Rheumatoid arthritis impacts about 1% of the world’s population. Often referred to as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes referred to as an “invisible disease,” but it is highly visible and can be quite debilitating. Symptoms include joint pain, skin inflammation, and fatigue. It causes swelling, deformity, and even disability. RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints. It is commonly seen on the joints of the feet. It can begin at any age but usually happens between the ages of 30 and 60. RA is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning one’s body defenses work against their joints like they are foreign bodies instead of being part of them. Because of its autoimmune nature, the affected joints become swollen and painful without trauma. If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, consult a podiatrist who can provide treatment and suggestions that will make living your life more comfortable.
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 podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors 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
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 Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The number of people who are over 65 years old that fall is staggering. Research has shown this occurs in approximately one out of three people across the nation, and can be a leading cause of injury. Older people who have fallen may develop a fear of falling, and this may hinder their desire to complete daily activities. Most falling episodes can be prevented when effective strategies are implemented. These can include improving lighting in the household, removing clutter, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. Many people find it helpful to have grab bars installed in the toilet and shower area, in addition to having routine physical and eye examinations. Having these performed is crucial in updating prescription medicine and eyeglasses, which may help to maintain a sense of balance. Additionally, the number of falls may be reduced as the body becomes stronger when a regular stretching and exercise regime is performed. Falling can affect the feet and compromise daily living. If you would like to learn about additional fall prevention techniques, please confer with a podiatrist.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
As one ages, pain becomes a common theme, especially in the feet and back of the heel. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, characterized by sharp pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. It also may extend under the arch and into the ball of the foot, which can then interfere with walking or carrying out daily activities. Another cause of heel pain is bursitis in the calcaneus, or heel bone, which connects with the plantar fascia. This inflammation causes throbbing pain, particularly after taking off your shoes. Pain increases with each step you take. Other sources of pain at the back of the heel include Achilles tendonitis and Achilles bursitis. Both of these conditions inhibit mobility and can make wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. If you have pain in the bottom or back of the heel, please visit a podiatrist who can make a professional evaluation of the cause and provide treatment options.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Community Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Flint, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
