Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that affects joints throughout the body including the feet. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. In the feet, RA typically affects the toes, midfoot, and ankles, often leading to deformities such as hammer toes or bunions. Over time, the cartilage in the joints can wear down resulting in limited mobility and increased pain. People with RA may also experience stiffness, especially in the morning, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The inflammation in the feet can worsen with activity making it challenging to wear shoes comfortably. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further damage. Treatment options may include medications and surgery to improve foot function and quality of life. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you manage RA.

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 Priyanka Mude, DPM of North Canton 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 North Canton, Ohio . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists perform vascular testing to assess blood flow in the feet and legs, vital for diagnosing and managing conditions that impact circulation. These tests are particularly important for individuals with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, abbreviated PAD, or chronic foot wounds, as poor circulation can hinder healing and lead to severe complications. Common vascular tests include the ankle-brachial index, or ABI, which compares blood pressure in the ankle to the arm, and Doppler ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow in arteries and veins. Vascular testing helps identify narrowed or blocked vessels, allowing podiatrists to develop targeted treatment plans. Early detection of vascular issues is essential in preventing serious outcomes, including ulcers and, in extreme cases, amputation. If you have cold feet, numbness, or non-healing wounds on your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for this kind of testing.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with Priyanka Mude, DPM from North Canton Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

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

Wearing high heels can significantly impact both physique and gait. The elevated heel forces the body to shift its weight forward, which can alter posture and lead to an unnatural spinal curve. This change in alignment often results in tension in the lower back, hips, and knees. Over time, consistent use of high heels can contribute to muscle imbalances, as certain muscle groups, such as the calves, become shortened while others, like the hamstrings, may weaken. Gait is also affected, as high heels cause the wearer to take shorter, less stable steps, increasing the risk of stumbling or twisting an ankle. Additionally, the pressure placed on the toes can lead to foot problems like bunions or hammertoes. If you have developed foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment tips, in addition to guiding you toward appropriate high-heel choices. 

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Priyanka Mude, DPM from North Canton Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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