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Patient experiencing foot pain, seeking podiatric care for rheumatoid arthritis effects.
13Dec

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition which comes to the fore when the immune system attacks the joint lining tissue. This causes stiffness along with painful inflammation. Interestingly, nearly 1.3 million people in the USA suffer from this illness. It is important to note that RA affects the hands and the feet. However, at the same time, it can also affect the ankles badly. The condition usually impacts on smaller joints first. After that, it may move to larger joints such as the ankles. So, let’s take a close peek at how RA gives rise to arthritic feet in individuals.

athritic foot

How does RA give rise to arthritic foot pain?

The symptoms of RA are commonly known as flares. It is because they tend to come and go in cycles. The victims may notice their symptoms are worse in the morning when compared to night. As it does in other body joints, RA can cause inflammation and stiffness in the ankle joints. This can also give rise to permanent changes in the shape of the joints. Note that the ankle joint comprises of two smaller joints which usually act as a hinge to move the joint. For instance, movements such as running and striding are dependent entirely on the proper functioning of ankle joints.

The areas on which RA has a bad impact

Remember that the bones in the ankle joint contain cartilage which safeguards them from rubbing against each other. RA causes this to break down over time which in turn increases the friction of the bone. Moreover, the friction between bones can give rise to severe inflammation around the ankle joint. This causes the feet to become weak and unable to support the joint fully. Here is the list of symptoms associated with RA commonly experienced by patients.

  • The front ball of the foot
  • Pain in the Achilles tendon with the appearance of nodules
  • The middle of the foot and bones below the ankle
  • The toes

The feeling rendered by RA in the ankles

It is important here to note that the main symptom of RA in the ankle joint is inflammation. It makes the joint swollen, stiff and painful. This can also restrict the mobility of the joint thereby impairing the ability of a person to stand and walk. In the earlier stages, the symptoms may be mild and not that frequent. However, with the passage of time, inflammation can become worse. This is the reason that it is always wise to opt for arthritic foot surgery. This helps remove joint pain and increases the mobility of an individual.

Person experiencing foot pain, holding their foot with hands.

How physiotherapy is helpful in curing RA?

Physical therapy is certainly needed to restore the normal body functioning. By using certain techniques and treatments, the physical therapist brings about relief. You may be prescribed certain medication and exercises in the process. To stay healthy and fine, you may take up health checkup packages. Regular checkups are required to keep the diseases at bay. If any underlying condition is at the latent state, it may be treated before it gets severe.

You may be asked to change the eating habit or give up certain habits during the treatment process. The most common kind of therapy is the massage therapy used by the therapist. It can ease pain, discomfort and inflammation associated with the joint region. Massage is the part of general therapy and is non-invasive.

Close-up of a person's foot with healthy skin and toenails.
4Dec

 

With the onset of winter months, diabetes patients should take special care of their feet. It is known that diabetes patients are prone to poor blood circulation along with some nerve problems. They should take decision depending on the changes they notice. Without delay, it is better to consult a doctor to get a suitable treatment and maintaining your feet during the winter days. Read the following part to know better about how patients should maintain foot health during winter days.

coldfootcare

Keeping dry feet

Rain or snow can make your feet damp. The moisture collected from socks, toes and feet can result in bacteria that further leads to infection. Therefore, patients suffering from diabetes should frequently change their socks and rub feet with dry towel to prevent the infection problem. Also, they should pay attention to the place in between the toes. 

Maintaining moisturized feet

If you are keeping shoes dry to prevent bacteria formation, keeping your feet dry is also important. By moisturizing your feet, your feet will remain smooth. This shall reduce the risk of cracking that further results into wound. In this case, you can take suggestion from your doctor to get the right foot lotion that shall help to keep it moisturized. It is recommended to use it after bathing to prevent feet dryness.

Avoid direct heat contact to your feet

To reduce the problem of dryness of your feet and chance of feet burning, turn to keep it away from direct heat exposure. As diabetes can cause nerve damage in your feet, it may not be possible to keep your feet warm during winter months. Also, direct hot water on should not be used on diabetic feet. Instead, they should check the temperature of water before using it. Also, they should prevent use of warm items such as electric blankets, heating pads, heated shoe inserts and the like.

Choosing the right shoes

Though choosing the right winter shoe may seem to be a daunting task. But with diabetes choosing the perfect pair shall help keep your feet in good condition. The wrong shoe can make your feet even worse making it too dry during the cold weather. 

Opt for periodic foot checkup from surgeon

By going through periodic check from foot and ankle surgeon, it will be easy to prevent foot issues. A regular checkup from foot and ankle surgeon shall help to prevent the chances of foot issues. Therefore, with suitable foot care from a diabetic foot doctor, diabetes patients can reduce the chances of different foot problems. With regular visits, you can keep an eye on any changes that you notice in your feet. Thus, with the suitable treatment, the doctor can help to keep your feet in good condition even during cold weather.

Wrapping it up

Meeting a foot and ankle surgeon shall be of immense help for diabetes patients to keep your feet safe. Inside of remaining inside your home all winter, it is better to consult your doctor in advance for the right guidance.

Person tying running shoes for optimal foot support and comfort.
26Nov

running shoes

Searching for the right running shoes can feel daunting if you are not sure what the things that you should look for are. There are so many different choices on offer for you, with each claiming to have some or other technology to offer you the maximum comfort. So, here is a brief rundown on the things that you should keep in mind when trying to choose the best running shoes for yourself.

Choose shoes that are specifically made for running

Running shoes look a lot like sneakers, but they have special designs and features that make them remarkably different. While running, your foot is hitting the ground in the same way repeatedly. Running shoes help in shock absorption during this time, so that you do not suffer from troubles, like heel pain, later on.

Getting the fit absolutely right

If the shoes do not fit right, you are just setting yourself up for foot diseases, such as plantar fasciitis, in future. Keep in mind that your feet swell a slight bit through the day and they also spread as you run. So, it is better to try out the shoes in the evening or afternoon to get a more accurate estimate of the fit. There has to be about a thumb width of gap between the end of your shoe and the foot to account for the foot spread.

Select the right kind of running shoes

The kind of running shoes you get should also depend on the intensity of running that you plan to do. So, you need to opt for trail running shoes if you practice on dirt tracks more. Lightweight shoes would work well for races or faster workouts. Finally, you can also opt for daily running shoes, which are the most durable option. It can handle any kind of running that you want to do.

Consider what you are paying for

The price tag of running shoes usually relates to the kind of technology or comfort that the shoes are supposed to offer you. Now, this means getting inexpensive shoes would not really work in giving you the comfort you need to run. On the other hand, it is not like only the most expensive pair is your best bet when aiming to enjoy a run.

Understand a few terms

  • Stack height

Stack height is the amount of material placed between the ground and your feet. The ones who look for high impact protection, opt for higher stack height. On the other hand, those who are looking for a more natural experience of feeling the ground while running can go for low stack height.

  • Pronation

Pronation refers to the rolling of your foot from the heel to the toe by the foot strike. A neutral strike pattern is when you strike with the outer part of the heel and move up to the ball of the foot. If you have flat foot, then you might have over-pronation, which is rolling too much inside of the foot during the strike cycle. The opposite of this is under-pronation, which happens when your feet have high arches.

  • Heel-toe drop

Heel-toe drop is the difference in the amount of material under the forefoot and that under the heel. You should check that there’s more material under the heel to go with your normal stride while running where the heel hits the ground with the maximum impact.

Lastly, keep in mind that it’s not like the shoes that are perfect for your friend would even be right for you. So, keep these points in mind and choose the running shoes that fit your feet the best.

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot with a tuning fork for health assessment.
19Nov

It’s nearly the end of another year, and as the New Year dawns upon us, it’s time for new resolutions, new hopes, and new beginnings. But, before moving on to the next year, let’s see how far you have kept up with the promise of taking care of your health this year. So, did you get that foot checkup that you had promised yourself to go for regular? Or, are you still ignoring that nagging heel pain and putting off your podiatrist appointment for another day?

Not going for that foot wellness checkup affects you in two ways, in terms of your health benefits and your health. Let’s see how that happens.

Podiatrist examining a patient's foot with a tuning fork for health assessment.

Reasons to get a foot wellness check within this year

  • The impact on your health benefits

Now, the thing about putting off foot wellness check for another year is that it will not only affect your health, but also have an impact on your health benefits. Most of the health plans are deductible according to the calendar year, which starts on 1st January and ends on 31st December. Thus, the deductibles reset every year from 1st January. So, if you have met your deductible, there’s no better time than now to get that foot checkup done, or else you will just be losing out on your money.

  • The impact on your health

The foot issues that you are suffering from might not seem like something major enough to undergo treatment right now, but it can soon take a turn for worse. It is better to nip the problems and pain in the bud than letting it grow into something unbearable and difficult to treat. Here are a few foot issues that are better to be dealt with now than later.

Heel pain

 

Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain as it is commonly known as, occurs from inflamed tissues that extend from the toes to the heels. Patients feel pain at the arch and bottom of the foot, and the pain increases over a couple of months.You need to contact DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center now. The podiatrist will examine your foot and take your medical history to start the treatment.

Achilles Tendonitis

 

Strenuous physical activities can lead to an inflammation of Achilles tendon, which attaches the heel bones to calf muscles, causing pain. Patients feel tightness in the calf muscles, in addition to a limited range of motion in foot.Under the effective treatment of Dr. Shobowale, you can find long-term relief from the pain of Achilles tendon.

Hammertoes

 

A contracture deformity of both or one of the joints of the fifth, fourth, third or second toes is called Hammertoes. This is something that starts as a mild issue but the conditions gets worse as time passes. After Dr. Shobowale evaluates your condition, she will offer you the treatment that meets your needs.

Bunion pain

 

Bunion is a bony bump that forms on the inside of the patient’s foot at the joint of the big toe. The pain increases slowly. The pressure on the big toe causes it to lean towards the second toe, and thus, gradually the normal bone structure changes. Depending on your condition, the podiatrist might ask you to go for surgery or get you on pain medication.

None of these foot issues (and many others like these) is not noticeably prominent at the onset. But, it is only a matter of time for the pain to become unbearable. So, pick up that phone and book your appointment with DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center now to avail the finest treatment using your health benefits.

Podiatrist applying cream to a patient's foot for foot health.
13Nov

It is important to treat the foot injuries right away if you suffer from diabetes because even the smallest wounds can quickly turn serious. The wounds lead to sores and ulcers when left untreated and that can mean losing the foot, or in extreme cases, the entire leg. The problem is further compounded by the fact that wounds take longer to heal in people suffering from diabetes because of the poor blood flow to the feet. There’s also an onset of nerve damage, called neuropathy, which stops any feeling in the feet. Since you are unable to feel anything in your feet, you will not even get to know that you are hurt. So, even the minor cuts can quickly turn into something major.

 

Podiatrist applying cream to a patient's foot for foot health.

The best thing you can do to avoid wounds is to take the preventive approach by keeping the feet protected and healthy. Here are the top four ways through which you can do that:

Run regular checks on your feet

If you have lost sensations on your feet due to diabetes, you will have to check your feet daily to know if something is wrong. It might be hard for you to check the bottom of your feet. In that case, use a mirror or ask a friend or your spouse to help you out.

Wash and dry your feet properly

At the time of taking a bath, you should soap the feet with lukewarm water and dry them well with a soft towel. Make sure to dry between and behind your toes. Moisture that stays trapped there can be harmful because it can lead to sores. Use creams and lotions to make sure that the skin of your feet is adequately hydrated because sores might also develop from the dryness of your feet.

Comfort comes first

Keep in your mind that comfort is the key to making your feet happy. Wear comfortable footwear and soft socks to keep the feet cushioned. Narrow, pointy shoes with high heels are not for your delicate feet. Your doctor might ask you to wear special shoes. Otherwise, you can wear something with added padding, like sneakers, to keep the feet comfortable.

Trimming the toenails

It is important for people with diabetes to see a podiatrist regularly. He will cut your toenails, if needed, as a part of foot wound care. Podiatrists, or foot doctors as they are popularly known as, usually do this for people who suffer from neuropathy or have had foot ulcers earlier. It is better to get your nails trimmed by an expert, rather than going to a salon, if you have diabetes.

If you get wounded accidentally, cleanse it first under running water. Put antibiotic ointment on the wound and cover it with a clean bandage. Visit your nearest podiatrist as soon as you can for further treatment.

If you are looking for quality diabetic wound care from experienced podiatrists, you can get in touch with DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. You will find effective treatment under the careful supervision of the experts.

Doctor treating a foot wart with a cotton swab at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center.
7Nov

The popular tale that you must have heard from grandmothers is that the toads give you warts. This is nothing but a tale and the real story to cure wart on foot is far more complicated than that. Warts appear on the skin on the attack of a virus. This gets specifically seen in the areas that have broken skin like the areas on the side on the sides of nails or the skin picked by shaving. The thing that is still largely unknown is why and how certain people are more susceptible than others when it comes to getting warts. The general belief that exists is that children having weaker immune system compared to the adults are more prone than the adults in the matters of getting warts.

warts

The spread of warts on feet

In the matter of treatment of warts, you must know they are contagious in nature. They can spread from one part of the body to another. This is the prime reason why you are advised to wash your hands well after you have touched a wart. Never pick or scratch warts because even that can lead to it spreading to other parts. If you shave on the part that has warts, the virus gets transferred to the razor and eventually to other parts of the body. 

The plantar wart treatment experts will tell you that one can get warts from touching the body of someone else too. So if you see that someone close to you has warts, you need to refrain not just from touching that area of the person but also take care about not using any of his things like bathmats or towels.

The prevention of warts

There is no full-proof way to prevent the coming of or cure warts. You can take certain precautions that can minimize the risks. Make sure that you keep your skin moisturized, healthy and free from any kind of cuts as a plantar wart removalprocess. If you are someone who has the habit of biting the nails or cuticles, then it is best to stop as these are the most likely places for the development of warts. Use fresh and clean towels wherever you go and ensure that your hands are always clean and washed. When you are going to places like gyms or public toilets, make sure that your feet stay covered with sandals or flip-flops at all times to stem the growth of wart on foot. 

Wart treatment at home and clinics

The doctors take any one of the two approaches. They either burn it off or use liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin of the wart. The home remedies that are popular in treating warts is using things like apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to make the wart fall off on its own after a few days. Most warts are benign, and people prefer only to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. 

warts2

Baking powder and Vinegar

It is known as an age-old therapy that treats warts effectively. You can make a paste of baking powder along with vinegar to treat warts. Moreover, they have antibacterial properties which kill the germs present on the external surface of warts. On the other hand, you can also use tea tree oil as it is a popular option to get rid of warts.

It also keeps the area clean and moist which makes sure that the affected area is not dry. A dry area on the surface of a mole would always pose problems. It is so because a dry wart surface can create friction which may cause further pain.