Items filtered by date: March 2025

Ingrown toenail surgery is a procedure performed to relieve pain and prevent infection caused by a toenail growing into the surrounding skin. The procedure involves numbing the toe with a local anesthetic before carefully removing the affected portion of the nail. In some cases, the nail matrix is treated to prevent regrowth in the problematic area. Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments fail or when there is recurring pain, swelling, or infection. Common reasons for this condition include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, and genetic predisposition. The benefits of surgery include long-term relief from pain, reduced risk of infection, and improved nail appearance. Healing typically occurs within a few weeks with proper care. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The condition of your feet can provide important clues about your overall health. Cold feet may indicate poor circulation, which can be a sign of conditions like peripheral artery disease or diabetes. Persistent foot pain that does not improve with rest may suggest arthritis, nerve damage, or an underlying structural issue. Changes in the nails, including discoloration, thickening, or brittleness, can be linked to fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, or even thyroid disorders. Additionally, burning foot pain may be a symptom of nerve damage, often associated with diabetes or vitamin B deficiency. Paying attention to these signs and seeking medical advice when necessary can help detect health issues early. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and determine if it is an indicator of additional health issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

As people age, they become more prone to foot problems that can affect mobility and comfort. Bunions are a common issue, where the big toe shifts inward, causing a bony bump that leads to pain and difficulty wearing shoes. Arthritis often develops in the foot joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort during movement. Corns form due to repeated pressure or friction, creating thickened areas of skin that can become painful. Additionally, heel pain, often caused by plantar fasciitis or thinning fat pads, makes walking uncomfortable. These conditions can result from years of wear and tear, poor footwear choices, or underlying medical issues. If you are elderly and have pain in any area of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat various foot conditions.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Plantar fasciitis results when the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to heel pain and stiffness. Stretching exercises can help relieve this discomfort by improving flexibility and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. A calf stretch can be done by placing both hands against a wall, stepping one foot back, and pressing the heel into the ground while bending the front knee. Holding this position helps lengthen the Achilles tendon and ease tension in the foot. A stair stretch involves standing on a step with the heels hanging off the edge, then gently lowering them to stretch the back of the foot and ankle. A seated foot stretch can be performed by grasping the toes and pulling them toward the shin, which targets the arch directly. Using a towel or resistance band around the toes while pulling upward can also stretch the bottom of the foot. If you are experiencing pain in the heel or on the bottom of your foot, it may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, and it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.