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Managing Foot and Ankle Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. The feet and ankles are often affected because they contain many small joints that help support body weight and movement. People with rheumatoid arthritis may notice tenderness in the forefoot, arch discomfort, ankle instability, or gradual changes in foot shape. Ongoing inflammation can weaken ligaments and damage joint surfaces, and over time, make walking more difficult. Management often focuses on reducing stress on the affected joints while maintaining mobility. Wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and activity modification can help reduce pressure during daily movement. Targeted exercises may also help preserve flexibility and strength. When foot or ankle pain related to rheumatoid arthritis begins to limit comfort or mobility, it is suggested that a podiatrist evaluate the condition 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 Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. 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 Florence, Alabama . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Confident Steps in the Senior Years

As we age, the feet experience years of wear that can affect balance, comfort, and mobility. Skin becomes thinner, nails may thicken, and circulation often slows, making it easier for small problems to develop into bigger concerns. Many seniors also notice changes in sensation, which can make it harder to detect irritation, pressure, or early signs of infection. Regular attention to the feet helps maintain stability and prevents avoidable complications. Gentle daily washing and drying, proper moisture for the skin, and wearing well-fitted shoes that support the arch and heel all contribute to healthier steps. Routine checks for redness, swelling, or changes in nails are equally important. A podiatrist can identify issues such as calluses, arthritis, neuropathy, or circulation problems before they interfere with daily activities. Professional care also ensures nails are trimmed safely and any developing conditions are managed early. If discomfort, numbness, or skin changes begin to affect walking or balance, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for thorough evaluation and guidance tailored to senior foot health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

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Cuboid Sling Surgery for Midfoot Stability

Cuboid sling surgery is a procedure used to address ongoing pain and instability along the outside of the foot, often involving the cuboid bone. This small bone plays a key role in foot balance and weight transfer during walking. When the cuboid shifts or becomes unstable due to injury, ligament damage, or chronic strain, patients may experience sharp lateral foot pain that does not improve with conservative care. A cuboid sling procedure is designed to stabilize the bone by supporting it with surrounding soft tissue, helping restore proper alignment and reduce abnormal motion. The goal is to improve function, decrease pain, and allow the foot to move more efficiently. Recovery typically includes a period of protection followed by gradual return to activity. If outer foot pain persists despite treatment, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine whether surgical correction is appropriate.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Michael T. Hames from Florence Foot Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

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When Foot Structure Matters With Recurring Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are often blamed on trimming habits or wearing tight shoes, but underlying foot structure can sometimes influence how often the problem returns. In most cases, changes to overall foot alignment are not needed to prevent or manage this condition. Many people develop ingrown nails despite having otherwise typical foot mechanics. There are situations, however, where a flattened arch changes how pressure is distributed across the forefoot. This altered loading can increase stress along the edges of the toenails, especially while walking or standing for long periods of time. Gradually, that added pressure may worsen nail irritation or make healing more difficult after treatment. Addressing footwear, nail care, and pressure relief usually remains the primary focus, but structural factors may be considered in select cases. If ingrown toenails are persistent or painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Michael T. Hames of Florence Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections
  • Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
  • Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
  • Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
  • Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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