Runners often put significant stress on the feet, and poor mechanics or muscle imbalances can increase the risk of overuse injuries. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help reduce strain on foot structures, like the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and intrinsic foot muscles. Routines that focus on calf flexibility, toe control, and arch stability can enhance shock absorption and improve foot alignment during running. Having tight calves or weak foot muscles may contribute to problems like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. Similarly, imbalances in the lower leg may affect ankle stability and increase the risk of sprains. Exercises like calf raises, towel scrunches with the toes, and controlled ankle movements can strengthen foot and ankle structures. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, identify structural risks, and recommend exercises or orthotic devices as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you are a runner and experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment and effective running injury prevention tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves, particularly in the feet. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain. However, a lesser-known symptom is the loss of temperature sensitivity, which can lead to unrecognized burns from hot surfaces or heating pads. The feet may appear normal or have dry, cracked skin due to reduced sweat production. Over time, nerve damage can lead to muscle weakness and changes in foot shape, increasing the risk of pressure sores or ulcers. A podiatrist diagnoses diabetic neuropathy through a physical exam, nerve testing, and by assessing skin and circulation health. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar, protecting the feet, using custom orthotics, and preventing complications with regular checkups and foot care education. If you are dealing with this condition, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Glenn Aufseeser, DPM from Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Some people worry that correcting a hammertoe might interfere with their balance, but this is not typically the case. Hammertoe surgery is designed to straighten a bent toe that no longer functions properly. Since balance relies more on the heel, the ball of the foot, and strong ankle support, realigning a toe does not usually disrupt stability. In fact, removing the pain and pressure caused by a deformed toe can improve how the foot makes contact with the ground. After healing, most people notice improved comfort in shoes and a more natural walking pattern. Targeted exercises may also help restore strength and coordination following surgery. If you are concerned about changes in your gait or posture after toe correction, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance tailored to your needs.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Glenn Aufseeser, DPM of Lakewood Foot and Ankle Specialists. 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 offices located in Lakewood and Manchester Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.