While pain in foot joints is not unusual, particularly if you participate in high-impact activities like running, persistent aching, pain, and stiffness in joints may be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis usually affects people more as they age, and it can lead to disability if not tended to early on. Arthritis is classified as inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis, OA, which is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative disorder caused by trauma, overuse, or wear and tear on foot joints. It often affects weight-bearing joints like the big toe. Inflammatory arthritis is a systemic disease where the mechanisms that normally protect the body attack their own joints and tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most well-known of this type. With this type of arthritis, joint problems will often affect both feet at the same time. If you have continuing aching pain and stiffness in your feet, please see a podiatrist for an evaluation.
 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon connects the heel with the two large muscles of the calf, allowing the bending and flexing of the feet. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon has the duty of raising the foot for walking, running, and other activities. In short, it is a workhorse. As a result, it is prone to overuse injuries. One of the main causes of Achilles tendonitis is overuse. This condition is especially prevalent among runners and other athletes who may do too much, too soon. Symptoms include inflammation, a crackling sound when the ankle is moved, swelling, and pain when walking uphill or climbing the stairs. In the acute form of Achilles tendonitis sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking will occur. With chronic Achilles tendonitis, symptoms like pain and difficulty walking may develop more slowly. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms at the back of the heel, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist at your earliest convenience. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

People can have foot pain when it is mandatory to stand during the work day. Research has indicated there is an increased number of sick days that are used each year as a result of working on the feet. Some of the foot conditions that develop can include bunions, foot pain, Achilles tendonitis, and poor circulation. These may happen from standing or walking on uneven surfaces, and wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It is beneficial to elevate the feet as often as the day allows, and performing simple stretches may provide mild relief to the feet. Wearing compression socks or stockings may help to prevent poor circulation, and it can help to wear lower heels. If you would like more information about how to protect your feet while working, please ask a podiatrist who can offer you helpful tips.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are just one of many kinds of foot afflictions that can negatively impact the healthy state of your feet. Bunions are defined as a bony bump that can develop on the side of the foot, either by the big toe or the small, pinky toe. Interestingly, bunions have a relatively high frequency or prevalence among the general public. Approximately one-third of all American adults will be affected by bunions. As compared with men, the frequency of bunions in women is generally higher. This is possibly due to the fact that women wear high heels and other kinds of footwear that may be damaging to the feet. The frequency of bunions is also generally higher in older individuals than in young people. Although cases of bunions can be different from person to person, bunions can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about preventing bunions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Associates in Podiatry, PC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh-South Hills, and Pittsburgh-Bellevue, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.