Foot pain can affect people of all ages and make everyday activities more difficult. Because the feet support the body's weight and absorb impact with every step, discomfort can interfere with walking, working, and exercise. Foot pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually. Common causes include arthritis, nerve problems, and overuse injuries. Some people experience aching, burning, or sharp pain. Others notice swelling, stiffness, or tenderness that limits normal movement. The location of the pain may vary depending on the underlying condition, making a professional evaluation important for identifying the cause and recommending the most appropriate treatment.

The feet contain many bones, joints, and muscles that work together to provide stability and movement. When one structure is injured or not functioning properly, it can affect the way the entire foot moves. Ongoing foot pain may cause a person to change the way they walk, placing additional stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. This altered movement may also contribute to discomfort in the lower back. A thorough examination helps determine whether symptoms are related to inflammation, joint dysfunction, or another underlying condition. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the problem worsens and affects long-term mobility.

A podiatrist is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the feet and ankles. During an evaluation, the podiatrist examines foot structure, walking patterns, and joint function to identify the source of the pain. Treatment is personalized and focuses on improving mobility, relieving discomfort, and restoring healthy foot function. Early podiatry care may also help prevent additional strain on nearby joints and reduce the risk of future complications. If foot pain is limiting your daily activities or making it uncomfortable to walk, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is an infection that changes the appearance and strength of the nail. It usually begins at the edge of the nail and slowly spreads deeper. The affected nail can become yellow, white, or brown. It may also become thicker, brittle, or crumbly, making it harder to trim. In some cases, the nail can lift away from the skin underneath. Although the infection is not always painful at first, discomfort can develop as the nail thickens. Toenail fungus usually affects the big toe, but it can spread to other toenails. Because the infection rarely clears on its own, early evaluation by a podiatrist helps prevent it from becoming more difficult to treat.

Warm, damp environments allow fungus to grow more easily. People are at greater risk if they have athlete’s foot, damaged nails, or certain long-term health conditions like diabetes. Spending long periods of time in shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty can also increase the chance of infection. A podiatrist examines the nail and may take a small sample to confirm that fungus is causing the problem before recommending treatment. This step helps identify the infection correctly because other nail conditions can look similar. An accurate diagnosis also helps guide the most effective treatment plan.

A podiatrist creates a treatment plan based on the severity of the infection and the condition of the nail. Treatment includes prescription antifungal medicine, medicated nail lacquer, and professional nail care. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor healthy nail growth and adjust treatment when necessary. Early treatment helps reduce the chance of the infection spreading to other nails and improves the opportunity for a healthier-looking nail to grow back. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Scott Amoss, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Bunions are bony bumps that develop at the base of the big toe, while the joint gradually shifts out of its normal position. As the big toe moves toward the smaller toes, the joint becomes more prominent and may become painful over time. Bunions often develop slowly and may be influenced by inherited foot structure, arthritis, or long-term pressure on the joint. As the deformity progresses, walking and wearing shoes can become increasingly uncomfortable. The skin over the bunion may become irritated, and the surrounding joint may lose flexibility. Because bunions tend to worsen without proper care, a professional evaluation is important to determine the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment. Early podiatry care may also help preserve joint function and reduce discomfort.

Symptoms of a bunion vary depending on its size and progression. Many people experience pain, swelling, or redness around the base of the big toe. Others notice stiffness or difficulty bending the toe during walking. As the joint changes shape, shoes may fit poorly and place additional pressure on the affected area. Some individuals also develop corns or calluses because the toes begin rubbing against one another. Ongoing discomfort can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities. Identifying the problem early allows treatment to begin before the deformity continues to progress and affects overall foot function.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions and other foot conditions that affect mobility. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates the alignment of the foot, reviews symptoms, and determines the extent of the bunion before creating an individualized treatment plan. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, improving joint function, and slowing further changes to the affected joint whenever possible. Early podiatry care may also help patients remain active and improve overall foot health. If you are experiencing bunion pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Scott Amoss, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Deciding on ankle fusion surgery is a major step for people who live with severe ankle pain that affects daily activities. This procedure is usually considered when other forms of treatment no longer provide enough relief. Ankle fusion surgery joins two or more bones in the ankle so they heal into one solid structure. By preventing painful movement in the joint, the surgery can reduce discomfort and improve stability. People with advanced arthritis, serious ankle injuries, or long-term joint damage are often candidates for this procedure. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition of the ankle, review symptoms, and determine whether surgery is an appropriate option. Careful testing and imaging studies help identify the extent of joint damage and guide treatment decisions.

One of the main benefits of ankle fusion surgery is long-lasting pain relief. Many patients find it easier to stand, walk, and complete daily tasks after recovery. The procedure can also improve ankle stability and reduce the risk of the joint giving way. However, ankle fusion limits movement because the bones no longer bend at the fused area. Some people notice changes in the way they walk. Others place more stress on nearby joints. A podiatrist can explain how these changes might affect specific activities. Understanding both the advantages and possible drawbacks helps patients make informed decisions about surgery. 

The decision to undergo ankle fusion surgery depends on several factors. These include pain severity, joint damage, and personal activity goals. Age and overall health are also important considerations. A podiatrist will discuss expected results, recovery time, and potential risks before recommending surgery. The goal is to improve quality of life while reducing chronic pain. Every patient is different, so treatment plans should be based on individual needs and medical findings. If you have severe or chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if fusion surgery is right for you.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Scott Amoss, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Whiting and Toms River, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.