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

A broken foot can make standing and walking painful, but not every fracture looks severe. Foot fractures range from tiny cracks to complete breaks in a bone. Some can even break through the skin. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and trouble moving the foot. Bruising or tenderness can also develop after an injury. A visible change in the shape of the foot strongly suggests a fracture. However, some small breaks cause little pain and no obvious deformity, which can make them difficult to recognize without a careful evaluation.

Foot bones can break after a fall, a direct blow, or an awkward twist. Stress fractures are small cracks that develop from repeated force rather than one sudden injury. They can affect athletes who take part in high-impact activities and can develop after a rapid increase in exercise intensity. A broken foot can sometimes resemble a sprain because both injuries can cause pain and swelling. Fractures, however, can produce more intense and continuous pain. Difficulty bearing weight can also occur. Proper diagnosis is important because untreated fractures can heal in poor alignment and lead to lasting mobility problems.

A podiatrist can examine an injured foot and determine whether a fracture is likely. Imaging can help confirm a break and show its location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the bones remain properly aligned. A podiatrist can use a protective boot or cast to keep the injured area stable while it heals. A podiatrist can also monitor healing and determine when it is safe to increase activity. If you have symptoms of a broken foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Ankle osteoarthritis develops when protective cartilage inside the ankle joint gradually wears down. This cartilage helps bones move smoothly during activities. As cartilage becomes thinner, bones may rub together and cause pain. Common symptoms include ankle pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Some people experience greater discomfort after standing or walking for long periods. Morning stiffness may occur and often improves with movement. As arthritis progresses, pain can become more frequent and interfere with daily activities. Changes in walking may also develop as the joint becomes uncomfortable.

Several factors can increase the risk of ankle osteoarthritis. A previous ankle fracture or severe sprain can damage cartilage and contribute to joint changes. Repeated injuries may place extra stress on the ankle. Age is another risk factor because cartilage naturally becomes less resilient. Excess body weight can increase pressure on the joint. Foot or ankle alignment problems may also affect joint stress. Causes include previous trauma, repeated stress, and natural wear. Some people develop arthritis without one clear cause.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms, medical history, and activity levels. A foot and ankle examination can identify swelling, tenderness, and limited motion. X-rays may evaluate joint-space narrowing and bone changes. Treatment depends on symptom severity and joint condition. A podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or bracing to reduce ankle stress. Medication may help manage pain and inflammation when appropriate. Corticosteroid injections may also be considered. If conservative care does not provide relief, surgical options may be discussed based on joint damage.

Ankle osteoarthritis can affect walking, work, and daily activities. Recognizing symptoms early can help you take action. Persistent ankle pain or stiffness deserves attention, especially after an injury. A podiatrist can determine whether arthritis is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan focused on comfort and mobility. If arthritis affects your ankles or feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Palm Beach Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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.