An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a nail presses into the nearby skin instead of growing forward normally. The big toe is affected most often because it receives considerable pressure inside a shoe. Early signs include tenderness, redness, and swelling along one side of the nail. If bacteria enter the irritated area, drainage or a pocket of pus can appear. Patients with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in the feet face a greater risk of complications. They should have any unusual nail changes examined promptly.

Several factors can cause an ingrown toenail. Cutting a nail too short or rounding its corners can encourage the edge to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can squeeze the toes and increase pressure along the nail borders. A toe injury can also change the way the nail grows. Some patients inherit nails that curve sharply at the sides, making the problem more likely. Without professional care, continued irritation can lead to infection and increased pain. Severe redness, spreading swelling, or drainage requires prompt attention from a podiatrist.

A podiatrist can examine the nail, check for infection, and determine how deeply the edge has entered the skin. Treatment includes carefully trimming, lifting, or removing the troublesome nail section, depending on severity. When an ingrown toenail repeatedly returns, a minor procedure can treat part of the nail-growth area and prevent the same edge from growing back. The podiatrist can also address thick nails and recommend properly fitting shoes with enough room around the toes. Patients with diabetes or circulation problems benefit from professional nail care because small wounds can become serious quickly. Timely treatment eases pressure, protects nearby tissue, and lowers the risk of infection. Surgery is generally reserved for repeated or severe cases. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Gerald Mauriello, DPM of Gerald Mauriello, DPM. 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 offices located in Hackettstown Vernon and Allamuchy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain from sciatica occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed. The pain travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the leg and into the foot. It can affect the ankle or different areas of the foot. Symptoms include burning pain, tingling, and numbness. Some patients also develop muscle weakness that affects balance or makes it harder to lift the front of the foot. The location of the pain depends on which part of the nerve is irritated.

Because sciatica can feel like a foot problem, a careful examination is important. Similar symptoms can result from an injured nerve in the foot and poor circulation or another foot condition. A podiatrist can ask where the pain begins and whether it travels down the leg. The doctor can also test strength, sensation, and reflexes. The way a patient stands and walks can provide further clues. Imaging or nerve tests can help clarify the cause when the examination does not provide enough information. Sudden weakness, loss of bladder control, or numbness around the groin requires immediate medical attention.

A podiatrist can help manage the effects that sciatic nerve pain has on the feet. Custom orthotics can improve foot position and provide better support while walking. A brace can steady the ankle when weakness causes the foot to drag or makes the joint unstable. The podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes that support balance and reduce pressure on painful areas. Regular foot examinations are especially important when numbness makes cuts, blisters, or skin irritation harder to notice. The podiatrist can monitor changes in strength and walking patterns. Surgery is generally reserved for severe cases with serious or worsening nerve problems. If you have foot pain related to sciatica, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated. This tissue connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support the arch. The condition usually causes pain near the bottom of the heel. Discomfort can be especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. Pain can also increase after extended standing or demanding activity.

Several factors can place extra stress on the plantar fascia. Repeated running, prolonged standing, and activities that increase strain on the heel can contribute to irritation. Tight calf muscles can also affect how the foot moves and increase tension on the plantar fascia. Foot structure can play a role as well. Flat feet or high arches can change the way pressure moves through the foot.  Wearing shoes that lack proper support can add stress to the heel and arch, especially when a person spends many hours on hard surfaces.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether plantar fasciitis is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can assess where the pain occurs, how the foot moves, and whether other conditions could be causing discomfort. Imaging can be considered when another source of heel pain is suspected. Treatment can include supportive shoe inserts, prescription orthotics, or a night splint. A podiatrist can also recommend stretching and activity changes based on the patient's condition. More persistent cases can require additional treatment to reduce pain and support healing. Surgery is generally reserved for severe symptoms that do not improve with other forms of care. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM  from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor 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 offices located in Hackettstown Vernon and Allamuchy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A black toenail, medically referred to as a subungual hematoma, develops when blood becomes trapped beneath the nail due to repeated trauma. This condition is especially common among runners who engage in frequent or long-distance training. The constant forward motion of the foot inside a shoe causes the toes to repeatedly strike the front, leading to bruising under the nail. Over time, this repetitive impact can damage the nail bed and result in noticeable discoloration.

Early symptoms often include tenderness, pressure, and mild discomfort in the affected toe. As blood accumulates, the nail may turn shades of dark red, purple, or black. Some individuals experience a throbbing sensation, particularly after running or extended physical activity. In more severe cases, the nail may loosen or eventually fall off. This discomfort can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to maintain a regular training routine without proper care.

The primary cause of a black toenail is repetitive stress linked to running mechanics. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that are too tight or too short, significantly increases pressure on the toes. Activities such as downhill running or sudden stops can force the toes forward, intensifying the impact. Additionally, poor running form and long training sessions without sufficient rest can further contribute to nail damage and irritation.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including long-distance running, wearing improper footwear, and inadequate nail maintenance. Preventive strategies include keeping toenails trimmed, wearing properly fitted running shoes, and choosing moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction. Maintaining proper foot alignment and gradually increasing training intensity can also help minimize stress on the toes. Toe issues can be uncomfortable, and often cause difficulty in running. If toe pain persists, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and prevention guidance.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM of Gerald Mauriello, DPM. 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 offices located in Hackettstown Vernon and Allamuchy, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.