Improved circulation may help people who have rheumatoid arthritis. This may be accomplished by performing gentle stretches which may ease joint stiffness. Additionally, the range of motion can increase from the joint fluids moving easier. When this condition affects the feet, it is often difficult to complete daily tasks. The gait may become altered to accommodate for the pain, and many people find they begin to limp. When the ankle is flexed and stretched, existing swelling may be relieved, and the ankle joints may become strengthened. Performing toe curls may help the balls of the feet and toe joints. This is done by curling the toes down while sitting in a chair, followed by extending them upward. If you are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, please consult a podiatrist for additional pain relief methods.

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 Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo 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 offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the back of the heel hurts, it may be caused by a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. This ailment occurs when the strong Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, largely the result of overuse or a sudden increase in activity. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and discomfort above the area of the heel that is used when stretching or standing on your toes. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, insertional and noninsertional. The former is the result of tiny tears that occur when the lower portion of the tendon breaks down. The latter is when the tears occur in the middle part of the tendon. Common ways the Achilles tendon becomes compromised include failing to warm up before exercise, wearing high heels, and increasing activity too quickly. Other causes include overpronation, bone spurs, and gout. To find out more about dealing with the pain of Achilles tendonitis, please consult a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Yoga is relaxing and provides an excellent way to stay flexible and balanced throughout one’s life. There are several styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Kundalini. Some of these styles of yoga involve transitional movements, like vigorous linked poses called the Sun Salutation, that require stepping or jumping back and landing on the pads of one’s toes. This action can lead to foot pain. Also, wearing shoes during yoga can constrict the feet, causing foot pain because the arches can’t carry the weight of the body. To eliminate foot pain while practicing yoga, it is suggested one changes their style of yoga and do it with yoga shoes or go barefoot on a clean mat. Yoga devotees can also practice some exercises that will bring back elasticity in the plantar fascia muscles that form the arch bed. Once such exercise is standing with the feet hip-width apart while keeping the head and chest tall and the lower abs drawn in towards the spine. Lift both heels as you contract the leg muscles. Pause before lowering the heels to the floor. This exercise should be done 10 to 20 times each day. If you would like more information about how to practice yoga in a way that is least apt to cause foot pain, consult with a podiatrist who is an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail is a nail that grows into the skin instead of over it. It is a painful foot condition that generally affects the big toe. It may become infected if prompt medical treatment is not received. There are several reasons an ingrown toenail may develop. These can consist of wearing shoes or socks that are too tight, trimming the toenails incorrectly, or enduring a toe injury. It may become swollen and red, and pus may drain if it becomes infected. Some patients find relief when the affected foot is soaked in warm water, followed by gently pushing the skin away from the nail with a piece of cotton. It is also beneficial to wear shoes that are slightly larger to keep the nail away from the inside of the shoe. Ingrown toenails can be recurring so it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a permanent solution and this may include minor surgery for partial or full removal of the nail.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.