Roy A. Rothman, DPM, PA
Podiatric Medicine and SurgeonFoot & Ankle Specialist
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 Roy Rothman, DPM of Florida. 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
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 DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, most often between the toes or along the soles. Symptoms include itching, burning, redness, scaling, peeling skin, cracking, or small blisters that can cause discomfort when walking. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot by reviewing symptoms, examining the affected skin, and, when needed, taking a small skin sample to confirm the presence of fungus. Accurate diagnosis is important because other skin conditions can cause similar symptoms. Once identified, a podiatrist can recommend appropriate medical treatment, monitor healing, address contributing factors, like moisture or footwear, and help prevent recurrence through professional guidance. If you believe you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Midfoot arthritis causes pain and stiffness where the long bones of the foot meet the arch joints. This condition often develops after an injury, overuse, or years of uneven pressure during walking. Treatment begins with reducing stress on the affected joints. Wearing supportive shoes with stiff soles can limit painful motion. Custom orthotics help redistribute pressure and improve alignment. Activity modification and targeted exercises may improve strength and flexibility. Additionally, anti inflammatory medications or injections are sometimes used to calm joint irritation. When conservative care does not provide relief, surgical options may be considered. Procedures focus on stabilizing or fusing damaged joints to reduce pain and restore function and early evaluation is important because untreated arthritis can gradually worsen. Proper treatment helps many people remain active and comfortable. If midfoot pain or stiffness limits movement, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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
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 office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Foot arthritis can cause stiffness, aching, and reduced mobility, especially after rest or long periods of standing. Gentle exercises help keep joints moving, support circulation, and maintain strength without increasing stress. Ankle circles are useful for improving range of motion and easing stiffness. Toe stretches, performed by gently pulling the toes back and then curling them downward, help maintain flexibility in the forefoot. Heel raises strengthen the muscles that support the foot and ankle and can improve stability when walking. Rolling the sole of the foot over a small ball or frozen water bottle may also reduce soreness and tension. Exercises should be done slowly and within a comfortable range. A podiatrist can recommend additional specific movements based on the type and severity of arthritis. If you suffer from foot arthritis, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Roy Rothman, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in DeBary, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Follow Us