As a member of the military, you’ve given a lot to your country. And your feet have taken a lot of abuse in the process. From long marches to standing for hours on end, your feet have borne the brunt of your service. So it’s important to take good care of them, both during and after your military career.
You made a solemn commitment to serve your country. At Burlington County Foot and Ankle Associates, we’ve made our own commitment to ensure that the brave men and women stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (and elsewhere) receive the highest quality foot and ankle care available, right when they need it.
We proudly support our military and value the strong relationships we’ve built over the years with base personnel and their families. We believe in taking care of our military personnel because they take care of us, and we can serve them when foot problems arise.
Foot problems are common among soldiers and can lead to long-term pain and disability if not properly treated. The good news is that most foot problems can be prevented with proper care. And if you do have a foot problem, some treatments can help you get back on your feet and stay active.
Common Foot Problems Service Members Experience
There are many different types of foot problems that can affect soldiers. One of them is heel pain, which is often due to plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that causes the tissue on the bottom of your foot to become inflamed. This foot injury can be very painful, especially when you first get out of bed in the morning, but usually calms down a bit as you go about your day.
Some service members also experience ankle sprains. This happens when the ligaments that support your ankle are stretched or torn. A sprained ankle can be very painful, and it can take weeks or even months to recover.
Another common foot problem is Achilles tendonitis. This is an inflammation of the tendon that attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It can be very painful and make it difficult to walk.
Other foot and ankle issues can arise for people in the military, but these have been the most common ones we have treated. Many soldiers can also experience many types of problems many high-performing runners face due to the physical rigors of a military lifestyle. The good news is that there are highly effective treatments available to aid in ridding you of your foot pain!
Treatment Options for Military Foot Care
If you have any of these foot problems, it’s important to come to see Dr. DePalma right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the problem from getting worse and keep you active and pain-free.
Mobility in the field is critical to the success of any operation, and when your feet are in pain you can’t be at your best. Our goal is to relieve your discomfort and help you prevent further injuries so that you can keep operating at maximum efficiency.
Here are some options that Dr. DePalma might recommend for treating your foot pain.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are special shoe inserts that are made to support your specific foot problem. They can be very effective in treating heel pain, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, and Achilles tendonitis. Custom orthotics can also help prevent these problems from coming back.
MLS Laser Therapy
MLS Laser therapy does wonders for soft tissue injuries and pain. It uses specific wavelengths of light energy to trigger the body’s natural healing response to a certain area. The body responds by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and raising metabolic activity. The result is a faster recovery, all without pain, medications, or the need for post-procedure care!
Military Foot Care FAQs
What are the most common foot problems military personnel experience?
Some of the most common foot issues among service members include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis. These conditions often result from repetitive stress, long marches, and prolonged standing.
Why is early treatment important for military foot injuries?
Early treatment helps prevent minor issues from becoming chronic conditions that can impact mobility, readiness, and overall performance. Prompt care ensures you stay active and pain-free both in and out of service.
How can custom orthotics help military members?
Custom orthotics are specially designed inserts that provide targeted support and alignment correction. They help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis while preventing future injuries.
What is MLS Laser Therapy and how does it work?
MLS Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It promotes faster recovery without pain, medication, or downtime—ideal for active military personnel.
Can foot problems in the military be prevented?
Yes, many foot issues can be prevented with proper footwear, stretching, and regular foot care. Using orthotics and seeking medical evaluation at the first sign of discomfort are also effective preventive measures.
Does Burlington County Foot and Ankle Associates offer emergency or after-hours care?
Yes, off-hours calls are forwarded directly to Dr. DePalma. In some cases, he has provided immediate emergency assistance, even after hours, ensuring that military and civilian patients receive timely care when they need it most.
How can I schedule an appointment for military foot care?
You can contact Burlington County Foot and Ankle Associates to schedule an appointment. We prioritize military personnel and will get you in as quickly as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Always Ready for Duty
If you are in the military and have a foot or ankle problem, don’t wait to get it treated. Contact us at Burlington County Foot and Ankle Associates today. We will work with you to find the best treatment for your specific problem.
At Burlington County Foot and Ankle Associates, we pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to serve our patients—because we know you do the same for us.
Off-hours calls are forwarded directly to Dr. DePalma, and on multiple occasions, he’s been able to provide immediate, emergency assistance to a patient when asked. He even once met a soldier at the office on New Year’s Eve, well after hours, to fix a bad ingrown toenail infection.
That’s the kind of service you just can’t get from a large group and the kind we’re happy to provide to all our patients—military and civilian alike.
We’ll get you in as quickly as possible, get you the treatment you need, and get you back into the field—that’s a promise!