Items filtered by date: August 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling. RA commonly affects the feet, with more than 90 percent of those with the condition experiencing foot or ankle involvement. The disease can lead to joint deformities, reduced mobility, and significant discomfort in the feet, impacting a person’s ability to walk and perform daily activities. The burden of RA on the feet can be substantial, leading to difficulties in finding comfortable footwear, increased risk of foot ulcers, and a reduced quality of life. Treatment focuses on managing inflammation and pain, often through a combination of medications, targeted exercises, and lifestyle changes. Orthotic devices or specially designed shoes may be used to alleviate pressure on affected joints. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of RA and preserve foot function, helping patients maintain an active, pain-free life. If you suffer from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis on your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

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 Michael Schwartzman, DPM of Illinois and Indiana . 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 West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can be more than just a temporary inconvenience, especially if it is persistent or linked to activities like sports or standing at work for long periods of time. This pain might actually signal arthritis, an inflammatory condition that becomes more likely as cartilage deteriorates and feet flatten with age or weight gain. Arthritis in the feet often arises from osteoarthritis, which wears down joint cartilage, or from rheumatoid arthritis, which inflames and damages joints. Psoriatic arthritis and gout can also lead to significant foot or toe pain. Each of these conditions can cause swelling, stiffness, and alterations in foot structure, which can radiate pain to other body parts. Treatment of arthritic foot pain often focuses on taking certain medication and maintaining mobility through weight management and physical activity. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for a personalized treatment plan, including custom orthotics to support the feet and maintain proper alignment. If you experience chronic pain in the feet or ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Regular foot exercises are essential for maintaining healthy feet, improving circulation, and enhancing flexibility in the feet, ankles, and calves. Start with circulation stretches while seated, by flexing and pointing your toes, moving them side to side, and rotating them in circles. Perform 10 repetitions on each side. Next, the towel foot stretch targets your calf and foot muscles. Sit on the floor, wrap a towel around the bottom of your foot, and use it to flex and point your toes against resistance. For a deeper stretch, bend your knee outward and pull your foot toward you. Repeat 10 times on each side. Lastly, try the calf and foot stretch. Lie on your back with your knees bent, loop a towel around your foot, and gently pull it toward you while keeping your knee slightly bent. Hold this stretch for 20 seconds on each side. Regularly practicing these foot exercises can significantly benefit your foot health. If you need guidance on foot exercises, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are several types of foot and ankle injuries that can occur when playing sports. The most common sports injury is an ankle sprain. It is important for ankle sprains to be diagnosed and treated professionally, as an improperly healed ankle can lead to additional sprains, chronic ankle instability, and arthritis. Another type of injury athletes face involves the Achilles tendon, which can become inflamed, injured, torn, or even ruptured from repetitive activity or trauma. An inflammation of the plantar fascia that runs along the sole of the foot is termed plantar fasciitis. It can be caused by overuse, wearing shoes that are worn out, or footwear that is not appropriate for a particular sport or activity. Running and court sports can lead to a compression of the nerve between the third and fourth toes, resulting in a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. This causes the tissue surrounding the nerve to thicken, and if left untreated may result in nerve damage. If you have suffered a foot, toe, or ankle injury while playing sports, it’s suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Michael Schwartzman, DPM from Illinois and Indiana . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in West Chicago, IL and Whiting, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.