Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation. The feet and ankles are commonly affected because they contain many small joints that bear body weight. Persistent swelling, pain, warmth, and stiffness may develop, especially in the morning or after rest. In the midfoot, inflammation can lead to collapse of the arch and difficulty walking. In the hindfoot and ankle, joint damage may cause instability, limited motion, and progressive deformity. Over time, untreated inflammation can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor joint health, provide supportive orthotics, and recommend appropriate treatment.  

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 New York, NY. 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 office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children do not move like small adults. Early walking patterns evolve as bones lengthen, muscles strengthen, and coordination improves. During growth spurts, legs may seem awkward, feet may turn in or out, and balance may temporarily change. These shifts are usually part of healthy growth, but some patterns persist longer than expected. Frequent tripping, uneven shoe wear, toe walking, or complaints or signaling of leg fatigue can show that movement mechanics need attention. Sports, footwear choices, and surface demands also influence how forces travel through the feet and ankles. Addressing concerns early can support comfort, confidence, and efficient movement as children mature. Early guidance helps prevent strain and injury. If a child shows ongoing walking difficulties, pain, or unusual shoe wear patterns, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of New York, NY. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Non-injury foot pain refers to discomfort that develops without a clear cause and can appear suddenly during daily activities or even at rest. This type of foot pain may feel sharp, burning, aching, or electric in nature. Common causes include inflammation of soft tissues like the plantar fascia or foot tendons, irritation or compression of nerves, and small stress fractures from repetitive loading. Joint conditions like arthritis or gout, and nerve thickening between the toes, known as Morton’s neuroma, are other causes. Symptoms can involve heel or arch pain, pinpoint tenderness on the top or bottom of the foot, or swelling in one foot. Big toe pain, or tingling and numbness are other symptoms. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, biomechanics, gait patterns, and use imaging or lab testing to determine the exact source of pain. Accurate diagnosis allows for targeted medical care and long-term pain control. For help with foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from New York, NY. Our doctors 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 New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gradual changes in toe position can be an early sign of a hammertoe, where one or more toes bend at the middle joint and no longer rest flat. Common signs include toe stiffness, irritation from footwear, and corns or calluses. As the hammertoe progresses, the toe may become rigid, limiting movement and causing more pain. Muscle imbalance, nerve conditions, injury, and long-term pressure on the toes can all contribute to this toe deformity. A podiatrist can evaluate toe alignment, joint flexibility, and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and determine treatment. Some cases of hammertoe may require surgery to correct alignment and relieve pain. If you notice changes to the structure of your toes, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from New York, NY. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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