Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry messages between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are not working properly, people may experience numbness, tingling, burning, or a pins and needles feeling in the feet or toes. In some cases, sensation becomes reduced, making it harder to feel pain, heat, or pressure. This can increase the risk of unnoticed injuries, skin breakdown, or balance issues. Although causes can vary, peripheral neuropathy is often linked to diabetes, circulation problems, certain medications, or nerve compression. Symptoms may develop gradually and worsen over time, if not addressed. Daily foot checks and wearing supportive footwear are important parts of care. Early evaluation helps reduce complications and protect long-term foot health. If changes in sensation, balance, or foot comfort are noticed, it is suggested that a podiatrist provide guidance on evaluation and treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Christopher Murphy, DPM from Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Chefs and servers spend long hours on their feet, making the right shoes essential for comfort, safety, and foot health. Shoes should have a high traction outsole to prevent slips and falls on wet or greasy kitchen floors. Water and oil resistant materials help keep feet dry and protected throughout busy shifts. Supportive and cushioned insoles reduce strain on the arches, heels, and ankles, helping prevent fatigue and long-term pain. Proper size and fit are also important to avoid blisters, pressure points, and discomfort during extended periods of standing or walking. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, gait, and work demands to recommend shoes or custom orthotics that provide stability and comfort. If foot discomfort is affecting your performance in the kitchen or dining area, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to maintain healthy, pain-free feet.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM from Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Edgewater . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. Common causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, repeated trauma, and genetic nail shape. Symptoms often include redness, tenderness, swelling, and, in severe cases, pus or drainage. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, and participation in activities that place pressure on the toes. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to chronic discomfort and infection. A podiatrist can provide safe nail care, remove problematic nail portions, recommend proper trimming techniques, and suggest protective footwear or orthotics to prevent recurrence. Ingrown toenails can be painful. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for partial removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM of Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner 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 Edgewater . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing sudden and intense pain. Although often associated with men, women are also affected, particularly after menopause when changes in hormone levels can increase uric acid levels. Symptoms include swelling, redness, warmth, and sharp pain, most commonly in the big toe or other foot joints. Causes may include genetics, diet, obesity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and decreased mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and provide treatment strategies including medication management, lifestyle guidance, and foot care to prevent flare-ups. If you have pain in the big toe, it  is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM from Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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