Items filtered by date: May 2025

Hammertoe is a deformity where one of the smaller toes bends abnormally at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. This condition often results from muscle or tendon imbalances that cause the toe to remain in a bent position. Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or having an unusually high foot arch. Over time, the toe may become stiff and difficult to move. Symptoms often include pain when wearing shoes, corns or calluses on the top of the toe, and redness or swelling around the joint. The deformity may start as flexible but can become rigid, if not addressed. If you have symptoms of this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. Early recognition and treatment are important to relieve discomfort and prevent further progression that may require more advanced medical or surgical care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM from Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Corns are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to repeated pressure or friction, often from wearing tight shoes or abnormal foot mechanics. Unlike callouses, which are broader and form on weight-bearing areas like the soles, corns are smaller, have a hard center, and typically develop on toes or between them. They can feel like you are walking on a pebble and may become painful, especially when wearing shoes. Common symptoms include a hard or raised bump, tenderness, and soreness in the affected area. Corns may be surrounded by inflamed skin and can sometimes lead to infection if not properly treated. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the corns and recommend appropriate treatment. Options include safe removal of the corn, padding to reduce pressure, custom orthotics to improve foot alignment, and guidance on proper footwear. Addressing the root cause helps prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM of Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma are common foot disorders that cause pain and difficulty walking. A bunion occurs when the big toe deviates from  the smaller toes, creating a bony bump at the base of the joint. A podiatrist can recommend modifying footwear, using orthotic devices, or, in persistent cases, performing surgery to correct the deformity. Plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, often causes heel pain, especially after periods of rest. Treatment includes stretching, wearing supportive footwear, orthotic inserts, or surgery, if symptoms remain after more conservative care. Morton’s neuroma involves thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often leading to burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist may suggest shoe modifications, metatarsal pads, or carefully considered injections. If necessary, surgery may be needed to remove the affected nerve. If you regularly experience foot pain, 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 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.

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 Edgewater Port Orange . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot problems in the elderly are often worsened by aging-related changes and chronic conditions. Poor circulation is a common issue, reducing blood flow to the feet and causing symptoms like coldness, swelling, and slow-healing wounds. Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, can lead to painful joint stiffness and deformities in the feet, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Decreased pain sensation, often due to nerve damage, means that injuries or infections may go unnoticed, increasing the risk of complications. Diabetes is another significant risk factor, as it can lead to neuropathy, poor circulation, and an increased likelihood of developing ulcers or infections. If you are elderly and have noticed any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can find effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you need your feet checked, contact Christopher Murphy, DPM of Murphy Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery. Our practitioner will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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