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 Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball is a fun way to stay active, but your feet and ankles work hard during every game. Quick starts, sudden stops, and side-to-side movements place repeated stress on the feet. Wearing the right pickleball shoes can help protect your feet while improving comfort and confidence on the court. Good shoes should provide support, stability, and cushioning. They should also fit well and allow your toes enough room to move naturally.

The wrong shoes can make pickleball harder on your feet. Running shoes are designed mainly for forward movement and may not provide enough side-to-side support. Shoes with poor traction can increase the risk of slipping or twisting an ankle. Inadequate cushioning may contribute to heel pain or soreness after playing. Other possible injuries include ankle sprains, blisters, and stress injuries. Players who regularly play on hard courts may notice symptoms sooner when their footwear does not provide enough protection.

Choosing shoes made for court sports can help address these concerns. Look for a secure fit that keeps your heel from sliding. A stable sole can help support quick lateral movements. Reliable grip can improve traction during stops and changes in direction. Cushioning can reduce some of the impact placed on your feet during play. Additionally, comfortable materials can also help prevent rubbing and pressure points. Replace worn shoes when the tread becomes smooth or the cushioning feels less supportive.

If foot or ankle pain develops, a podiatrist can examine your feet and determine what may be causing the problem. Depending on the injury, treatment may include activity changes, supportive footwear, or other appropriate care. The podiatrist may also evaluate your walking pattern and footwear needs to help reduce future problems. If you have foot or ankle injuries from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and injury prevention tips.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendonitis develops when the band connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated. This tendon helps lift the heel when walking, running, or jumping. Pain can affect the middle of the tendon or the area where it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms include aching or burning behind the ankle, morning stiffness, and tenderness. Mild swelling can also appear after activity. The discomfort usually begins gradually and can make climbing stairs, running, or pushing off the foot difficult.

Repeated strain is a leading cause of Achilles tendonitis. Runners can develop it after increasing mileage too quickly, adding hills, or changing their routine. Tight calf muscles and limited ankle movement place added stress on the tendon. Risk also rises with age because tendons become less flexible. Flat feet, poor running form, and shoes that lack proper support can contribute to the problem. A bone spur near the heel can rub against the tendon and irritate its attachment. Continuing activity despite pain can worsen the damage and prolong recovery.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle, review how symptoms began, and check the tendon for swelling or tenderness. The examination can reveal problems with foot structure or movement that place extra strain on the area. Imaging tests can help rule out a tear or identify a bone spur. Treatment includes activity changes, heel lifts, or custom orthotics that improve foot alignment. A podiatrist can recommend supportive shoes and prescribe a brace or walking boot when more protection is required. Treatment is based on the location and severity of the irritation and the patient’s activity level. Most patients improve without surgery, but severe tendon damage can require it. Early care can reduce strain and support a safer return to normal activity. If you have symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rock climbing is an athletic activity that involves moving up natural rock formations or indoor climbing walls using strength, balance, and precise foot placement. Because the sport requires tight-fitting footwear and repeated pressure on the forefoot, wearing poorly fitted or inappropriate shoes can lead to several foot-related injuries. Common conditions include Achilles tendinopathy, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the heel and Haglund's deformity that produces irritation near the heel bone. Hallux valgus, also known as bunions, plantar fasciitis involving inflammation of the heel tissue, and chronic ankle instability from repeated strain are other factors. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, treat injuries, and recommend supportive footwear. If climbing-related foot pain develops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle injuries, helping you to protect foot health and maintain performance.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.