Items filtered by date: August 2025
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and How a Podiatrist Can Help
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, including those in the foot. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformities that affect mobility and quality of life. Risk factors include family history, gender, age, and smoking. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing symptoms and preventing joint damage. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating rheumatoid arthritis in the foot by providing custom orthotics, managing pain, and monitoring joint health. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience persistent foot pain or stiffness, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.
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 Highlands Foot and Ankle. 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 Waco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Foot Problems From Wearing the Wrong Size Shoes
Knowing your correct shoe size is important for foot comfort and health. To measure at home, place your foot on a piece of paper, mark the tip of the longest toe and the end of the heel, then measure the length. For width, measure across the widest part of your foot. Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, bunions, hammertoes, and arch pain. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot shape, identify pressure points, and recommend proper footwear. If you have developed foot pain from wearing the wrong shoe size, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help guide you toward the right fit and prevent future foot problems.
Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Highlands Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Getting the Right Shoe Size
There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.
- When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
- Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
- Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
- Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
- If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes
As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Waco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
