Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that can cause ongoing inflammation in the joints. When RA affects the feet, it may make walking and daily activities uncomfortable. Symptoms can include swelling, warmth, and pain. Morning stiffness may last for an hour or longer. The feet can also develop changes in joint shape over time. These changes may affect balance and footwear comfort.

The metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joints, connect the toes to the long bones of the foot. RA can cause swelling and tenderness in these joints, making it painful to push off while walking. The proximal interphalangeal, or PIP joints, are located in the middle sections of the toes. Inflammation here may cause stiffness or changes in toe position. The distal interphalangeal, or DIP joints, are closest to the toenails. Although RA more commonly affects larger foot joints, these smaller joints can also become painful and inflamed.

Risk factors include family history, smoking, and being female. RA can occur at any age, although it often begins during adulthood. The exact cause is not fully understood. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, which leads to inflammation. Persistent inflammation may damage cartilage and bone. It can also contribute to deformities that change how pressure is distributed across the foot.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, review symptoms, and recommend imaging or other testing when appropriate. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and medication management coordinated with your medical team. A podiatrist may also recommend padding to protect painful pressure areas and reduce irritation. Regular follow-up can help monitor joint changes and protect foot function. If you have symptoms of RA in the feet, 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 Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. 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 Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Psoriatic arthritis in the feet is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. It often develops in people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes dry, scaly patches. However, joint symptoms can sometimes appear before noticeable skin changes. Psoriatic arthritis may affect one or several joints and can make walking, standing, and daily activities uncomfortable. Early attention can help protect joint function and reduce ongoing inflammation.

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs include foot pain, joint swelling, and tenderness. The length of the toes may become swollen, creating a sausage-like appearance called dactylitis. The heels may also hurt when inflammation affects the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. Some people notice stiffness that is worse in the morning or after resting. Toenail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed, may also occur.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Having psoriasis is the strongest known risk factor, especially when skin or nail symptoms are present. A family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can also increase risk. The exact cause is not fully understood, but the condition involves an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation. Genetic factors and certain environmental triggers may contribute. Injury, infection, or significant physical stress may also play a role in some people.

A podiatrist will examine the feet, ankles, and joints, while reviewing symptoms and medical history. Imaging or laboratory testing may be recommended to help identify joint changes or rule out other causes of foot pain. Treatment may include recommendations for supportive footwear and custom orthotics. A podiatrist may also address painful pressure areas and provide ongoing foot care. If you have psoriatic arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Deborah Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Marlton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into or presses against the surrounding skin. The big toe is affected most frequently, although the problem can occur on other toes. Pressure from shoes that are too tight, an injury, or the natural shape of the nail contribute to an ingrown toenail. Cutting the nail too short or rounding its corners also encourages the nail edge to press into the skin. Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling along the side of the nail. The area may become sensitive when pressure is placed on the toe. An ingrown toenail also can become infected, leading to increased swelling or drainage around the nail.

A podiatrist evaluates an ingrown toenail by examining the nail and surrounding skin. The examination determines how deeply the nail edge is pressing into the skin and whether signs of infection are present. A podiatrist identifies factors that could contribute to repeated ingrown toenails, including nail shape or pressure from shoes. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the amount of irritation around the nail. A podiatrist carefully removes the portion of the nail that is pressing into the skin. Treatment also addresses irritated or infected tissue around the affected area. For recurring problems, the podiatrist uses techniques designed to prevent the troublesome section of nail from growing back.

An ingrown toenail makes standing, walking, and wearing shoes painful. Patients can change the way they walk to avoid pressure on the affected toe, which places added stress on other parts of the foot. A podiatrist treats the painful nail while helping protect the surrounding skin from further irritation. Level of care is based on the condition of the nail and the severity of the symptoms. Prompt evaluation helps prevent increasing pain and related complications. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Sesamoiditis causes pain around two small bones located beneath the joint of the big toe. These bones are called sesamoids, and they help the big toe move while bearing pressure from the body. Unlike most bones, they are connected to tendons rather than directly to other bones. Repeated stress can irritate the sesamoid bones and the surrounding tendons. Pain usually develops in the ball of the foot beneath the big toe. Activities that place repeated pressure on the forefoot can make the discomfort more noticeable and interfere with normal movement.

Sesamoiditis can affect people whose activities place extra force on the front of the foot. Running and dancing can increase stress around the sesamoids. Sports that involve repeated jumping can also contribute to irritation. Symptoms usually develop gradually instead of appearing after one sudden injury. Patients can notice pain when bending or straightening the big toe. Swelling or bruising can also occur around the affected area. Because fractures and other forefoot problems can cause similar symptoms, a careful evaluation is important for identifying the source of pain.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area and evaluate how the big toe moves. The examination can also assess foot structure and how pressure is distributed across the forefoot. Imaging tests can help determine whether a fracture or another bone problem is causing symptoms. Treatment for sesamoiditis focuses on reducing pressure around the painful area and improving foot function. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate shoe changes, padding, or custom orthotics based on examination findings. Treatment can also address movement patterns that increase stress beneath the big toe. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Deborah Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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