Items filtered by date: July 2024

Even the most enthusiastic athletes can find themselves sidelined by overuse injuries! And your feet and ankles, the foundation for all your movement, are particularly vulnerable.

Here at Sole Focus, we take a holistic yet modern approach to treating these issues. In the blog below, we’ll lay out the most common sports injuries we resolve, how we do so, and which options might make sense for your unique needs.

2 Injuries Every Athlete Knows

1. Foot fractures can range from small stress fractures to complete breaks.

• They often occur from repetitive stress, sudden impacts, or improper footwear.
• Pain, swelling, and bruising are common symptoms.
• Depending on the severity, you might experience difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot.

2. Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bone.

• It’s caused by overuse, tight muscles, or poor biomechanics.
• Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and stiffness, especially at the start of activity.
• Runners often experience Achilles tendonitis in the heel, while basketball players might develop peroneal tendonitis on the outside of the ankle.

How a Podiatrist Can Help:

A podiatrist can diagnose your injury through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.

• For fractures, a podiatrist can recommend casting, a walking boot, or even surgery, depending on the severity.
• Treatment for tendonitis focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This may involve physical therapy exercises, custom orthotics to improve biomechanics, or ultrasound guided injections.

The Road to Recovery:

Recovery times vary depending on the injury’s severity.

• Fractures can take weeks or months to heal completely, while tendonitis may resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment.
• A podiatrist will guide you through a rehabilitation program tailored to your injury and sport.

At Sole Focus, your program might involve strengthening exercises, stretching routines, or a gradual return to activity. Regardless, you can rest assured that it’s tailored to your feet and your needs!

Are you seeking treatment for a foot or ankle concern? Schedule an appointment today. The team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be pleased to assist you.

With summer comes the opportunity to slip on those sandals and show off your toes at the beach. But what if unsightly fungal nails are hiding beneath the polish? Aside from aesthetic unpleasantness, these persistent infections can cause discomfort and pain, and they have a nasty habit of recurrence to top things off as well.

At Sole Focus Foot and Ankle, we can help you achieve beach-ready feet with effective treatment plans that both manage and address onychomycosis, allowing you to step out in style again without any worries. Keep reading to learn how you can fend off fungus with a podiatrist’s assistance!

Treatment Options

Fungal toenails are stubborn, so they typically require a multi-pronged approach.

• Topical antifungal creams and lacquers are often the first line of defense.
• However, these can be slow-acting and may not fully penetrate the nail plate.
• Oral antifungal medications offer a more systemic approach, but they do come with potential side effects, so consult with your DPM before deciding.

KeryFlex: A Podiatrist-Administered Solution

For a faster and more targeted solution, consider KeryFlex restoration. This innovative treatment involves applying a resin material to the affected toenail.

• KeryFlex acts as a protective barrier, preventing further fungal growth and promoting a healthy nail appearance.
• This makes it an excellent choice for patients seeking a swifter cosmetic improvement, offering immediate coverage for discolored or damaged nails and boosting confidence while the underlying fungal infection is treated with other methods.
• In combination with topical or oral medications, KeryFlex can significantly accelerate the healing process!

Prevention is Key!

While treatment is crucial, stopping future fungal infections is equally important.

To do so:

• Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash and dry your feet thoroughly after showering or swimming.
• Wear breathable footwear: Select sandals or shoes made from natural materials like leather or canvas, and avoid sharing shoes, which can quickly spread fungal infections.
• Change your socks regularly: Especially after sweating or spending time in damp environments!

Early action makes all the difference! If you’re struggling with fungal nails, we can get them clear and healthy again with a combined, holistic approach tailored to your unique needs.

Tough time with your toenails? Schedule an appointment today! The team at Sole Focus Foot and Ankle in Marlton, NJ, would be pleased to assist you.