An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin on the sides of the nail. This condition can affect people of all ages (even babies). Ingrown toenails can be quite painful and may even become inflamed and infected. Rounding your toenails off when trimming them (rather than cutting them straight across) or cutting them too short can lead to an ingrown toenail. Wearing high heels and improperly fitted shoes that force the toes to squish together can also lead to ingrown toenails. Other possible contributing factors to ingrown toenails include injuries to the toenail, fungal toenail infections, nail deformity, and certain medications which can sometimes cause nail dystrophy. If you develop an ingrown toenail, make an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat your ingrown toenail with a variety of methods, while avoiding possible infection and preventing it from becoming ingrown again.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Research has shown that for every mile walked, there are sixty tons of stress that goes through the foot. Heel pain can indicate a heel spur may have developed and can become worse without proper treatment. It is defined as a bony growth that forms at the base of the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This condition can come from standing on your feet for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some patients find it helpful to practice specific stretching exercises, and this may help them to find mild relief. Additionally, when proper stretches are performed, it may give the foot the ability to have increased range of motion and flexibility. Obese patients may find it beneficial to lose extra pounds and wearing heel pads may provide temporary relief from the heel spur. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat heel spurs. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Anyone who has ever worn high heels can probably attest to the fact that they are generally not the most comfortable shoes in the world. High heels can be damaging to the feet, increasing one’s risk of developing foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes. One type of deformity seen in people who are frequent or daily high heel wearers is a Haglund’s deformity, also known as “pump bump.” This condition occurs when an existing bony deformity that some people have on the back of their heel is irritated by habitual high heel wear. Pump bump can cause heel pain, blisters, bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis. If you are suffering from any type of heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fair Lawn, Riverdale, and Englewood, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many people with diabetes, especially those over 55 years old, develop a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. It affects nerves in the outer portion of the body, rather than in the heart and central core. A common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is a feeling of pins and needles, combined with shooting pain in the feet. You may also feel a loss of balance, lack of coordination, and muscle weakness. In addition, neuropathy may also cause sores on your feet to take a long time to heal. Diabetes is thought to be a major cause of peripheral neuropathy, the result of continual high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves. Other causes include direct injury to the nerves, a viral infection (such as shingles), a side-effect of some medications, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol. If you have diabetes or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, continued monitoring, and treatment specific to your case.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Active Foot and Ankle Care, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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