Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, and it is characterized by joint pain, inflammation, and damage. RA, like other kinds of arthritis, is progressive, which means that symptoms will gradually get worse over time if left untreated. So, how do you know if you might be developing RA in your feet? While a podiatrist can certainly provide you with a definitive diagnosis, here are some telltale signs of rheumatoid arthritis.- You experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints of the foot, particularly the toes
- You experience aching feet, particularly after activity or long periods of standing
- Some parts of your foot may feel oddly warm to the touch or may emanate heat while the rest of the foot feels normal
- The joints of the toes and ankles may swell
What does RA do to the feet and ankles?
Along with painful joints and stiffness, you may also notice other changes to your feet over time. Some of these changes include,
- Bunions
- Corns
- Hammertoes and claw toes
- Bursitis
- Circulation issues (e.g. atherosclerosis; Raynaud’s phenomena)
Since RA is not curable, your podiatrist will focus on crafting a treatment plan that will help to alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease to prevent severe and irreparable joint damage. Prescription medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are biologics that can reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of the disease.
Of course, there are also lifestyle changes you can make along with taking prescription medication that can also ease symptoms,
- Warm soaks
- Custom insoles or orthotics
- Pain relievers
- Compression
- Stretching exercises for the feet
- Bracing
- Steroid injections (for targeting severe inflammation)
Most people with RA will eventually develop foot and ankle problems, which is why it’s important to have a podiatrist on your team that can help you manage your RA effectively.
Here’s what you can do to prevent foot pain caused by high arches.If you have high arches, you may notice them but not experience any problems; however, those with high arches bear more weight on the balls and heels of the feet. Over time, you may develop corns, calluses, hammertoes, painful calf muscles, or foot pain. If you have high arches, a podiatrist can provide you with a variety of ways to support your feet to prevent these problems.
Consider wearing custom orthotics
Orthotics are special devices that are placed inside the shoes to improve stability and to cushion the foot. These devices can reduce shock absorption while standing, walking, or running. While there are over-the-counter orthotics that you can buy, they aren’t specifically designed to fit your feet or treat the issues you’re dealing with.
A podiatrist can provide you with custom-fitted orthotics that can help to support the arches of your feet and distribute weight more evenly among the foot to prevent heel pain and pain in the ball of the foot.
Wear shoes that support your feet
You must be also wearing shoes that can accommodate your high arches, especially if you are on your feet most of the day or participate in physical activities. Those with high arches are prone to stress fractures and ankle sprains, and you must consider shoes that have,
- A high top that can cushion and support the ankles
- A spacious toe box that won’t put pressure on the toes or cause irritation to preexisting deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
- A midsole that has added cushioning to reduce pressure
- A high-abrasion rubber outsole that will provide more durability (especially important for running shoes and athletic footwear)
Talk to your podiatrist about bracing
In some cases, your podiatrist may also recommend bracing the feet and ankles to help stabilize them and provide additional support. If your podiatrist has told you that you also have a drop foot, which means that you have trouble lifting the front of your foot, then bracing may also be a great way to manage this problem and provide a more natural and comfortable gait when walking.
While high arches alone aren’t a cause for concern it can be good to know about potential issues that it can cause along the way so you can take the necessary precautions now to protect your feet. If you are dealing with foot pain or other problems, a podiatrist can help.
Bunions are a bony protrusion on the side of the foot that develops when the joint of the large toe slips out of place. Bunions can cause extensive pain and discomfort as they become inflamed and irritated from rubbing against the interior of the shoes. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent painful bunions. At the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut in Plainville, Danbury and New Milford, CT, we can help with bunion treatment and prevention, where Dr. Joseph Treadwell, Dr. Christian Davis, or Dr. Rihamary Jimenez can develop an individualized plan for you.
Cause of Bunions
Bunions are caused by the dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is the joint connecting the big toe to the rest of the foot. The joint can become dislocated due to injury, a medical condition such as arthritis, or a foot deformity. It is also possible for bunions to develop as a result of wearing narrow, tight-fitting shoes regularly.
When the joint becomes dislocated it causes the big toe to slant toward the smaller toes, which causes the joint to stick out at the side of the foot. This bony protrusion is referred to as a bunion. Since they stick out, bunions tend to rub against the inside of the shoes. The friction produced from the constant rubbing throughout the day can cause the area to become inflamed and irritated, which often results in pain and discomfort.
Preventing Bunions
Bunions can be prevented by taking certain measures to protect the feet. Our skilled podiatrists can help with bunion prevention in several ways. They can have custom orthotics created for you, which are worn inside the shoes to provide additional cushioning and support. Custom orthotics also help by correcting an irregular step pattern that could be putting a strain on the metatarsophalangeal toe joint.
Our podiatry professionals can also recommend specific exercises for strengthening the feet and improving joint functioning to help prevent bunions. In general, simply wearing supportive footwear with a low heel and adequate room in the toe box can reduce the possibility of developing painful bunions. Shoes that are narrow, pointy, too tight, or have an extremely high heel can cause the toes to be cramped together, which can result in dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Treatment for Bunions
When bunions have not been prevented, several options are available for treating them. Once they develop, bunions will not go away on their own so it is essential to seek medical treatment. Left untreated, bunions can lead to other foot problems, such as the development of hammertoe. Bunion treatments include:
- Custom orthotics to stabilize the toe joint
- Protective padding in the shoes to reduce friction
- Removal of corns or calluses on the feet
- Foot exercises to improve joint functioning
- The use of a splint to realign the toe joint
- Surgical realignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint
- Surgical removal of the bunions
It is possible to prevent painful bunions from developing, but treatments are available when needed. We can help with both the treatment and prevention of bunions at one of our offices in Plainville, Danbury or New Milford, CT and serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield and Ridgefield, CT, areas. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Treadwell, Dr. Davis, or Dr. Jimenez, call the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut in Danbury, CT at (203) 748-2220, New Milford, CT (860) 355-3139, and Plainville, CT (860) 747-2200.
Are you dealing with numbness, tingling, or muscle cramps in your feet? If so, you could be dealing with poor circulation. Your feet must be getting proper blood flow, as this can provide the tissue with the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, as we get older, we’re more likely to deal with poor circulation. If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation in your feet, you must seek podiatry care from a qualified foot doctor.Do I really have poor circulation in my feet?
It isn’t always easy to notice the warning signs of bad circulation. After all, it’s normal to feel a lack of sensation in your feet during cold winter days or to notice some aching and tiredness when standing for long periods of time; however, signs of poor circulation in the feet include:
- A “pins and needles” sensation in your feet
- Changes in the color of your feet
- Swelling
- Cold feet
- Heaviness
- Pain
- Numbness or tingling
What causes poor circulation in the feet?
There are many reasons that people may develop poor circulation in their feet as they get older. Some causes can’t be helped but others are due to health conditions or bad habits. Causes of poor circulation include:
- Age: As we get older most people will deal with some degree of decreased blood flow.
- Inactive lifestyle: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle you are more likely to deal with blood flow issues, especially as you get older. We see this most often in seniors who have mobility issues and can’t stay active.
- Overweight or obese: Being overweight or obese also puts a lot of stress on the body, causing the heart to work harder to pump out blood to the rest of the body including the feet.
- Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow, which makes it more difficult for blood to reach the feet. Smoking can also increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk for inflammation, poor circulation, and even nerve damage in the feet (known as neuropathy). You must work with your doctor and a podiatrist to control your blood sugar to reduce your risk.
A sesamoid is a bone that connects to a tendon or muscle instead of another bone. The most common sesamoids are the patella (kneecap) and two bones found under the forefoot. The sesamoids in the foot help to provide the foot with weight-bearing support. Unfortunately, just like another bone, sesamoids can fracture or become inflamed. An inflamed sesamoid is known as sesamoiditis and it’s most often found in athletes.- Pain at the ball of the foot near the big toe
- Pain when bending or straightening the big toe
- Swelling
- Pain that comes up gradually
How is sesamoiditis treated?
The good news is that this inflammatory condition can be treated with rest and home care designed to ease the inflamed tendon or muscle. At-home care for sesamoiditis looks like:
- Avoiding any activities that put pressure on the foot
- Taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
- Wearing supportive shoes with ample cushioning
- Applying ice to the foot for 10-15 minutes every few hours
- Avoiding shoes with pointed toes or high heels
If you are experiencing severe or persistent foot pain, you must seek podiatry care from a qualified foot and ankle specialist. Foot pain should not go ignored. Call your podiatrist today.
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