Items filtered by date: December 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that affects joints throughout the body including the feet. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. In the feet, RA typically affects the toes, midfoot, and ankles, often leading to deformities such as hammer toes or bunions. Over time, the cartilage in the joints can wear down resulting in limited mobility and increased pain. People with RA may also experience stiffness, especially in the morning, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The inflammation in the feet can worsen with activity making it challenging to wear shoes comfortably. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further damage. Treatment options may include medications and surgery to improve foot function and quality of life. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you manage RA.

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 Huydran Vaughn, DPM of Vaughn Podiatry 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Capsulitis of the foot is an inflammation of the ligament-like capsule surrounding a joint, most commonly affecting the second toe at the ball of the foot. It occurs when excessive pressure or stress causes irritation, often due to improper footwear, abnormal foot mechanics, or activities that involve repetitive forefoot impact. People with high arches, flat feet, or a second toe longer than the big toe are more prone to developing capsulitis. Symptoms include pain under the ball of the foot, swelling, and a sensation of walking on a marble. The second toe may also appear elevated or shift out of alignment. Early treatment is important and includes wearing supportive footwear and avoiding high-impact activities. Surgery is rarely needed to correct the issue. If you have symptoms of capsulitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When choosing between walking and running shoes, there are distinct differences in design to suit each activity. Running shoes typically have more cushioning to absorb the higher impact forces from running. This extra padding helps reduce stress on joints and muscles during long strides and faster movements. Conversely, walking shoes offer less cushioning but more flexibility, as walking involves a smooth, rolling motion with less impact. Another key difference is the heel flare and height. Running shoes often have a higher heel height for better shock absorption, while walking shoes have a more balanced heel that promotes stability. Flexibility is also critical, as running shoes need to be more rigid to support speed and quick changes in direction. Walking shoes are generally more flexible allowing a natural foot movement with each step. If you have injured your foot or ankle from wearing the wrong shoes for your desired activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer treatment tips, and guide you on appropriate shoe choice.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with Huydran Vaughn, DPM from Vaughn Podiatry Center. Our doctor can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.