Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness, often causing incredibly painful. Common causes include improper trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury. Symptoms may worsen if left untreated, potentially leading to infection. Initial treatment involves soaking the affected foot in warm water and gently lifting the nail edge with a clean instrument to reduce pressure. Avoid cutting the nail yourself, as this can invite infection and make it worse. Wearing comfortable shoes and practicing proper nail care can help to prevent recurrence. For persistent pain, signs of infection like pus, or increased redness, it is important to consult a podiatrist. They can provide professional care, including minor surgical procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and prevent future problems. If you have an ingrown toenail, It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and tailored treatment plan to alleviate ingrown toenails effectively.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM of Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

A bunion, medically known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe, causing the toe to deviate toward the others. It occurs due to pressure on the big toe joint, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, genetics, or foot stress. Bunions can cause pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty in walking. They may also lead to other foot problems such as calluses, corns, and hammertoes. Management options depend on the severity of the bunion and the pain it causes. For mild cases, a wait and see approach can be effective, with changes in footwear to alleviate pressure. Orthotic devices, such as custom shoe inserts, can provide support and relieve pain. When conservative treatments fail and pain or deformity is severe, surgery may be necessary to realign the bone, ligaments, and tendons. If you have a bunion that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment approach is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM of Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Congenital foot deformities are structural abnormalities present at birth that affect the shape and function of an infant's feet. Metatarsus adductus is characterized by the inward curvature of the front half of the foot, resulting in a C shape and often causing difficulty in fitting shoes. Clubfoot involves a twisted position where the foot points downward and inward, leading to difficulties in walking if untreated. Calcaneovalgus deformity presents as an upward and outward bending of the foot, which can cause a flatfoot appearance and limited mobility. Additionally, congenital vertical talus, a more severe condition, results in a rigid rocker-bottom foot, where the sole faces outward and the arch is absent. Symptoms of these deformities include abnormal foot positioning, restricted movement, and, as the child grows, potential pain and walking difficulties. If your child has a congenital foot condition, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team to help manage the specific ailment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM of Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Pickleball, a fast-paced sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, often leads to foot injuries among players. The most common injuries include plantar fasciitis, characterized by pain in the heel or arch due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Achilles tendonitis is another frequent issue, involving pain and stiffness in the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Ankle sprains are prevalent as well, occurring when the foot twists unnaturally during quick lateral movements. Stress fractures can also develop from repetitive impact on the feet. Preventing these injuries involves wearing proper footwear with good arch support, warming up before playing, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into a regular fitness routine. If you have injured your foot while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions, and educate you on effective prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM of Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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