Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that can affect the feet and ankles. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, causing ongoing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints and gradually change foot function. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are common symptoms. Stiffness may be especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting. Tenderness can make walking and daily activities uncomfortable.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints, tendons, and other structures that support the foot and ankle. Inflammation may make movement uncomfortable and gradually contribute to joint damage or changes in foot shape. Important risk factors include having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to certain environmental triggers. Smoking is another recognized risk factor. Women are diagnosed more often than men. These factors can increase susceptibility.

When rheumatoid arthritis affects the feet, a podiatrist will review symptoms and examine the feet and ankles. The evaluation may include checking joint movement, swelling, and walking patterns. Imaging tests may be recommended to assess joint damage. Blood testing may also be part of the medical evaluation, although a podiatrist may coordinate with a rheumatologist. Treatment can include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and bracing to improve comfort. Early care can help protect comfort, mobility, and function.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis often requires ongoing care because symptoms can change over time. A podiatrist can monitor foot and ankle health and address painful joints or pressure areas. Taking symptoms seriously can help prevent foot problems from becoming more limiting over time. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

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 doctors of Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot corn is a hard, cone-shaped bump of thickened skin that usually develops on the top surface of a smaller toe over a joint. Corns can also form along the pinky toe, especially where footwear creates repeated pressure. The thickened area develops as the skin protects itself from friction and stress. It can become painful when pressure pushes the hardened center into deeper tissue. Symptoms can include tenderness, aching, and pain while walking or wearing shoes.

The main causes of foot corns are repeated friction and pressure. Tight shoes can press against the toes, while a narrow toe box may force smaller toes into an uncomfortable position. Socks that bunch inside shoes can add rubbing. Toe deformities, including hammertoes, can also place a joint against the inside of footwear. The pinky toe is vulnerable because it can rub against the side of a shoe. People who spend long periods standing or walking may experience greater pressure.

A podiatrist can determine whether a corn is causing your discomfort and check for an underlying toe problem. Treatment may begin with gently removing excess thickened skin when appropriate. Your podiatrist may recommend wider shoes, protective padding, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure. Do not try to remove a corn yourself because this can injure healthy skin and cause an infection.

A painful foot corn should not be ignored. Changing footwear can help reduce pressure, but recurring corns may signal a structural issue that needs attention. A podiatrist can explain why the corn developed and create a treatment plan focused on healing and prevention. Properly fitted shoes can make walking easier while protecting your toes. Foot corns can be painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a foot corn, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors of Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Diabetes can affect the feet by damaging nerves and reducing blood flow. Nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, or burning pain. A patient may not feel a blister, cut, or area of pressure. Reduced circulation can also slow the healing of even a small wound. Together, these problems raise the risk of skin breakdown, infection, and serious ulcers. An ulcer is an open sore that does not heal normally, and without prompt care, an infection can spread and increase the risk of limb loss.

Diabetes can also change the shape and structure of the foot. Weak foot muscles may contribute to hammertoes or other toe deformities. These changes create pressure points that can lead to calluses and sores. Another serious complication occurs when nerve damage allows weakened bones and joints to become injured. Early signs include redness, warmth, and swelling. Pain may be mild or absent because sensation is reduced. The foot can lose its normal shape, making skin damage more likely. Any new swelling, drainage, or darkened skin requires prompt attention, especially when the patient has little feeling in the feet.

A podiatrist can identify risks before they become serious. The examination includes checking circulation, skin condition, and sensation. The podiatrist can also trim thick nails and reduce calluses safely. Ulcer care includes cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and applying protective dressings. Custom orthotics, special shoes, or braces can reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. A podiatrist can monitor healing and treat infection. Severe deformity or an infection that threatens the foot may require surgery. Regular exams with a podiatrist are important for patients with numbness, poor circulation, or a past ulcer. Early treatment can protect mobility and lower the risk of lasting damage. If you have foot problems related to diabetes, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated. This tissue connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support the arch. The condition usually causes pain near the bottom of the heel. Discomfort can be especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. Pain can also increase after extended standing or demanding activity.

Several factors can place extra stress on the plantar fascia. Repeated running, prolonged standing, and activities that increase strain on the heel can contribute to irritation. Tight calf muscles can also affect how the foot moves and increase tension on the plantar fascia. Foot structure can play a role as well. Flat feet or high arches can change the way pressure moves through the foot.  Wearing shoes that lack proper support can add stress to the heel and arch, especially when a person spends many hours on hard surfaces.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether plantar fasciitis is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can assess where the pain occurs, how the foot moves, and whether other conditions could be causing discomfort. Imaging can be considered when another source of heel pain is suspected. Treatment can include supportive shoe inserts, prescription orthotics, or a night splint. A podiatrist can also recommend stretching and activity changes based on the patient's condition. More persistent cases can require additional treatment to reduce pain and support healing. Surgery is generally reserved for severe symptoms that do not improve with other forms of care. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Apache Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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