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Symptoms of Arthritic Feet

The tendons, ligaments, and 26 bones that the foot is comprised of are responsible for standing, walking, and absorbing the weight of the body. Painful conditions involving the feet may occur as a result of improper foot care, working on your feet, or sporting activities. If you experience pain in the feet, in addition to any swelling or tightness, you may have what is referred to as arthritis. You may notice tingling in the feet, which may indicate a circulatory condition, and the joints may begin to look deformed. It’s important to maintain proper foot care, and this may be accomplished by washing and drying the feet completely and following by applying a moisturizer. The flexibility and movement of the feet may be significantly improved by incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to take care of arthritic feet.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Why Do I Have a Bunion?

Hallux valgus is the scientific name for the condition commonly referred to as a bunion. This condition occurs when the bone between the joint and the base of the big toe protrudes, often causing pain and discomfort. An additional bone may form as a result of severe inflammation the bunion can cause, in addition to developing arthritis. The area may become red, tender, and swollen, and it’s suggested that larger-sized shoes are worn to replace shoes that do not provide adequate room for the bunion. There are several reasons why bunions may develop, including a predisposed inherited gene, improper shoes that are worn, or a condition referred to as flat feet. If the bunion is mild and tolerable, there may be conservative ways to treat this ailment. For more severe bunions, surgery may be a remedy to alleviate pain associated with this condition. A consultation with a podiatrist is recommended for additional information consisting of proper treatment techniques.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

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Causes of Heel Spurs

If a tiny bone protrudes from the heel of the foot, you may have what is known as a heel spur. This condition occurs when the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes sustains an injury. Early symptoms may consist of swelling, pain, and general discomfort, and these typically occur while walking. Other contributing reasons for this condition can include weight gain or if the wrong shoes are worn. To properly diagnose this condition, an X-ray is typically performed to view the bone protrusion. There are several treatment options available, and these may include properly stretching the calf muscles, losing excess weight, and wearing shoes that fit correctly. It’s advised to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and to learn about the best treatment options for your heel spur.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

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Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

The Importance of Maintaining Proper Foot Care as You Age

Maintaining proper foot care is essential at any age, and it’s especially important for the elderly population to pay close attention to their feet. Commonly, assistance is often needed to properly trim the toenails because of eyesight concerns or experiencing difficulty in bending down. There are several steps to correctly trimming the toenails, and it’s suggested to start by soaking the feet in a warm bath to aid in softening the nails. It’s wise to thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, and apply a moisturizer that will prevent the skin from cracking. Trimming the toenails straight across the nail bed can prevent ingrown toenails and infections from developing. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for additional information on how to care for elderly feet.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

  • Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
  • Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
  • Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
  • Shoes that don’t fit properly
  • Pressure sores
  • Loss of circulation in legs & feet
  • Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

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