Psoriatic arthritis, also known as PsA, is an inflammatory arthritis that can affect people who have the autoimmune skin condition psoriasis. This condition may cause joint pain in the feet and ankles, and  stiffness, and swelling that can make walking uncomfortable. It can also lead to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, adding strain to the heel and surrounding tissues. Risk factors include a history of psoriasis, genetic factors, and immune system activity. Symptoms may include tenderness, warmth, reduced range of motion, and fatigue. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, provide supportive care, and recommend treatments to reduce inflammation and improve function. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Swedesboro, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Buying shoes online sounds easy, but getting the right fit can be surprisingly difficult. Each brand uses different sizing standards, and, even within the same brand, styles can vary based on design and materials. A stiff leather shoe may feel tighter than a flexible mesh one, even if they are labeled the same size. Without trying them on, it is hard to know how they will truly fit your foot shape. Many people also do not realize their feet change over time, making old size assumptions unreliable. Proper measurement of length, width, and arch type is key to finding comfortable footwear. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, identify problem areas, and recommend shoe types that match your needs. This guidance can prevent pain, blisters, and long-term issues. If you struggle with shoe fit, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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

A high arch is a condition where the arch of the foot is raised more than normal, placing excessive pressure on certain areas. This imbalance can lead to foot pain, because stress is concentrated on the section between the ankle and toes that affects stability and shock absorption. High arches may be caused by inherited bone structure or underlying nerve conditions that alter muscle function. Individuals often experience difficulty finding comfortable, supportive shoes. Other risk factors include family history, neurological disorders, and improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide guidance on proper footwear. If you have high arches that are causing discomfort, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management tips.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. 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 Swedesboro, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Abnormal foot posture can contribute to low back pain because the feet support the body’s overall alignment. When they do not function properly, forces traveling through the legs and spine become uneven, placing added strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. Two common problems are pronation and supination. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively, often in people with flat feet, causing the legs to rotate inward and disrupting alignment. Supination can happen when the foot rolls outward, typically in those with high arches, reducing shock absorption and increasing joint stress. Risk factors include prolonged standing, excess weight, and repetitive impact, meaning repeated stress from activities like walking or running over time. This ongoing strain can affect muscles, joints, and the spine. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure and gait, and recommend orthotics or supportive footwear to improve alignment, relieve pain, and promote better overall function. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer relief techniques that are right for you.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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