Items filtered by date: September 2025
The Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail
There are various reasons why patients can develop an ingrown toenail. These can include incorrectly trimming the toenails, genetic predisposition, and wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Many patients have symptoms such as redness and tenderness surrounding the ingrown toenail, and an infected toe may cause pus to drain from it. Mild relief may be found when the foot is soaked in warm water, and it may help to wear larger shoes. The feet can feel better when they are clean and dry, and it may help to apply an antibacterial ointment. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.
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
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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.
Checking Newborn Feet and What Doctors Look For

When a baby is born, their tiny feet are carefully examined as part of a routine health check. Doctors and nurses look at the shape, position, and movement of the feet to be sure they are developing normally. They gently flex and rotate the feet, check the toes, and make sure the joints and bones feel stable. Since newborns’ feet are soft and flexible, early checks are important for spotting concerns that could affect their ability to walk later on. Some common conditions may be noticed during this exam. Clubfoot, where the foot turns inward, is one example. Another is flatfoot, which is normal in infants, but can occasionally need monitoring. Extra toes, webbing between toes, or differences in leg length may also be seen. Detecting these conditions early gives parents the best chance to address them with stretching, special shoes, or more advanced treatment as needed. If you have questions about your baby’s feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for guidance and reassurance.
Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.
Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.
What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?
A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.
What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?
Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:
- Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
- Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
- Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
- Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
- Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
- Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.
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.
Cracked Heels and Help From a Podiatrist

Cracked heels are a common foot problem that occurs when the skin surrounding the heel becomes dry, hard, and thickened, often due to pressure, lack of moisture, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include rough patches of skin on the heel edge that may split and cause pain. In severe cases, the cracks can deepen and become infected, sometimes leading to cellulitis, which requires medical attention. A podiatrist can help by safely removing thickened skin, providing moisturization plans, recommending footwear to reduce pressure, and addressing any underlying conditions. If cracked heels are left untreated they may worsen over time. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribed medication.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
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.
Ingrown Toenails in Children and Podiatric Care

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. In children, common causes include injury to the toe, rapid growth spurts, abnormal foot mechanics, improper nail trimming, or wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. These factors can increase pressure on the nail and surrounding tissue, making ingrown toenails more likely. Symptoms may include redness, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty while walking or wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, provide safe and effective treatments, and offer guidance on proper nail care and footwear choices to prevent recurrence. If your child has an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist appointment for expert pediatric foot care.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, 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.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
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.
Heel Pain Can Be Treated!
Foot and Ankle Injuries From Cycling

Cycling places repetitive stress on the feet and ankles, making them prone to overuse injuries that develop gradually from constant pedaling. The pressure transferred through the pedals can lead to Achilles tendinitis. As this tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated from overuse or poor technique, pain erupts at the back of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is another frequent problem for cyclers, with sharp heel pain developing from irritation of the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot. Numbness in the toes or top of the foot may occur due to nerve compression from tight shoes or improper cleat placement. Pain in the ball of the foot can also result from repeated pushing pressure during long rides. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain from cycling , recommend footwear adjustments, prescribe custom orthotics, or discuss surgery when necessary. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from cycling, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation appropriate and treatment.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, 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.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Ankle Sprains
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
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.

