Blog

The Painful Reality of Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing discomfort and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or hereditary factors. Symptoms often include pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness along the side of the toenail. In more severe cases, there may be drainage or signs of infection, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Visually, the affected area may appear swollen and inflamed, with skin that is red and irritated. A podiatrist can diagnose ingrown toenails through a physical examination and patient history. Treatment options range from conservative care such as soaking, proper nail trimming techniques, and footwear advice, to minor surgical procedures that remove part of the nail to relieve pressure. Early intervention can prevent complications and relieve pain. For a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. 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 Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Ingrown Toenail Care

Running Injuries That Affect the Foot and Ankle

Running places repetitive stress on the feet and ankles, which can lead to overuse injuries if alignment, footwear, or training habits are off. Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon strain, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. These injuries often result from tight muscles, wearing worn-out shoes, or sudden increases in mileage or intensity. Early warning signs include persistent soreness, swelling, or stiffness that worsens with activity. Rest, stretching, and supportive footwear can help relieve mild discomfort, but ongoing pain should be evaluated by a podiatrist. Custom orthotics and gait analysis can correct imbalances and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. Preventing running injuries starts with gradual training progress, proper warm-up routines, and shoes designed for your foot and running type. If pain is keeping you from running comfortably, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Read more about Preventing Running Injuries

Foot Protection for Employees Who Stand All Day

Employees who spend long hours standing at work are at risk of developing chronic fatigue, foot pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. Taking regular rest periods, using anti-fatigue mats, and incorporating sit stand stools can help reduce strain on the feet and legs. Frequent position changes throughout the day also promote better circulation and decrease discomfort. Without proper support, prolonged standing can lead to plantar fasciitis, varicose veins, and joint pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and provide guidance on preventing workplace injuries. If you have foot pain from standing during your work day, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot protection techniques.  

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

Read more about Working on Your Feet

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Possible Reasons Why Hammertoe Develops

Mallet toe is another name for the foot condition that is known as hammertoe. It is an ailment that prevents the toes from straightening out, and they can bend at a downward angle. The toes that are generally affected are the second, third, or fourth toes, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the toes back to a normal position. The reasons many patients develop hammertoe can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, an abnormality in the toe muscles and tendons, or medical conditions such as arthritis. Calluses or corns may form on top of the affected toes, and this can be a result of excess friction that is caused by wearing tight shoes. If you notice the first stages of hammertoe developing, it is strongly suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

  • Painful and/or difficult toe movement
  • Swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Calluses/Corns
  • Physical deformity

Risk Factors

  • Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
  • Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
  • Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
  • Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Read more about What Are Hammertoes?

Connect With Us