Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, profoundly affects the feet, leading to significant discomfort and mobility issues. The inflammation caused by RA targets the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the toes and the balls of the feet. This inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones over time, causing deformities such as hammertoes and bunions. The pain and swelling often make walking difficult and can lead to a reduced range of motion. Additionally, the arches of the feet may flatten, altering gait and balance. Effective management of RA in the feet involves a combination of medications to control inflammation and supportive footwear to reduce pressure on affected areas. If you have pain in your feet and toes, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and help you manage RA or whatever might be going on.
Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.
Symptoms
Swelling and pain in the feet
Stiffness in the feet
Pain on the ball or sole of feet
Joint shift and deformation
Diagnosis
Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sever's disease, a common cause of heel pain in growing children, involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. This condition occurs during periods of rapid growth, typically affecting active children aged eight to 14. The growth plate, or epiphyseal plate, is an area of developing cartilage tissue at the end of long bones. In Sever's disease, repetitive stress from activities like running and jumping causes inflammation and pain in the heel. Factors such as tight calf muscles, flat feet, or high arches can worsen the condition by increasing tension on the growth plate. Understanding the anatomy of the growing heel and the mechanical stresses involved is vital for identifying and managing Sever's disease. Rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive footwear are effective measures to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Foot blisters in children often stem from friction caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes or excessive moisture buildup. Improperly sized footwear can rub against delicate skin, leading to painful blisters. Prolonged periods of activity, especially in hot or humid conditions, can also exacerbate the problem by increasing sweat production, which softens the skin and heightens friction. Additionally, wearing socks made from non-breathable materials can contribute to moisture accumulation, creating a conducive environment for blister formation. To prevent these discomforts, it is vital to ensure that children wear properly fitted shoes with ample room for their growing feet. Opting for moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics can also help keep feet dry and reduce friction. Encouraging breaks during physical activities and teaching children to recognize early signs of discomfort can prompt timely adjustments, preventing blisters from worsening. If your child has a foot blister that has become infected, or if recurring blisters develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention tips.
Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
How Do Blisters Form?
Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.
Prevention & Treatment
It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Experiencing a type of foot pain that feels like pins and needles in your feet can be quite disconcerting. This prickling, tingling, or numb sensation occurs when the nerves in your feet are deprived of adequate blood supply. It commonly happens when pressure is exerted on the feet, such as from sitting or sleeping in an awkward position. While this sensation typically subsides once you adjust your posture and restore blood flow, persistent or recurrent episodes may indicate an underlying issue that warrants attention. Diabetes, Raynaud's phenomenon, hyperventilation, sciatica, or multiple sclerosis can contribute to the onset of pins and needles. A podiatrist can perform tests to find out what is causing this tingling sensation by identifying the root cause of your symptoms. With their expertise, a podiatrist can then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Some lifestyle adjustments or medication may be suggested. Do not let persistent pins and needles disrupt your daily life. If this applies to you, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and effective management of your foot discomfort.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot and Ankle Centers, Inc.. Our doctors 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)
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 office located in Clovis, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
