Reasons for Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenail surgery is a common procedure used to treat toenails that grow into the surrounding skin and cause pain, swelling, and infection. This problem usually affects the big toe and can make wearing shoes or walking very uncomfortable. Common causes include trimming toenails too short, cutting the corners too deeply, and wearing tight-fitting shoes. Some people have naturally curved toenails that are more likely to grow into the skin. An ingrown toenail can also develop after a toe injury or repeated pressure from sports and other activities, like running. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and drainage from the skin around the nail. In more serious cases, the area can become infected and produce swelling or pus.

When the condition keeps returning or becomes infected, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove part of the nail. In severe cases, the entire nail may need to be removed. Before the procedure begins, the toe is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. This helps prevent pain during surgery. The podiatrist then removes the section of nail pressing into the skin. In some cases, the area that causes the nail to regrow is treated so the problem is less likely to return. This procedure is usually completed in a short office visit.

After surgery, the toe is covered with a bandage and should be kept clean and protected. People are often advised to wear loose-fitting shoes and limit pressure on the toe while healing. Mild soreness and redness can occur for a short time after the procedure. Following aftercare instructions carefully can help lower the risk of infection and support proper healing. Ingrown toenail surgery is generally safe and can provide long-term relief from pain and repeated infections. If you are undergoing surgery for an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. 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 offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How Athlete's Foot Is Evaluated

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet, often causing itching, peeling, cracking, redness, or burning between the toes or along the soles. Because other skin conditions can look similar, proper evaluation is important before treatment begins. A podiatrist will examine the appearance, location, and severity of the skin changes while asking about symptoms, duration, footwear habits, moisture exposure, and previous episodes. In some cases, a small skin sample may be collected to help confirm whether fungus is present, and rule out other causes such as eczema or psoriasis. Evaluation also includes checking for skin breakdown, secondary infection, or nail involvement, which can complicate treatment. Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening discomfort and spread to other areas. If you have persistent foot itching, scaling, or painful skin changes, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an assessment and appropriate treatment. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

  • Thoroughly washing and drying feet
  • Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
  • Using shower shoes in public showers
  • Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
  • Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Let the Expert Treat Your Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can be painful and can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable. Seek professional help if you believe you've developed an ingrown toenail and be treated safely. 

Nails That Change Color and Texture

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect one or several toenails. The condition often begins with a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and may gradually spread deeper into the nail. As the infection progresses, the nail may become thickened, brittle, crumbly, or distorted in shape. Some nails appear yellow, brown, or cloudy, and there may be an unpleasant odor. Toenail fungus can develop from walking barefoot in damp public areas, wearing tight shoes, sweating excessively, or having small cracks in the nail or skin that allow fungi to enter. People with diabetes or circulation problems may be at greater risk. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection by examining the nail and may take a small sample for testing. Treatment options include topical medications, oral antifungal medicine, and debridement to reduce thickness and discomfort. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our doctors of New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Ankle Sprains Commonly Seen in Volleyball Players

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in volleyball. The main causes are repeated jumping, sudden direction changes, and awkward landings near the net. The sprain often occurs when the foot rolls inward and stretches or tears the ligaments that support the ankle. Symptoms are immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or placing weight on the foot. The ankle can feel weak, unstable, or stiff, especially during side-to-side movement. In some cases, a popping sensation is felt at the moment of injury. Volleyball players are at higher risk when playing on uneven surfaces, landing on another player’s foot, or returning to sports too quickly after a previous sprain. A podiatrist can examine the ankle, evaluate ligament damage, and determine whether imaging studies are needed to rule out fractures or more serious injuries. Treatment may include bracing, activity modification, or therapies designed to restore stability and reduce pain. If you have sprained your ankle from playing volleyball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our doctors from New Jersey and New York. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Little Silver, NJ and New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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