Items filtered by date: February 2023

Having sore feet is common with the foot condition that is known as rheumatoid arthritis. It can happen to any joint in the body, and walking can become difficult when it affects the feet. It is considered to be a disease, and it causes the membranes and joints to become swollen and inflamed. Research has shown that approximately 90 percent of people with this condition have foot pain, and the symptoms can include tenderness, stiffness, and the joints may feel warm when touched. If the ankle joints are affected, early detection can consist of having difficulty in walking up or down steps, or inclines, such as hills or ramps. Mild relief may be found when stretches are performed that can help to increase flexibility. Practicing a gentle yoga routine may help to achieve this goal. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can monitor your feet and offer you additional relief options.

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 Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced 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 Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

Where Does a Plantar Fibroma Develop?

A noticeable lump in the arch or bottom of the foot can be a plantar fibroma. It generally causes no pain and is typically benign, despite being uncomfortable. Patients often find one foot that has this nodule and a proper diagnosis can be performed, which can confirm a plantar fibroma has developed. This can be done by having an MRI or ultrasound taken, which can be successful in determining its size. The fibroma lies in the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. This may cause the plantar fascia to become disrupted. Wearing custom-made orthotics may help in relieving some of the pressure that is felt while wearing shoes. The proper amount of cushioning can act as a shock absorber, and it may help the plantar fascia to return to its original shape. If you notice a nodule or lump on the bottom of your foot it is strongly advised that you consult a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and provide effective treatment methods.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

  • Steroid injections
  • Orthotics
  • Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Eczema May Cause Blisters on the Feet

Blisters can develop on the feet from a condition that is known as dyshidrotic eczema. It may be caused by genetic tendencies and can be prevalent in people who have other forms of eczema. There may also be outside factors that can cause this condition. These can consist of stress situations, having an allergic reaction to specific kinds of metals, or certain types of irritants. This ailment may cause blisters to form on the feet, and may be preceded by severe itching and burning. The skin may turn red and become cracked after the blisters have healed, and can become infected. This condition can be treated by washing and drying the affected area, followed by moisturizing the feet. It is beneficial to keep the fingernails as short as possible, which may help to prevent breaking the skin from scratching. It is advised to manage stress levels as best as possible, which may be a key factor in preventing this type of eczema. If you have developed blisters on your feet, please consult a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine the cause, and treat it accordingly.

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 Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Foot Ulcers Can Be Serious

Peripheral neuropathy can cause a lack of feeling in the feet. One who has this condition may have serious changes in their bodies and foot ailments, like foot ulcers, that they are not aware of. A foot ulcer can come from things like cuts sustained from stepping on sharp objects or not tending to a blister from ill-fitting shoes. Causes of peripheral neuropathy can include having diabetes. Having uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and lead to restriction of the blood supply to the feet. This, in turn, means the feet receive a lower number of infection-fighting cells and wounds can take longer to heal, sometimes even resulting in gangrene and the need for amputation. If you develop foot ulcers, and particularly if you are diabetic, it is highly suggested to be under the care of a podiatrist and receive immediate and ongoing treatment. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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