Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints throughout the body, and the feet are no exception. Many people with this condition experience pain, stiffness, or swelling in the toes, midfoot, or ankles. Over time, the structure of the foot may change, leading to deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or a flattened arch. These changes can make walking painful and cause difficulty in finding comfortable footwear. The lining of the joints becomes inflamed, which can damage bone and cartilage if not treated. Supportive shoes, inserts, and exercises can help manage symptoms and reduce stress on affected areas. In more advanced cases, medical treatments or surgery may be considered to improve comfort and mobility. Paying close attention to early signs and adjusting daily routines can prevent the condition from worsening. If rheumatoid arthritis is causing discomfort or changes in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief options.

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. John Branwell of Kearny, New Jersey. 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 Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot biomechanics play a vital role in running efficiency and injury prevention. Every runner has a unique foot strike pattern that influences movement and impact. A heel strike occurs when the heel contacts the ground first, often seen in long-distance runners and associated with a longer stride. A midfoot strike involves landing evenly on the middle of the foot, promoting balance and reducing impact. Additionally, a forefoot strike places pressure on the ball of the foot, often used by sprinters and minimalist runners. Each style affects muscles and joints differently. A podiatrist can assess your gait, identify imbalances, and recommend footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on how to protect your feet while running.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. This buildup, known as hyperuricemia, occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it efficiently. Common causes include a diet rich in purines, kidney dysfunction, or certain medications. Symptoms involve sudden and intense big toe joint pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. Diagnosis is made through blood tests, imaging, or joint fluid analysis. A podiatrist can help manage gout flares, recommend footwear modifications, and offer strategies to reduce pressure on affected joints. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. Our doctor 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 office located in Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain may be about more than just the feet. Foot pain can also be an early warning sign of other health problems. Persistent coldness in the feet and toes may point to poor blood circulation, known as peripheral arterial disease, sometimes linked to diabetes or heart conditions. Swelling in the ankles or feet may indicate cardiovascular or kidney disorders. Burning, tingling, or numbness may suggest peripheral neuropathy, often seen in diabetic patients or people with vitamin deficiencies. Sudden pain in the big toe joint may signal gout, while white or spoon-shaped nails can be associated with systemic illnesses such as anemia or liver disease. Conditions like Raynaud's disease, marked by toes turning white and blue in response to cold, may also suggest underlying autoimmune disorders. A podiatrist can evaluate and treat these symptoms as well as help identify any broader medical concerns. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John Branwell from Kearny, New Jersey. 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 Kearny, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.