Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that often causes significant problems in the feet and ankles. The disease targets the lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation that can result in swelling, pain, and stiffness. In the feet, rheumatoid arthritis frequently affects the smaller joints, such as those around the toes, making walking and standing uncomfortable. Over time, persistent inflammation can weaken supportive tissues, causing deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or collapsed arches. These changes may alter the way weight is distributed across the feet, leading to additional stress on bones and joints. Morning stiffness, lasting more than an hour, is a common complaint but may gradually improve with movement. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to progressive joint damage, instability, and in severe cases, loss of mobility. A podiatrist can help identify early signs, recommend proper foot support, and discuss treatment options to protect joint function. If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists of Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A biomechanical assessment of the foot and ankle is a valuable way to understand how movement patterns may contribute to discomfort or injury. During this evaluation, a podiatrist studies how the joints and muscles work together while walking or standing. The structure of the arch, alignment of the heel, and flexibility of the ankle are carefully observed. Sometimes uneven weight distribution or muscle imbalances place extra stress on certain areas, leading to pain or reduced mobility. This type of assessment can help uncover underlying causes of conditions such as heel pain, shin splints, or recurrent ankle sprains. Once the source is identified, personalized treatment options such as orthotics, targeted exercises, or footwear recommendations can be provided. If you are experiencing ongoing foot or ankle concerns, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a thorough biomechanical evaluation.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 offices located in Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures of the foot are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repeated pounding rather than a single injury. Stress fractures most often occur in the metatarsal bones of the midfoot. They may develop gradually in people who run long distances, suddenly increase training intensity, or spend extended hours on their feet. Risk factors can include a high arch, thinning bones, or footwear that lacks adequate support. A common sign of a foot stress fracture is pain that begins during activity and improves with rest, but returns more quickly with each new workout. Swelling, tenderness when pressing on the affected area, and difficulty walking can also occur. A podiatrist can evaluate foot stress fractures with imaging studies, provide guidance on reducing weight-bearing, and recommend immobilization or surgery, in severe cases. If you experience pain in your feet after exercise, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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

Relieving the heel and arch pain from plantar fasciitis often requires a mix of self-care and professional guidance. Stretching the calf muscles and the bottom of the foot can ease strain on the plantar fascia, while wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics can help reduce daily stress on the tissue. Modifying workouts to lower-impact options can give the fascia time to heal. Night splints, which keep the foot gently flexed, may prevent the sharp pain often felt with the first steps in the morning. In more persistent cases, treatments such as targeted exercises, shockwave therapy, or carefully guided injections may be considered. Addressing the problem early increases the chance of full recovery. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

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 one of our podiatrists from Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, PC. Our practitioners 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 Gainesville and Dulles, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.