Items filtered by date: December 2022

There is no mistaking when an ingrown toenail develops. It is often noticed when the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. If prompt medical attention is not received, it may ooze a discharge, and become infected. An ingrown toenail can happen for various reasons. Trimming the toenails incorrectly is a common reason, in addition to wearing shoes that are too tight. Older people may frequently get ingrown toenails, possibly as a result of having poor eyesight, or not being able to reach their toes. Some people find mild relief when they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. This is a temporary solution, and the skin will often return to the way it was before the feet were soaked. A bandage may have to be worn over the tender skin for protection until professional medical attention is sought. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can effectively treat an ingrown toenail. 

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.

Diabetic patients often develop wounds on their feet, and it may happen as a result of the inability to feel existing cuts, scrapes, or bruises. Neuropathy is a common condition that causes a numbing feeling in the extremities of people who have diabetes. If a cut does not receive prompt treatment, it may develop into a foot ulcer and this is concerning for these types of patients. The initial step in treating this kind of wound involves removing the dead tissue from it, which is referred to as debridement. A podiatrist can expertly perform this task by keeping the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons unscathed while reducing pressure on the wound. Additional benefits of this can include an examination of the remaining healthy tissues, in addition to stimulating healing. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment options.

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 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.

Many people experience severe pain when the pinky toe breaks, despite its small size. It can happen from stubbing it against a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. The symptoms that immediately follow a broken toe consist of bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. The buddy taping method is an effective treatment method for mild fractures. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which generally provides the stability that is necessary for proper healing. In severe breaks, the bone may protrude from the skin, and surgery may have to be performed that can guide the bone back into its natural place. An X-ray is often done that can provide an accurate diagnosis, followed by a discussion of the proper treatment and recovery time. It is beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible, and refraining from participating in sports activities may help to accelerate the healing. If you feel you have broken your toe, is it strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment process.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.