Hammertoe is a condition in which a toe bends at the middle joint, causing it to look like a hammer. Hammertoe is often caused by muscle imbalance that leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. If conservative treatment measures do not help, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct the deformity. The type of procedure depends on the flexibility of the toe. If the toe is still movable, a tendon transfer can help straighten it by repositioning tendons. For a rigid hammertoe, joint resection involves removing a small section of bone to allow the toe to extend. Joint fusion surgery permanently realigns the toe by securing the bones together with pins or screws until they heal. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, with recovery taking several weeks. Swelling can last for months, but pain generally recedes early in the healing process. Possible risks include infection, nerve damage, or recurrence of the deformity. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ball of the foot pain, medically known as metatarsalgia, often develops gradually and affects the area between the arch and toes, particularly around the metatarsal bones. Common symptoms of ball of the foot pain include a sharp, burning pain or the sensation of stepping on small stones. Some patients also experience numbness or tingling in the toes. Symptoms typically intensify with prolonged standing, walking, running, or when participating in high-impact sports like jumping. Wearing ill-fitting footwear, especially shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack proper cushioning, can significantly contribute to discomfort. High heels frequently shift extra weight onto the front of the foot, further aggravating symptoms. Additionally, foot abnormalities such as high arches, longer second toes, bunions, or hammertoes increase susceptibility. For persistent discomfort, a podiatrist can assess your condition, perform diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans, and provide customized treatment options, potentially including orthotics or surgery. If you experience ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is a common issue that can result from various conditions affecting the foot. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the ligament running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing sharp pain, especially in the morning. A heel spur, often associated with plantar fasciitis, is a bony growth that develops on the heel bone, leading to additional discomfort. Bursitis, the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near the heel, can also contribute to pain. Another condition known as pump bump results from the irritation of the heel caused by wearing tight shoes, particularly high heels. Additionally, Achilles tendonitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can cause pain at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.