Items filtered by date: August 2025

Nerve problems in the front of the foot come in a few forms, and each can feel different. Interdigital nerve pain may cause burning, pins and needles, or a hot pebble sensation between the toes. Interdigital neuralgia reflects irritation from pressure, wearing tight shoes, or repetitive stress. Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening around the nerve that can send sharp jolts with every step. Morton’s neuralgia highlights the same pathway of pain, but may radiate into adjacent toes. Symptoms often flare in narrow footwear or during long periods of standing. Switching to roomy shoes, using metatarsal pads, and easing aggravating activities can help. When discomfort lingers, imaging and an exam can sort out the exact cause and guide treatment, from orthotics to targeted injections, with surgery reserved for stubborn cases. If forefoot nerve symptoms develop, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves are damaged or not functioning properly, often affecting the feet. This can lead to neuralgia, which is sharp, burning nerve pain, or cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. Feet may feel weak or overly sensitive. Risk factors of neuropathy include diabetes, alcohol use, infections, and certain medications. These symptoms can increase the risk of injury, infection, and balance issues. A podiatrist can help by identifying the type and cause of neuropathy and offering treatment to manage symptoms, protect the feet, and improve quality of life. If you notice unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to begin proper care and prevent further complications.

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 Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. 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 office located in Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, painful joint inflammation, most often in the big toe. When left untreated or poorly managed, gout can lead to serious complications. Repeated attacks may damage joints, reducing mobility and causing permanent stiffness. Uric acid crystals can build up beneath the skin, forming visible lumps called tophi. These tophi may become tender or infected, and can appear on the feet, ankles, or other joints. High levels of uric acid may also affect the kidneys, leading to kidney stones or chronic kidney disease, over time. Frequent flare-ups can interfere with daily activities and lower quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper care are key to avoiding long-term damage. If you experience foot pain, swelling, or a history of gout that is worsening, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for ongoing relief and management tips.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Mark Poplawski, DPM from Jersey Shore Podiatry, LLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment 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 care needs.

A broken ankle is a serious injury involving a fracture of one or more bones in the ankle joint. It can result from falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or twisting the ankle awkwardly. Symptoms of a broken ankle include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity in some cases. The area may feel tender, and movement can be limited or impossible. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture. Minor breaks may require immobilization with a cast or boot, while severe fractures might need surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. Pain management and targeted exercises are important for recovery and restoring mobility. A podiatrist can diagnose your injury through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays. They will guide you through treatment and rehabilitation to ensure proper healing. If you think you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you promptly make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.