Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC

Tailor’s bunions are a variation of bunions and are usually located on the outside of your feet and under your smallest toe. Like regular bunions, tailor’s bunions rub against your shoes and can create redness and swelling on your feet. The common cause of tailor’s bunions are usually by hereditary mechanical issues on your feet and can worsen when you wear shoes that are narrow, unsupportive and high heeled. The bunions can also be caused by bone spurs. Treating tailor’s bunions depends on the severity of the bunion and the cause. Treatment options can include surgery, injections, padding, custom orthotics for your feet, and different footwear. We advise patients who have bunions to make an appointment so we can assess the seriousness of the bunion and begin treatment. If the non-surgical treatment options don’t work than surgery may be necessary. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry is located in two locations in NJ. Our Mercerville, NJ office can be contacted at 609-585-3200. The Tom River, NJ off...

Custom foot orthotics are specifically designed to help with issues you have in regards to walking and foot alignment. Foot orthotics are custom fit and fit perfectly in your shoe to the bones in your feet and your ankles. The orthotics provide stress relief on your feet provide extra support since your feet are responsible for balancing 98% of your body to relieve stress from the rest of your body. Y The benefits to foot orthotics include support for your arches, even weight distribution, and cushion for your feet. If your feet are in constant pain after walking or physical activity, our doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry encourages you to get custom foot orthotics. While you can get basic shoe orthotics from your local sporting goods stores, they are not as effective and don’t fit perfectly for your feet. We advise all of our patients to only use custom orthotics made to fit your shoe and your feet perfectly. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry is located in two locations in NJ. Our Mercerville, NJ ...

When you work out regularly you are likely to experience ankle pain eventually. Rolling your ankle during physical activity is common and can cause ankle sprains and strains. Many people don’t know the difference between the two which are vastly different. A sprain is when there is a stretch or tear of a ligament that stabilizes and supports your body’s joints. The cause of an ankle sprain is direct or indirect trauma that knocks the joint out of position. Symptoms of an ankle sprain includes pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation. An ankle strain is when an injury of a muscle or tendon occurs. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attaches your muscles to your bone. Chronic strains are a result of repeated stress and impact to your muscles and tendons that eventually becomes too much for your body to handle. Symptoms of an ankle strain include pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, swelling, cramping, and inflammation. If you are suffering from ankle pain, please give us a call. ...

Calluses are thick patches of skin that develop on your feet when there is excessive friction and pressure applied. Calluses can become a problem if they are not managed properly. Our doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry encourages wants our patients to visit us if you notice signs any calluses forming. We advise our patients to always wear shoes when they’re outdoors to avoid developing calluses on your feet. Since there are many rough surfaces outdoors, your feet creates calluses that crack and make it painful to walk and wear shoes. To help manage your calluses you can use a variety of products available at the store including foot soaks, pumice stones, and files. Other ways to manage calluses include moisturizing, exfoliation, and pedicures. Remember to wear shoes outdoors and take extra precautions to prevent calluses from developing. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry is located in two locations in NJ. Our Mercerville, NJ office can be contacted at 609-585-3200. The Tom River, NJ office is availa...

Shin splints occur when there is acute pain in your shin and lower leg caused by prolonged running, usually on hard surfaces. It is common to experience shin pain after physical activity including, running, walking, or playing sports. When your shins are inflamed it is extremely painful and can cause throbbing. Shin splints can occur if you have flat feet, weak ankle muscles, not stretching before workouts, and shoes that don’t offer the proper support.  Our doctors at Mercer-Ocean Podiatry in NJ encourages our patients to rest and ice your feet for recovery. Using insoles or orthotics in your shoes can also help to prevent shin splints and aid in recovery. It is extremely important that you let your shin splints heal before returning to physical activity and sports. If you don’t let your shin splints heal properly, you run the risk of permanent damage to your feet. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry is located in two locations in NJ. Our Mercerville, NJ office can be contacted at 609-585-3200. The...

In the summer it gets hot and humid outside which can be unbearable on your body, especially your feet. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, we encourage our patients to do everything they can to keep their feet healthy all summer long. We have some tips for you that can go a long to making sure you’re out by the pool and at the park and not inside with foot pain. It can be easy to forget to put sunscreen on your feet when you have the rest of your body to worry about. The reality is your feet are just as vulnerable to sum damage as the rest of your body. To prevent sunburn on your feet, use sunscreen whenever you are outside with sandals or open shoes on. Other helpful tips for the summer include washing your feet regularly, let your shoes air out, keep your feet moisturized, drink plenty of water, and don’t wear sandals every day. Our doctors know that the summertime is the best time to be outside, which is why we advise our patients to take care of their feet so you can enjoy your summer. Merc...

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body processes glucose. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the nervous system and reduce sensation in your feet. At Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, we encourage our patients who are diabetic to checkup with one of our podiatrists regularly to prevent any long term issues with your feet. With almost 10% of Americans having diabetes, many people are at an increased rate of reduced blood flow in their feet. Reduced blood flow increases your chances of foot injuries going untreated, and the potential for bacterial infections and gangrene. We advise patients who are diabetic to take extra precaution when it comes to managing your diabetes. Remember to check your feet daily, wash your feet daily, moisturize, manage your diabetes, and regularly wiggle your toes and feet for good circulation. If you are diabetic and haven’t had a checkup recently, schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists. Your health is our number one priority! Mercer-Oc...