Items filtered by date: April 2024

Sole Focus Foot and Ankle deal with all kinds of health complications, but some are poorly understood despite their prevalence, particularly nerve disorders. The intricate network in your feet and ankles plays a major role in movement and sensation, and when these nerves become compressed or irritated, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable conditions.

For this blog, we’ll be exploring three of the most troublesome ones.

1.) Morton’s Neuroma:

• Who it Affects: Athletes, people who wear high heels frequently, and those with certain foot types (flat feet, bunions).
• The Culprit: This condition arises when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes thickens, often due to repetitive pressure.
• Conservative Treatments: Wider shoes with arch support relieve pressure on the nerve. Padding or orthotics that realign the foot can also help.
• Intensive Options: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to remove a portion of the thickened tissue or nerve.

2.) Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Who it Affects: People with flat feet, diabetics, and those who participate in activities that put repetitive stress on the ankle (dancers, runners).
• The Cause: Compression of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel, located on the inner ankle, leads to Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.
• Conservative Treatments: Reducing activities that aggravate is key. Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility can also be beneficial.
• Intensive Options: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is a promising option for pain relief.

3.) Drop Foot:

• Who it Affects: Drop foot can be caused by various conditions, including nerve damage from diabetes, stroke, or injuries to the lower back or leg.
• The Reason Behind It: Damage to the peroneal nerve, responsible for lifting the front part of the foot, leads to difficulty dorsiflexion (lifting the toes towards the shin).
• Conservative Treatments: Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a supportive brace that holds the foot in a dorsiflexed position, can be helpful. Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination can also work to treat the root cause.

We hope this blog brought you one step closer to cleaner, fitter feet! If you still have questions or are seeking treatment for a health-related concern, schedule an appointment today. The team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be pleased to assist you.

Foot and ankle pain problems are always just around the bend, and when they do present, they tend to impact our daily activities in more ways than one. While medications and high tech treatments can offer relief, many people seek a more natural approach.

Sole Focus Foot and Ankle is all in favor of trying conservative and non-invasive methods first, so for this blog, we’ll explore seven effective, medication-free strategies for managing foot and ankle pain.

1. Rest and Activity Modification:

• Listen to Your Body: Pain is your body’s way of signaling something’s wrong. If you’re exercising, for example, you shouldn’t “walk it off” or “push through” when pain strikes.
• Low-Impact Exercise: Gentle exercises like swimming or yoga help maintain mobility without putting excessive stress on your feet and ankles.

2. Ice and Heat Therapy:

• Ice for Acute Pain: Apply ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation and swelling, especially after injuries.
• Heat for Chronic Pain: Use a heating pad or warm compress for 20-30 minutes to loosen tight muscles and improve circulation, aiding in pain relief for chronic conditions.

3. Supportive Footwear:

• Avoid Uncomfortable Shoes: High heels, tight shoes, and worn-out footwear can exacerbate foot pain. Invest in supportive shoes with good arch support and adequate cushioning instead.
• Orthotics for Targeted Support: Custom orthotics, designed by a podiatrist who knows your foot structure, can address biomechanical imbalances that contribute to pain.

4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:

• Improve Flexibility: Regularly stretching your feet and ankles can increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Strengthen the Foundation: Targeted strengthening exercises for your foot and ankle muscles enhance stability and support.

5. Salt Soaks and Muscle Massage:

• Relaxation and Relief: Soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts is a natural way to soothe tired muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

6. Massage Therapy:

• Promote Circulation and Relaxation: A professional massage can improve circulation in your feet, relieve muscle tension, and reduce pain.

We hope this blog brought you one step closer to cleaner, fitter feet! If you still have questions or you’re seeking treatment for a health-related concern, schedule an appointment today. The team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be pleased to assist you.