Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes the body's immune system to attack healthy joints. This ongoing inflammation can damage the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in the feet. As the condition progresses, patients can develop painful deformities that make standing and walking more difficult. The toes can change position, the arch can become unstable, and pressure can build on different parts of the foot. These changes can affect balance and limit daily activities. A podiatrist carefully evaluates the condition to determine when foot surgery offers the best opportunity to relieve pain, improve alignment, and restore foot function after conservative treatments no longer provide enough relief.

A podiatrist begins with a complete examination to understand how rheumatoid arthritis has affected the feet. The evaluation includes checking joint movement, foot alignment, and tendon function. The podiatrist also studies how the patient stands and walks because changes in gait can reveal areas of instability and excessive pressure. Imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, provide detailed views of joint damage and soft tissues. A CT scan combines multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the foot. These findings help the podiatrist determine which surgical procedure is most appropriate and create a treatment plan that matches the patient's symptoms and level of joint damage.

Foot surgery for rheumatoid arthritis is designed to improve foot stability, reduce pain, and correct deformities that interfere with normal movement. Depending on the condition, surgery can straighten toes, restore joint alignment, or remove damaged tissue that contributes to pain. A podiatrist explains the expected benefits, possible risks, and recovery process before treatment begins. Regular follow-up visits allow healing to be monitored and help restore comfortable movement. The goal is to improve mobility, increase stability, and support a better quality of life. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms of foot pain or deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the benefits of foot surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tingling in the feet can feel like pins and needles, buzzing, or mild electric shocks. It can affect one foot or both feet. Tingling that continues or returns can signal a problem. Nerve pressure, poor blood flow, and diabetes are possible causes. An injury to the foot, ankle, or lower back can also irritate a nerve. In some patients, vitamin shortages or other health conditions affect nerve function.

Other symptoms can help a podiatrist understand what is happening. Tingling can occur with numbness, burning pain, or unusual sensitivity. Some patients also notice weakness or trouble with balance. A compressed nerve near the ankle can send tingling into the heel or sole. Nerve damage related to diabetes can begin in the toes and spread through the feet. Reduced blood flow can make the feet feel cold or change their color. Tingling that starts suddenly with severe weakness requires prompt medical attention. A foot wound, swelling, or redness also deserves timely care, especially for a patient with diabetes.

A podiatrist can review when the tingling began and what affects it. The examination includes checking skin condition, blood flow, and muscle strength. The podiatrist can test feelings in different parts of the feet and look for nerve pressure. Imaging, blood tests, or nerve tests can help identify the cause. Treatment depends on the findings. A podiatrist can protect areas with reduced feeling and address pressure caused by foot structure. The doctor can recommend properly fitted shoes or custom orthotics. Regular foot checks can help detect injuries that a patient may not feel. Early evaluation can reduce the risk of complications and help preserve safe movement. If you have tingling in the feet that does not go away, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball combines quick starts, sudden stops, and sharp changes in direction on a hard court. These movements place heavy stress on the feet and ankles. An ankle sprain can occur when the joint rolls and stretches or tears its supporting ligaments. Other injuries related to pickleball include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon tears, and stress fractures. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where the thick band beneath the foot becomes irritated. Repeated impact can also lead to heel pain or pain in the ball of the foot. Poor balance, fatigue, and shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk of injury.

Symptoms vary with the injured area and damage. An ankle sprain can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Achilles tendon trouble can produce stiffness above the heel and pain when pushing off. A stress fracture can cause focused pain that grows worse with activity, while plantar fasciitis usually creates sharp heel pain after rest. Sudden inability to bear weight, a visible change in shape, or a popping sound requires prompt attention. Continuing to play through pain can worsen an injury and change the way a player moves. This can strain the opposite foot and legs.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, test joint movement, and evaluate foot mechanics. X-rays can reveal broken bones or changes in joint alignment. Other imaging can help identify damage to tendons, ligaments, or soft tissue. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the demands placed on the foot. A podiatrist can provide immobilization, bracing, or custom orthotics to protect the injured area and improve support. The podiatrist can also recommend court shoes with proper cushioning and side-to-side stability. For serious injuries, the treatment plan can include surgery. Evaluation guides a safe return to pickleball. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from playing pickleball, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot blister is a fluid-filled area that develops on the skin of the foot. A blister may form after friction from shoes, prolonged walking, or minor trauma. It can appear as a raised, smooth area filled with clear fluid. People with diabetes may be more likely to develop blisters because nerve damage, poor circulation, and repeated pressure can reduce the ability to notice irritation. Some diabetic foot blisters develop without an obvious injury and may occur on the toes, soles, or sides of the feet.

Diabetic foot blisters can look like small bubbles beneath the skin. The surrounding area may become red, swollen, or irritated. However, diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation, so a person may not feel significant pain. Risk factors include poorly fitting footwear, reduced sensation, and circulation problems. High blood sugar can also interfere with normal wound healing. A blister that becomes infected may produce increasing redness, warmth, or an unpleasant odor. These changes require prompt medical attention because foot infections can become serious.

A podiatrist will examine the blister and surrounding skin to determine its condition. The podiatrist may check circulation, sensation, and signs of infection. Care may include protecting the area from pressure, keeping the skin clean, and using appropriate dressings. The podiatrist may also recommend footwear changes and monitor healing closely. If infection is present, additional medical treatment may be necessary. A podiatrist can also identify underlying problems that increase the chance of another blister.

Do not pop or cut open a diabetic foot blister without professional guidance. Damaging the protective skin can increase the risk of infection and delayed healing. Prompt attention can help protect healthy tissue and lower the risk of complications. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot blister, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.