Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation. The feet and ankles are commonly affected because they contain many small joints that bear body weight. Persistent swelling, pain, warmth, and stiffness may develop, especially in the morning or after rest. In the midfoot, inflammation can lead to collapse of the arch and difficulty walking. In the hindfoot and ankle, joint damage may cause instability, limited motion, and progressive deformity. Over time, untreated inflammation can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can monitor joint health, provide supportive orthotics, 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 one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe surgery is considered when a bent toe causes ongoing pain, pressure points, or difficulty wearing shoes despite conservative care. Hammertoe surgery aims to straighten the affected toe by correcting tight tendons, ligaments, or joint alignment that pull it into an abnormal fixed position. Depending on severity, surgery may involve tendon release or joint resection. In some cases, fusion is performed to improve stability and reduce friction against footwear. Recovery time varies, but swelling and stiffness are common during early healing as the toe adjusts to its new position. A podiatrist plays an important role by confirming the diagnosis and determining whether surgery is appropriate. They also explain risks and expectations, select the most effective surgical approach, and guide post-procedure care to support healing and restore walking comfort. For help with foot pain caused by a hammertoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Wearing the right running shoes plays an important role in comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Arch type influences how the foot absorbs shock and transfers force during movement. People with low arches often overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward excessively. Stability or motion control shoes can help provide support and improve alignment. High arches tend to absorb less shock, placing more stress on the heel and forefoot. Cushioned shoes with flexible soles often work better for this foot type. Neutral arches usually function efficiently and benefit from balanced shoes that offer moderate support and cushioning. Fit, activity level, and running surface also matter when choosing footwear. A proper evaluation helps match shoe design to individual mechanics. Wearing the wrong shoe can contribute to pain or overuse injuries. If running causes foot discomfort or repeated problems, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment and guidance on proper footwear.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissue, often involving the feet and ankles. It can cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, sometimes spreading quickly. In the feet, cellulitis may begin through a cut, blister, or ulcer. It is often confused with gout because both conditions can cause sudden swelling, redness, and significant pain. Gout symptoms typically include intense joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, often starting in the big toe. Cellulitis symptoms also include tenderness, fever, and skin that appears tight or shiny. Cellulitis is caused by bacteria entering the skin, while gout is caused by uric acid buildup. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, provide appropriate treatment, and help prevent complications. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.