An ingrown toenail, medically known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and inflammation. This condition often affects the big toe and can become painful if left untreated. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and sometimes infection with drainage. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, and genetic nail shape. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, excessive sweating, and activities that place repeated pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion, treat infection, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include minor surgery.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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

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 care needs.

Morton’s neuroma occurs when tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes becomes thickened, leading to burning pain, tingling, or a feeling of walking on a small object. When conservative measures such as shoe modification, orthotics, activity changes, or injections fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. The procedure is designed to reduce pressure on the irritated nerve or remove the affected nerve segment, depending on the individual case and severity of symptoms. Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis and often allows for a gradual return to walking with protective footwear. Healing time varies, but many patients experience meaningful improvement as inflammation resolves. Some numbness between the toes can occur following nerve removal and is considered during treatment planning. When forefoot pain continues to interfere with comfort and mobility, it is suggested that you seek evaluation by a podiatrist to help determine appropriate next steps, which may include surgery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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 sprained ankle in volleyball is a common injury caused by landing awkwardly from a jump or quickly changing direction on the court. It occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn beyond their normal range. A first-degree sprain involves mild stretching of the ligaments with slight pain and swelling. A second-degree sprain includes partial tearing leading to increased pain, swelling, and instability. Additionally, a third-degree sprain is a complete ligament tear causing significant pain, swelling, and loss of ankle support. A podiatrist can help by accurately diagnosing the severity, providing proper treatment, and guiding rehabilitation to restore strength and stability. If you have sprained an ankle while playing volleyball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer the best treatment for you, enabling you to return to playing again as soon as possible.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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.

Foot blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin of the feet, often as a result of friction or pressure. They commonly develop from wearing poorly fitted shoes, engaging in extended physical activity, or sustaining burns such as a sunburn or frostbite. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and fluid filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable. Risk factors include moisture, high activity levels, abnormal foot shape, and sensitive skin. While most blisters generally heal naturally, improper care can lead to infection or prolonged discomfort. A podiatrist can provide safe treatment, protect the skin, address underlying causes, and recommend footwear or other protective measures. If you develop frequent foot blisters, or if they become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and prevention solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.