Items filtered by date: November 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the feet, making it difficult to move and walk comfortably. Specific exercises can help improve flexibility, and strength, and reduce discomfort. Gentle stretching exercises, such as toe flexes and ankle rotations, can increase joint mobility and ease tension in the foot. Strengthening exercises, like towel scrunches and marble pickups, engage the small muscles in the feet, promoting stability and supporting proper foot function. In addition, calf stretches can relieve tension in the lower legs and help reduce pressure on the feet. Low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, are also beneficial for improving circulation and overall joint function without putting undue stress on the feet. If you have any type of foot arthritis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Selecting the right trail running shoes is vital for men to enhance their performance and ensure comfort on rugged terrains. One key feature to consider is the presence of large lugs on the outsole, which provide added traction on various surfaces. This helps prevent slips and falls during challenging runs. Additionally, a rock plate in the midsole is essential for protecting the feet from sharp stones and uneven ground, allowing for a more comfortable and confident run. Furthermore, EVA foam in the midsole offers excellent cushioning and shock absorption, helping to reduce fatigue over longer distances. Together, these features create a balanced shoe that supports the foot while providing the necessary protection and comfort needed for trail running adventures. Specific shoes are needed for trail running. If you have endured a foot injury from wearing incorrect shoes for this type of running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist. This type of doctor can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on appropriate shoe choices for trail running.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, often results in nails becoming brittle, thickened, and discolored to a whitish-yellow or brown. This condition frequently affects nails on the big toes and may lead to the nail separating from the nail bed if left untreated. A fungal toenail typically starts at the front or side edge of the nail and is caused by dermatophytes, though yeast or mold can occasionally be involved. Risk factors include athlete’s foot, wearing tight shoes, nail damage, and poor circulation. Toenail fungus is more common among older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system. Because fungal toenail infections rarely resolve on their own, seeing a podiatrist is often necessary. This foot doctor can offer treatments such as topical medication, oral antifungal pills, or laser therapy to target the infection. It may even take a combination of treatments, depending on the severity and type of fungus involved. If you believe you have a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

For more information about treatment, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Night splints are commonly used to treat foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet. These devices hold the foot in a dorsiflexed position while you sleep, which helps stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This stretching reduces pain and inflammation by gently lengthening these tissues, promoting healing. Different types of night splints are available, including dorsiflexion splints that flex the foot upward, static splints that hold the foot in a neutral position, and posterior splints that provide support to both the foot and calf muscles. While some people may find night splints uncomfortable at first, many patients experience significant relief with regular use. Night splints are a non-invasive option and can be a valuable part of a treatment plan for foot pain. A podiatrist can help determine which type of night splint is best for your specific condition and ensure that it fits properly. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if night splints are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.