An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. This can cause tenderness that makes walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain along the nail border. In more advanced cases, drainage or infection may develop. Ingrown toenails often occur when nails are trimmed too short or curved at the corners. Wearing tight footwear, repeated toe injuries, and naturally curved nails can also increase the risk. Recognizing the condition early can help prevent worsening irritation.

Stage 1 is the mildest stage, when the nail edge presses against nearby skin and causes discomfort. The area may look red or slightly swollen, especially when shoes rub against the toe. Early care and wearing properly fitting footwear may help reduce irritation, although persistent symptoms indicate the need for professional attention. Avoid digging into the nail corner, since this can injure the skin and increase the risk of infection.

During Stage 2, inflammation becomes more pronounced, with increased swelling and tenderness around the nail. The skin may become warm, and drainage or infection can begin to develop. Stage 3 is the most advanced stage, when ongoing inflammation may cause overgrown tissue around the nail edge. Pain can become persistent, and infection may be more difficult to manage. People with diabetes or poor circulation should seek prompt podiatric care because even minor toe problems can lead to serious complications.

A podiatrist will examine the nail and surrounding skin to determine the stage and check for infection. Treatment may include relieving pressure, carefully removing the ingrown nail edge, or prescribing medication when infection requires it. Recurrent cases may need a minor procedure to remove part of the nail and prevent that edge from growing back. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, making routine foot care important. Nerve damage can reduce the ability to feel pain, heat, or pressure. A small cut or blister may go unnoticed because it causes little discomfort. Reduced blood flow can also slow healing and make infection harder to control. Warning signs include numbness, tingling, and burning pain. Patients may also notice dry skin, calluses, or changes in foot color. Without proper care, a minor injury can develop into a deep wound and lead to serious infection or limb loss.

A podiatrist can examine the feet for skin damage, changes in sensation, and circulation problems. The exam also checks nail health and areas that receive excess pressure. Regular visits allow concerns to be found before they become harder to treat. A podiatrist can safely trim thick toenails and reduce calluses that could irritate the skin. Treatment also includes wound care, infection management, and pressure relief. Custom orthotics can spread weight more evenly across the feet. A podiatrist may recommend properly-fitted shoes that protect sensitive areas and give the toes enough room. These steps can lower the risk of rubbing, blisters, and sores.

Good diabetic foot care depends on recognizing changes early and receiving professional attention promptly. New swelling, warmth, or redness should be evaluated. Cracks, drainage, and open sores also require attention. A wound that does not begin healing deserves prompt care, even when it is painless. The podiatrist can determine how deeply the skin is affected and check whether infection is present. Diagnostic testing can assess blood flow or reveal damage beneath the skin. Care is then planned around the patient's circulation, nerve function, and foot structure. Consistent visits can help protect mobility and reduce the chance of severe complications. If you have foot complications from diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Toe pain can make simple activities, from putting on shoes to climbing stairs, difficult. The toes help support balance and push the body forward when walking. There are many reasons for toe pain. It can follow a stubbed toe, repeated pressure, or an underlying health problem. A sore big-toe joint can be linked to a bunion, arthritis, or gout. Pain in a smaller toe can result from a fracture, hammertoe, or corn. Burning or numbness can point to an irritated nerve. Redness, swelling, and stiffness can also develop, depending on the cause.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can crowd the toes and place pressure on the joints. High heels can shift weight toward the front of the foot and worsen certain problems. Toe pain can also begin after sports, a fall, or repeated impact. Diabetes deserves special attention because nerve damage can reduce feeling in the toes. Patients should seek prompt care for an open wound, a change in skin color, or severe swelling. Sudden intense pain and warmth also require evaluation, especially when there was no clear injury.

A podiatrist can examine the painful toe and assess its movement, shape, and skin. The visit also includes questions about when the pain started and what makes it worse. X-rays can reveal a fracture, arthritis, or changes in bone position. Other imaging or laboratory tests can help when the cause remains unclear. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A podiatrist can provide padding, prescribe custom orthotics, or suggest a medical shoe to reduce pressure. Care can also include treating a corn, protecting an injured toe, or addressing an ingrown toenail. For advanced joint damage or a severe deformity, surgery may be discussed. Early diagnosis can keep a small concern from interfering with balance and daily movement. If you have persistent toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem seen by podiatrists, often affecting the big toe. They occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. The area may be red, swollen, or even infected, sometimes with drainage or overgrown skin. It often feels sore at first, then progresses to sharp pain, throbbing, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, and genetics. A podiatrist can help from the start by properly diagnosing the condition and ruling out infection or other nail disorders. Treatment may begin with gentle nail care and inflammation control, then move into in-office procedures to remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Ongoing care may include prevention guidance, nail correction, or permanent solutions when needed. Early treatment helps prevent infection and ongoing pain. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. Our doctor 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 office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.