Foot arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints in the foot, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. This condition can significantly reduce mobility, making daily activities challenging. Common symptoms include discomfort during movement, increased pain after prolonged standing, and difficulty in walking or wearing shoes. Over time, foot arthritis can lead to decreased range of motion, further impacting a person's ability to engage in social and physical activities, which can diminish their quality of life. There are several types of foot arthritis, including osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects multiple joints. If you have signs of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you 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 Plaza Podiatry. 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 Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pregnancy often brings a range of physical changes, and foot pain is a common complaint among expectant mothers. As the body prepares for childbirth, hormonal fluctuations cause ligaments to loosen, which can lead to instability in the feet and ankles. Additionally, the growing uterus increases weight and pressure on the feet, contributing to discomfort and swelling. The shift in the body's center of gravity during pregnancy can alter walking patterns, placing added stress on the feet. Edema, or swelling, commonly occurs due to fluid retention, causing feelings of heaviness and pain. Changes in foot shape, often resulting in wider and flatter feet, can also lead to discomfort. If you have developed foot pain while pregnant, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief during this transformative time.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the feet and ankles, causing intense pain and swelling. It occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, typically starting with a sudden, severe flare in the big toe. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint. Flares can last from days to weeks, often becoming more frequent if not managed properly. Repeated gout attacks can lead to tophus formation, which are large, painful deposits of uric acid crystals in soft tissues. Bony erosion can also occur which can permanently damage the joints. Over time, this can develop into chronic arthritis, making movement difficult and painful. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with medications, lowering uric acid levels through lifestyle changes, with an emphasis on proper diet and hydration. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain often directly impacts strength, balance, range of motion, and stability. When the ankle is injured or weakened, it may lead to pain, making it difficult to perform everyday movements. This pain can reduce ankle strength, as the muscles and tendons may not function optimally due to discomfort. Over time, this weakness can further affect balance, increasing the risk of falls or re-injury. Limited range of motion is another consequence, as pain restricts the joint’s ability to move freely, causing stiffness. Ankle instability can also develop when the ligaments are damaged or weakened, making the ankle prone to giving way during physical activity. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.