Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can significantly affect the feet, often causing pain, swelling, and joint damage. It frequently targets the forefoot, where the toes meet the foot, leading to stiffness and difficulty walking. Ongoing inflammation can weaken the supporting tissues, causing deformities like bunions and claw toes, which are toes that bend into an abnormal position. This can also lead to joint shifting or dislocation, making standing and movement painful. Thick areas of skin may form under pressure points, adding to discomfort. A podiatrist can evaluate joint alignment, order imaging, and create a treatment plan. This may include custom orthotics, bracing, or surgery to improve stability and reduce pain. Early care can help limit long-term joint damage. If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with 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 Sham Persaud, DPM of Pennsylvania. Our practitioner 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 offices located in Washington and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Some foot problems seem to run in families, even when people live different lifestyles. One example is a shift in the big toe toward the others, often leading to a noticeable bump at the joint, or a bunion. Changes in the smaller toes, such as curling or bending, can also appear across generations. This pattern suggests that inherited traits may influence how bones, joints, and soft tissues develop and respond to pressure over time. Studies have observed these patterns in certain populations, especially among individuals with shared ancestry, pointing to a strong link between family background and these common changes in foot structure. While shoes and activity still matter, they may not tell the whole story. Understanding these patterns may lead to better ways to identify risk early and guide care. If you notice similar foot concerns in your family, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and support.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Sham Persaud, DPM from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that often makes the first steps in the morning feel sharp and uncomfortable. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed or torn. The heel may feel tender, tight, or even slightly swollen, and pain can return after long periods of standing or walking. Contributing factors include overuse, wearing unsupportive shoes, or having flat feet or high arches that place added stress on the tissue. A podiatrist begins with a careful evaluation of symptoms and foot structure and orders imaging if needed. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving support through custom orthotics, footwear changes, and targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength. Early care can help prevent the condition from becoming long-lasting. If you are dealing with painful plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Sham Persaud, DPM from Pennsylvania. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Toe deformities are structural changes that alter the normal position of the toes. Common examples include hammertoe, mallet toe, and claw toe. These conditions often develop as a result of long-term pressure from tight or narrow shoes. Muscle imbalance can also play a role. This occurs when some muscles and tendons become tighter or weaker than others, pulling the toe joints into abnormal positions. Nerve damage may reduce control of toe movement and lead to joint changes. Foot injuries, joint disease, poor circulation, and inherited foot shape can also contribute. Changes in foot mechanics, such as flat feet or bunions, may increase strain on the toes. A podiatrist can examine the foot, evaluate joint movement, and identify the cause. Treatment includes supportive devices, padding, or procedures to improve alignment and reduce discomfort. If you have a toe deformity that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Sham Persaud, DPM of Pennsylvania. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Washington and McMurray, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.