Items filtered by date: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that often attacks the feet and ankles first. This type of arthritis comes from the immune system attacking joint linings and weakening ligaments. It can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity, and it can impact balance and mobility making it hard to stand or walk safely.  Nodules or lumps on the feet can rub against shoes when walking and hammertoes or bunions can develop. This type of arthritis is three times more apt to affect women than men. As the disease progresses, the joint damage can become so severe that there is a complete loss of joint function and joint-replacement surgery is necessary. If you are suffering from the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for suggestions on how to live life more comfortably.

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 Redwood Podiatry Group. 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 offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Each of these types of arthritis can affect the joints in the feet, ankles, and toes. Arthritis that affects the lower extremities can limit the range of joint motion and sometimes make it difficult to walk. Pain is a common symptom of all types of arthritis. Arthritis cannot be cured but relief can often be found. Such relief can come from wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, doing stretching and strengthening exercises, and rest. If you suffer from arthritis and it is causing you chronic pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to see what other help may be available to you.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

There is a narrow passageway that is found inside the ankle and is connected by soft tissue and bone. This is known as the tarsal tunnel, and the posterior tibial nerve is located within this area. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop if this nerve becomes damaged, and may happen if there is consistent pressure. The symptoms that patients notice are sharp pain, and a tingling or burning sensation. There may be existing medical conditions that may lead to the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These can consist of having flat feet, diabetes, or inflammation from arthritis. A proper diagnosis consists of having a Tinel’s sign test performed. This is done by pressing the affected nerve with the intention of triggering symptoms that represent tarsal tunnel syndrome. Resting the foot can bring temporary relief, and it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer options for permanent relief.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

A plantar fibroma is a ball of fibrous tissue that develops in the arch of the foot. Though plantar fibromas are benign, they can cause a great deal of pain and interfere with walking and standing. Interestingly, these happen in males more often than females and in middle aged versus older people. When several fibromas develop in the feet, it is called plantar fibromatosis. Pain can worsen as fibromas become larger, from wearing shoes that are too tight, from walking barefoot, or from standing too long. These lumps have no known cause, but may be genetic. They are more common in those of Northern European heritage and less common in Asians. Some experts think trauma and repetitive injuries to the feet may be involved in the development of plantar fibromas. Medical conditions, such as liver disease and diabetes, and lifestyle factors, including alcohol abuse, might also contribute to, but not cause, formation of plantar fibromas. Also, certain medications and supplements are associated with this condition. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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