Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the small joints of the feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformity that can make walking difficult. Inflammation can weaken ligaments and change the alignment of the toes and arches, increasing pressure in certain areas and raising the risk of corns, calluses, and ulcers. Proper foot care plays a vital role in managing these symptoms and maintaining mobility. Wearing supportive shoes with cushioned soles, a wide toe box, and custom orthotics help reduce stress on painful joints. Regular podiatric care allows early detection of changes that may require adjustments in footwear or treatment. Stretching, gentle exercise, and controlling inflammation through medical management can further protect joint function. If you are suffering with foot or ankle pain from rheumatoid arthritis, it is suggested that you seek professional guidance from a podiatrist.

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 Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle popping can occur for several reasons, including crepitus, which is the grinding or crackling sound from joint surfaces, or the harmless release of gas bubbles within joint fluid. It may also result from tendons moving over bone or past injuries that have weakened the joint. Strengthening exercises such as calf raises, resistance band stretches, and balance training can improve stability and reduce popping. A podiatrist can assess whether ankle popping is normal or a sign of an underlying condition, provide targeted exercise plans, and recommend treatments, if necessary. If ankle popping is accompanied by pain or instability, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist  to restore strength, improve mobility, and protect your ankle health.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot wounds that do not heal in individuals with diabetes are a serious concern. They often arise from poor circulation, nerve damage, or infection. Healing is further delayed when blood sugar is poorly controlled, footwear is ill-fitting, or daily care is inconsistent. Locally, excess pressure, bacterial overgrowth, or dryness at the wound site may slow recovery, as well. Management begins with addressing underlying conditions such as vascular disease, smoking, and high glucose levels. At the same time, careful cleaning, offloading pressure, and infection control are essential. Advanced wound dressings provide a supportive environment by keeping the area moist, reducing bacterial load, and encouraging tissue repair. Options include hydrocolloids that create a moist seal protecting the wound, and alginates that absorb heavy drainage and help control moisture levels. Foams that cushion the area while keeping the wound insulated and protected, and antimicrobial layers that reduce bacteria and lower the risk of infection, can be tailored to the specific wound. If you have diabetes, and have developed a persistent foot ulcer, it is suggested that you seek evaluation by a podiatrist for appropriate care and management for this serious condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force rather than a sudden injury. These injuries often occur in athletes, runners, or anyone who increase activity levels too quickly without proper conditioning. Causes include overuse, improper footwear, and activities that put repeated pressure on the foot. Risk factors include osteoporosis, low bone density, and poor nutrition. Symptoms consist of pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and discomfort when bearing weight. Relief often involves rest, more supportive footwear, and avoiding high impact movements until healing occurs. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.