ankle. our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Swollen feet often occur with additional symptoms that help clarify what is happening. Bruising or unexplained bleeding may suggest injury or vascular concerns. A burning sensation can point to nerve irritation or inflammation. Changes in pulse strength, including a weak or absent pulse, may signal circulation problems. Some people notice difficulty moving the foot, ankle, or toes, along with stiffness or pain that limits range of motion. Swelling can also make standing or walking uncomfortable or unstable. Itching may occur as skin stretches, while lumps or nodules can form around joints or soft tissue. These combined signs provide important diagnostic clues. A podiatrist evaluates circulation, nerve response, joint function, and skin health to determine the cause. When swelling appears alongside these changes, it is suggested that prompt evaluation be sought by a podiatrist to help guide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Toe pain around the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint is a frequent reason patients seek podiatric care, as these joints play a major role in balance and push off during walking. Such toe pain may develop from overuse, injury, arthritis, or pressure from footwear. Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain, stiffness, and swelling, sometimes accompanied by redness, warmth, and limited motion. The joint may look enlarged or inflamed, and it can feel sore or burning, especially when standing, walking, or bending the toe. Over time, pain may interfere with daily activities and limit comfortable movement. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination, supported by imaging when needed, to identify the exact cause of the joint pain. Treatment often begins with footwear guidance, padding, or custom orthotics, and may progress to medications, injections, or corrective procedures when appropriate. If you have MTP joint pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.