Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.
Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that can affect the feet and ankles. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, causing ongoing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints and gradually change foot function. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are common symptoms. Stiffness may be especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting. Tenderness can make walking and daily activities uncomfortable.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints, tendons, and other structures that support the foot and ankle. Inflammation may make movement uncomfortable and gradually contribute to joint damage or changes in foot shape. Important risk factors include having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to certain environmental triggers. Smoking is another recognized risk factor. Women are diagnosed more often than men. These factors can increase susceptibility.
When rheumatoid arthritis affects the feet, a podiatrist will review symptoms and examine the feet and ankles. The evaluation may include checking joint movement, swelling, and walking patterns. Imaging tests may be recommended to assess joint damage. Blood testing may also be part of the medical evaluation, although a podiatrist may coordinate with a rheumatologist. Treatment can include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and bracing to improve comfort. Early care can help protect comfort, mobility, and function.
Managing rheumatoid arthritis often requires ongoing care because symptoms can change over time. A podiatrist can monitor foot and ankle health and address painful joints or pressure areas. Taking symptoms seriously can help prevent foot problems from becoming more limiting over time. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.
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 Deepa Diaram, DPM of Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner 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
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 Seaford, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel pain can make simple activities such as walking or standing uncomfortable. Several conditions can cause pain beneath or around the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated, and this strong band of tissue supports the foot arch. A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop near the heel bone. Calcaneal apophysitis, also called Sever’s disease, affects growing children when the heel growth plate becomes irritated. Each condition has different causes.
Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain beneath the heel, especially with the first steps after waking. Long periods of standing can increase discomfort. Risk factors include increased activity, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive footwear. A heel spur may cause localized tenderness or aching, although some heel spurs cause no symptoms. Repetitive stress can contribute to spur development. Calcaneal apophysitis commonly causes heel pain in active children, as running and jumping can make symptoms worse. Growth spurts can increase irritation around the heel.
A podiatrist can determine which condition is causing heel pain. The examination may include checking the heel, arch, and walking pattern. Imaging may be recommended when a heel spur, fracture, or other problem needs evaluation. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, and may include wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or medication guidance. Children with calcaneal apophysitis may need temporary limits on activities that increase heel pain. Follow-up visits can help monitor improvement and adjust treatment.
Heel pain should not automatically be blamed on plantar fasciitis. Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment varies between conditions. Wearing supportive footwear and avoiding sudden increases in activity may help reduce strain. Children should have properly-fitted shoes during sports and everyday activities. Persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking deserves attention. Early treatment can improve comfort and help prevent symptoms from interfering with daily life. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Deepa Diaram, DPM of Nanticoke Foot and Ankle. Our practitioner 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?
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 feel free to contact our office located in Seaford, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
