Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding soft tissues. It commonly affects the small joints of the feet, leading to pain, swelling, and progressive deformity. This inflammation can make walking difficult and reduce overall mobility. Risk factors include family history, smoking, and long-term immune system dysfunction. Symptoms often include joint stiffness, especially in the morning, tenderness, swelling, and changes in foot shape over time. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, providing supportive devices, recommending footwear modifications, and managing pain and pressure points. If you have RA, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition and maintain mobility.

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 Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet is a condition in which the arches of the feet collapse or do not develop properly, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This can result from genetics, injury, tendon dysfunction, or gradual wear over time. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, fatigue, and discomfort in the ankles, knees, or lower back. Risk factors include obesity, aging, prolonged standing, and wearing improper footwear that lacks support. Without proper care, flat feet can affect alignment and lead to further strain on the body. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, recommending supportive devices, and guiding treatment. If you have flat feet and are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Foot arch pain can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The arch runs from the ball of the foot to the heel and acts as a natural shock absorber when walking, running, or standing. Pain in this area may feel dull, throbbing, burning, or sharp. It can develop from overuse, injuries, weakened tendons, stress fractures, or structural differences, such as very high or very flat arches. One frequent cause is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch and helps maintain balance. Symptoms may include stiffness in the morning, swelling, or discomfort that worsens after long periods on the feet. A podiatrist can identify the source of arch pain through a physical exam, gait evaluation, and imaging tests. Treatment options include custom orthotics, bracing, or more advanced medical care to restore function and relieve discomfort. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, which must absorb force and keep the body balanced with every stride. Each step sends pressure through the heel, arch, and forefoot as the foot strikes the ground and pushes the body forward. The ankle joint bends and stabilizes the leg while muscles and tendons guide movement and protect the joints. The plantar fascia, a strong band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, supports the arch and helps absorb impact. The Achilles tendon, the thick cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, helps lift the heel during push off. During a run, the foot may absorb forces several times greater than body weight. When running leads to ongoing foot or ankle pain, a podiatric evaluation is suggested for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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