Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that develops when fungi invade the nail through small cracks or separation from the nail bed. In the early stage, the nail may show mild discoloration or small white or yellow spots. As it progresses to a moderate stage, thickening, brittleness, and increased discoloration become more noticeable. In advanced stages, the nail may become severely thickened, distorted, painful, or separate from the nail bed. Causes include warm moist environments, minor nail trauma, and exposure in public areas. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, aging, and weakened immunity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide effective treatment options. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Ingrown toenails are often blamed on trimming habits or wearing tight shoes, but underlying foot structure can sometimes influence how often the problem returns. In most cases, changes to overall foot alignment are not needed to prevent or manage this condition. Many people develop ingrown nails despite having otherwise typical foot mechanics. There are situations, however, where a flattened arch changes how pressure is distributed across the forefoot. This altered loading can increase stress along the edges of the toenails, especially while walking or standing for long periods of time. Gradually, that added pressure may worsen nail irritation or make healing more difficult after treatment. Addressing footwear, nail care, and pressure relief usually remains the primary focus, but structural factors may be considered in select cases. If ingrown toenails are persistent or painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors 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 Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. It develops when excessive strain creates small tears in the tissue. The most noticeable symptom is heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Discomfort may improve with movement, but often returns after prolonged standing or activity. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, obesity, improper footwear, and occupations that require long hours of standing on hard surfaces. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide customized treatment to reduce pain and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sharp pain in the big toe can result from several underlying conditions that affect joints, bones, and soft tissues. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joint, leading to sudden and intense pain. Sesamoiditis is irritation of the two small bones beneath the big toe joint, often due to repetitive pressure or overuse. Turf toe is a sprain of the big toe joint caused by forced upward bending, commonly seen in active individuals. Additionally, toe lumps may form from joint changes, cysts, or soft tissue swelling and can create pressure and discomfort. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause of pain in the big toe, provide targeted treatment, and help prevent further damage. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of New Jersey Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 contact our office located in Oradell, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.