Ankle arthritis can make walking and daily activities difficult due to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint. While surgery is an option in some cases, many people find relief through non-surgical treatments. These methods aim to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and slow the progression of arthritis. Common approaches include wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics to ease pressure on the joint, using braces to add stability, and doing gentle exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Targeted exercises may also help improve flexibility and balance. Anti-inflammatory medications, topical treatments, or corticosteroid injections can be used to manage pain and swelling. Maintaining a healthy weight is another important step, as it reduces stress on the ankle. With the right combination of care, many people are able to stay active and avoid surgery. If ankle pain is interfering with your life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to explore your treatment options.

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 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 our office located in Swedesboro, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed, typically due to injury from overuse. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and the arch of the affected foot. If you have this condition, performing certain stretches may help aid in your recovery from plantar fasciitis. The gastroc stretch helps stretch out the gastroc muscle and Achilles tendon. The soleus stretch helps stretch the soleus muscle and Achilles tendon. The flexor hallicus longus stretch helps stretch the bottom of the foot, inside of the ankle, and back of the calf. To learn more about how stretching can help you in your recovery from plantar fasciitis, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.

Research has shown the feet can indicate serious health issues within the body. The condition known as scleroderma may be evident in the feet. The symptoms can consist of cold feet and toes and can be associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Additional signs of scleroderma may include having patches of thickened skin that develop on the feet. The affected skin may be dry or itchy and will often require expert medical care. A chilblain may occur with Raynaud's disease and the skin may turn red, swollen, and become tender when touched. Having poor blood circulation and exposure to cold weather may lead to this condition, and it can affect the toes. There are simple methods that can be implemented to properly care for the feet. These can consist of choosing shoes that fit correctly and moisturizing the feet often. Many people who are affected by systemic sclerosis can experience a feeling of walking on small pebbles and this may be relieved by wearing custom-made orthotics. If you have any of these symptoms and would like to know more about systemic diseases of the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Ankita Patel, DPM from All Pro Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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