Joint pain in the feet is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. RA typically affects both feet and hands, often starting in the smaller joints. The pain is usually accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and redness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. As the disease progresses, the inflammation can damage the cartilage and bones in the feet, leading to deformities and difficulty walking. In some cases, the pain can become chronic, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities. Early detection and treatment of RA are vital in managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. Medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. If you experience persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to determine if RA or another condition may be the cause.

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 James Pak, DPM of California. 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 Anaheim, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the big toe can arise from various conditions that are often mistaken for bunions. Bunions result from a misalignment causing the base of the big toe to push outward. Arthritis in the big toe joint, known as hallux rigidus, causes pain and stiffness due to degeneration of cartilage. It can result in bone spurs forming on the joint’s top, unlike the side prominence of bunions. Another common cause of big toe pain is gout, where uric acid crystals build up in the joint, leading to intense pain, redness, and swelling. Ganglion cysts can form near the big toe joint. While they can resemble bunions, they also feel softer and are filled with fluid. Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa near the big toe, can also cause pain and redness due to direct pressure or overuse. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your big toe pain and offer effective treatment options appropriate for each condition. If you have big toe pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact James Pak, DPM of California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments in the foot stretch or tear, often the result of sudden twisting motions during strenuous activities or sports. Symptoms of a sprained foot include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Severe sprains may produce a popping sound when the ligament tears. A podiatrist can assess the severity of a foot sprain through an exam and digital imaging. A grade 1 foot sprain involves mild stretching of the ligament, a grade 2 sprain has partial ligament tears causing joint instability, and a grade 3 sprain includes complete ligament tears and significant foot instability. Recovery times vary, with mild sprains healing within weeks, while more severe cases can require several months. Treatment may involve braces, controlled movement, and rehabilitation exercises to aid healing and restore mobility. If you believe you have sprained your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with James Pak, DPM from California. Our doctor 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 Anaheim, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.