Glen Allen Office
(804) 747-3380
According to a recent global study on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), North America has the biggest market for rheumatoid arthritis therapeutics. Europe follows at second. An increasing number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are emerging in North America, causing a rise in research and development, in awareness among people of the condition, and in improved healthcare in the region. Drugs that treat RA include pain relieving drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and non-biologic drugs.
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 about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its symptoms, consult with one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
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 & 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 Richmond and Glen Allen, Va. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
It’s important to make sure you have orthotic support in your footwear, especially as you transition to boots for the winter. Having supportive footwear can help ease pain in your heel, arch, and the ball of your foot. This can prevent further pain and discomfort in your knees, hips, and lower back. Look for shoes that have sufficient arch support or customize your own orthotics.
If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain, but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct over arched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you, or if you have a more severe foot issue, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and more severe heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses, and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist on the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain free.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, Va. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
While cold feet are often known as poor blood circulation, the symptom may also be confused for other things. Some say cold feet can actually be signs for peripheral neuropathy, when the nerves have trouble transmitting impulses to and from the brain. Pain in the feet is more commonly known as poor blood circulation. In any case, both problems need immediate attention for relief. Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, Va. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Cooler weather makes for prime conditions for marathon season, when runners will be out training to their fullest. To ensure that the feet are kept in top shape, there are a simple set of eleven exercises one can follow. Toe flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle eversion, ankle plantarflexion, rotating the ankles, wiggling the toes, curling the toes, spreading the toes, pointing the toes out, pointing the toes in, and the butterfly stretch can all stretch the feet and add support and strength. For optimal results, exercise using a Thera-band.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you to 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 often we 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 not to have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure its good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rise, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, also flexing the toes and involving the shins may help too. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding how to do these fitness steps and how often is right for you. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different and it varies from individual to individual to determine what should be done for you to maintain strength in your feet.
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 Richmond and Glen Allen, Va. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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