A stubbed toe may seem minor, but the impact can affect bones, joints, nails, and surrounding soft tissue. Common problems include bruising, swelling, nail damage, ligament strain, or a fracture of one of the small toe bones. Pain that worsens with walking, visible deformity, numbness, or persistent swelling may signal a more serious injury. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe with a physical exam and imaging to determine whether a fracture, dislocation, or nail injury is present. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, or taping techniques performed in the office. Nail care or management of inflammation and pain can also be addressed. Early assessment supports safer recovery. If you have pain from stubbing a toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Cracked heels are a common foot condition marked by dry, thickened skin that splits along the edges of the heel. They often develop from a natural loss of skin elasticity with age, making the heels less able to stretch under pressure. Long showers, harsh soaps, and frequently walking barefoot can strip moisture from the skin and worsen dryness. Additional risk factors include prolonged standing, obesity, wearing open-backed shoes, and certain skin conditions. When left untreated, cracked heels may become painful or lead to infection. A podiatrist can evaluate heel health, remove hardened skin safely, and recommend medical grade moisturizers or protective treatments. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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.

Foot ulcers are open sores that develop on the feet and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Common types include diabetic ulcers, arterial ulcers, and pressure related ulcers. Diabetic ulcers often occur due to nerve damage and poor circulation, leading to unnoticed injuries. Arterial ulcers are caused by reduced blood flow, making it difficult for wounds to heal. Additionally, pressure damage ulcers develop from prolonged friction or constant pressure on certain areas of the foot. Symptoms may include redness, drainage, swelling, pain, or a wound that does not heal. A podiatrist can identify the type of ulcer, address underlying causes, and provide wound care, helping to prevent infection or limb loss. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the type and provide appropriate treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp environments such as shoes, locker rooms, and swimming areas. Unlike simple dry skin, athlete’s foot often causes persistent itching, redness, burning, peeling, cracking, or blisters. The skin may appear scaly and irritated, and the infection can spread to toenails or other areas, if left untreated. A podiatrist can examine the feet, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend effective antifungal treatments, foot hygiene strategies, and preventive measures. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.