Items filtered by date: May 2024
We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain
Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Foot Health
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing swelling, pain, and potentially severe joint damage. This can cause problems in any of the 30 foot joints, but it most commonly affects the toes and ankles. RA can also lead to deformities such as bunions, claw toes, or severe flattening of the foot, as well as pain and difficulty walking. Chronic inflammation can weaken the ligaments and tendons in the foot, leading to instability and increased risk of injury. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can help manage RA-related foot issues by providing targeted treatments. Among them are orthotics to support the joints, advice on proper footwear to reduce stress on the affected areas, and exercises to maintain joint function and mobility. They also monitor for changes or deterioration in foot health that might require more aggressive interventions, including injections or surgery. If you’re a rheumatoid arthritis patient with problems in the feet and ankles, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team.
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 Robert Dunne, DPM of Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 offices located in Melbourne and Palm Bay, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
How to Find Your Running Solemate
Choosing the right pair of running shoes is vital for runners of all levels, as it can impact performance and prevent injuries. Understanding the different categories of running shoes can help you find the perfect fit for your needs. First, there are neutral shoes, designed for runners with normal arches who require cushioning and support. Then, stability shoes are ideal for runners with mild to moderate overpronation, providing additional support to help stabilize the foot. For those with severe overpronation or flat feet, motion control shoes offer maximum stability and control to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Additionally, minimalist shoes provide a barefoot-like experience, promoting a natural running gait and strengthening foot muscles. Finally, maximalist shoes feature extra cushioning to absorb impact, making them suitable for long distance runners or those prone to joint pain. By understanding these categories and considering factors, such as foot type and running style, you can find the perfect pair of running shoes to support your fitness goals. If you have developed foot conditions from wearing the wrong type of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat your specific foot ailment, and guide you on the right type of running shoes to purchase.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Robert Dunne, DPM from Lake Washington Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
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.
