Items filtered by date: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and may begin at any time in life. This type of condition attacks the joints in the body and can cause pain and discomfort. It can progress quickly, and the joints often become swollen and red. Many patients notice the disease affects the same joints on both sides of the body and may be felt in the balls of the feet. Patients may feel generally unwell and can easily become fatigued. The majority of people who have rheumatoid arthritis will have foot pain, and relief is often sought. Additionally, the foot may change shape, and nodules in the joints may form. The joints in the foot that are most affected are the ankle, talonavicular, and metarsocunieform joints. Relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, which may help to reduce painful symptoms. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis. 

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 Summit Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you are a senior citizen or are currently caring for one, then it might be important to remember that doing what you can to prevent falls can help maintain proper foot health. This is because suffering a fall can lead to foot injuries and other conditions in a senior. In order to prevent falls, you might consider the potential benefits of adding installations in the senior’s home. For example, installing certain objects around the home, such as handrails on both sides of the stairwell, can give a senior extra support when navigating the stairs. Additionally, the installation of grab bars in the shower or tub may help senior citizens support themselves and gain balance when bathing. Lastly, and importantly, you might consider installing a raised toilet seat that has armrests to provide ample stability for the senior when using the restroom. All of these installations might serve to increase the senior’s stability and decrease the likelihood of suffering from a fall. It is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information about preventing falls. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is located in the lower part of the calf, and it is responsible for walking, running, and standing on tiptoes. If this tendon becomes injured, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. An injury can happen from increasing speed and distance too quickly, a common injury among runners. The tendon can become partially or completely torn, and there are similar symptoms that can accompany either type. These symptoms can include hearing a popping sound at the time of the injury, and the heel may be swollen, painful, or stiff. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, and they are classified as non insertional and insertional. The former may be more prevalent among younger people, and it affects the fibers in the middle of the tendon. The latter involves the fibers in the lower part of the tendon, and both can result from overuse. Partial tears may gradually heal on their own, with adequate rest and keeping as much weight off of the foot as possible. If the tendon is completely torn, it is suggested that a podiatrist who can effectively treat an Achilles tendon injury be contacted as quickly as possible .

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It can be essential for senior citizens to do what they can to prevent falls from occurring. When a senior falls, they may be setting themselves up for a nasty foot injury or other more serious condition. As a result, the feet may become weak, which ultimately makes falling even more likely in the future. Many senior citizens could potentially benefit from being more vigilant about preventing falls in the hallways of their homes. For example, a senior may prevent falls in the hallway by taking a number of different steps. First, a senior could have lighting fixtures installed in their hallways to increase visibility, which can ultimately decrease the chance of falling. Second, a senior could have sturdy handrails installed in their hallways if they are particularly prone to falling. This will enable the senior to hold on to something while navigating the hallways. If you are a senior, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist today.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.