Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that can affect the feet and ankles. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, causing ongoing inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints and gradually change foot function. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are common symptoms. Stiffness may be especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting. Tenderness can make walking and daily activities uncomfortable.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints, tendons, and other structures that support the foot and ankle. Inflammation may make movement uncomfortable and gradually contribute to joint damage or changes in foot shape. Important risk factors include having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to certain environmental triggers. Smoking is another recognized risk factor. Women are diagnosed more often than men. These factors can increase susceptibility.

When rheumatoid arthritis affects the feet, a podiatrist will review symptoms and examine the feet and ankles. The evaluation may include checking joint movement, swelling, and walking patterns. Imaging tests may be recommended to assess joint damage. Blood testing may also be part of the medical evaluation, although a podiatrist may coordinate with a rheumatologist. Treatment can include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and bracing to improve comfort. Early care can help protect comfort, mobility, and function.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis often requires ongoing care because symptoms can change over time. A podiatrist can monitor foot and ankle health and address painful joints or pressure areas. Taking symptoms seriously can help prevent foot problems from becoming more limiting over time. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, 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 Braden Jenkins, DPM of The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Idaho Falls, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and helps support the arch. A sharp pain near the heel with the first morning steps can be a sign of plantar fasciitis. This painful  condition usually causes a sharp or aching pain near the heel. Pain is frequently strongest with the first steps after getting out of bed or standing after a long rest. It can ease after a few minutes of movement, but return after activity. Some patients also notice stiffness or tenderness along the bottom of the foot.

Repeated strain can place too much stress on the plantar fascia. Risk factors include a sudden increase in exercise, long hours spent standing, and tight calf muscles. Flat feet or high arches can also change how pressure moves through the foot. Other possible causes include excess body weight and shoes that lack proper support. Runners, dancers, and workers who spend time on hard floors can be more likely to develop symptoms. Because several problems can cause similar heel pain, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, review when the pain occurs, and check the patient's range of motion. X-rays or other imaging tests can help rule out a fracture, arthritis, or another cause of heel pain. Treatment by a podiatrist includes custom orthotics, supportive shoe recommendations, and a guided stretching program. This foot doctor may also suggest wearing a night splint or temporary walking boot to reduce strain. Surgery is rarely required, but it can be considered for severe pain that continues despite other care. Early evaluation can help prevent the pain from limiting work, exercise, and everyday movement. It can also support a safer return to activity. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Braden Jenkins, DPM  from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Proper shoe fit plays an important role in keeping the feet comfortable and reducing the risk of developing problems.  Wearing shoes that are too narrow or tight can place unnecessary pressure on the feet. A well-fitting shoe should match the natural shape of the foot rather than forcing the foot into an uncomfortable position. Shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles, so the number printed inside a shoe does not always determine whether it fits correctly. Both feet should also be measured because one foot may be larger than the other. Choosing footwear based on the larger foot can provide a more comfortable fit.

Several features can help determine whether footwear fits and functions properly. Stability is important because the foot should not roll or twist too easily inside the shoe. Cushioning can help absorb shock, while proper support allows the bottom of the foot to sit comfortably against the footbed. There should also be enough space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Foot shape matters as well. Someone with a wide or square-shaped foot may need a different fit than someone with a long or narrow foot shape. Shoes should feel comfortable when first worn rather than relying on them to become comfortable later.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and identify problems that may make finding properly fitting shoes more difficult. Foot type can affect footwear needs, especially when the foot is either particularly flexible or rigid. A podiatrist can also assess areas of pressure and determine whether additional support may be appropriate. In some cases, an orthotic device or custom insole may help the foot sit more securely against the shoe’s footbed. Proper footwear can support foot comfort and healthy movement throughout daily activities. If poorly fitting shoes are contributing to ongoing foot pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate footwear recommendations.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

Foot cramps are sudden, painful muscle contractions that can affect the toes or arches. A cramp may cause muscles to tighten without warning, making movement difficult. Foot cramps can last seconds or several minutes. Occasional cramps may be harmless, but frequent episodes can interfere with walking, exercise, and sleep. Understanding causes can help reduce triggers and protect your feet.

Dehydration is a common cause of foot cramps because fluid loss can affect muscle function. Physical activity may also trigger cramping when muscles become tired or are used more than usual. Wearing wrong footwear can place unusual pressure on the feet and contribute to muscle fatigue. Additionally, pregnancy can increase the likelihood of cramps because the body undergoes physical changes and carries additional weight. Risk factors may include prolonged standing and muscle strain. Paying attention to patterns can help identify triggers.

Symptoms usually include sudden tightening, sharp pain, and temporary difficulty moving the affected foot. A podiatrist can evaluate recurring foot cramps by reviewing your symptoms, activity level, and health history. The examination may assess muscle function, foot structure, and flexibility. A podiatrist may recommend hydration, stretching, or changes to activity. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy or orthotics when appropriate. Follow-up care can help determine whether symptoms improve.

You can help reduce foot cramps by drinking enough fluids, choosing properly-fitted shoes, and increasing physical activity. Gentle stretching may help prepare the muscles. If cramps occur frequently, become severe, or continue despite changes, a podiatric evaluation is important. A podiatrist can determine whether another foot problem or health condition contributes to your symptoms. If you have foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and prevention solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Braden Jenkins, DPM from The Ridge Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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