Items filtered by date: February 2023

A condition commonly called turf toe is the result of overextending the big toe joint. It happens when the toe is pushed too far toward the top of the foot. Picture a football player raising the heel of his foot to push off the ground and burst forward when the quarterback throws the ball. This overextension of what is known as the metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP, combined with the weight of the body, can easily sprain the joint. Symptoms of turf toe include pain and tenderness to the touch, swelling and bruising, limited range of motion, and loose joints. You may not be able to move the joint without causing pain, and bruising may extend into the foot. In more severe cases, it may become difficult to put any weight on the big toe. Treatment for turf toe may include the necessity of wearing a protective boot, which will help to keep the MTP joint from bending. Diagnosis is often done through an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Recovery may take up to eight weeks, and in severe cases surgery may be involved. For information about turf toe and its treatment, it is suggested that you seek the expertise of a podiatrist. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The painful foot condition that is known as an ingrown toenail can happen from wearing shoes that are too tight. It may also occur from improperly trimming the toenails, or possibly if it tends to run in families. An ingrown toenail generally affects the big toe, and is noticeable as the nail grows into the skin instead of over it. Symptoms can include swelling, redness, and it may become infected. Some patients find temporary relief as they soak their feet in warm water, followed by gently pulling the skin away from the nail. An ingrown toenail will generally produce pain and discomfort, and there is no mistaking what it is from. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly assess and treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

The body can provide hints to alert people that something potentially serious is going on in their bodies. Such signals take on different forms depending on the health issue experienced. Swelling of the feet is one such symptom that can be a flag of health problems. Peripheral edema, the term used to refer to swollen feet, is a gathering of fluid within the tissue of the feet. Swollen feet can be caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, walking for a long time, or hot, humid weather. They also can be caused by more serious underlying health conditions. Foot injuries, such as sprains and fractures often cause swelling. Lymphedema, when the lymphatic system is compromised and there is inefficient draining of fluid that collects in the lower limbs, can cause swelling in the feet. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by wear and tear on joints and the breakdown of cartilage that can lead to the feet becoming swollen. Besides the fact that our feet are the source of our mobility, other health issues may be lurking behind swollen feet so taking care of them is critical. If you are experiencing prolonged swelling in your feet, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Podiatrists often prescribe orthotics that may help various foot conditions. The joints in the feet and ankle undergo stress while walking and running, and wearing orthotics may help to relieve some of this pressure. Many patients have found they are able to walk or run faster, and this may be a result of the shock absorption that can come from wearing orthotics. Diabetic patients can benefit from wearing orthotics, which may help to prevent injuries that can happen from the inability to feel nerve damage. Additionally, orthotics may help to distribute the body’s weight evenly, possibly preventing corns and calluses from developing. If you have any type of foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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