Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and osteoarthritis, OA, both affect the joints of the feet, toes, and ankles, but are distinct in their causes and progression. RA is a disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness that can affect both feet symmetrically. Over time, this can result in joint deformities and decreased mobility. OA is a degenerative condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing against each other. This wear and tear often results in extreme pain, swelling, and the development of bony growths, which may affect one foot more than the other. Risk factors for RA include family history and being female, while OA is more common with age, obesity, or previous joint injuries. A podiatrist can manage arthritis in the feet, by determining the type of arthritis, recommending appropriate footwear, and suggesting options to reduce pain and preserve joint function. If you have foot problems resulting from arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and 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 David Mansky, DPM of Mansky Podiatry. 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 Hastings, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness, often in the big toe. The pain usually starts abruptly and can be severe, making it difficult to walk or even touch the affected area. This condition occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood, forming crystals that deposit in the joints and leading to inflammation and pain. Common causes of gout include consuming too much alcohol, red meat, or sugary foods, which can increase uric acid levels. Genetics, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to the condition. Treatment for gout typically involves medications like NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation, along with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding purine-rich foods. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend prescription medications to lower uric acid levels. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and more frequent flare-ups. If you have gout attacks, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

A broken ankle occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint are fractured, usually due to trauma such as a fall, twist, or sports injury. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the foot, and an inability to bear weight on the injured leg. Common causes include rolling or twisting the ankle, car accidents, or high-impact sports. Ankle fractures can be classified as simple or complex, and treatment options depend on the type and severity of the break. In some cases, broken bones may protrude through the skin, indicating a more severe fracture. This may require a cast or surgery to realign the bones. For mild fractures, a brace or splint can provide support and immobilize the ankle. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture, recommend the best treatment, and guide rehabilitation. If you suspect you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Ankle braces are a valuable tool for protecting and supporting the foot and ankle, whether preventing injuries or aiding recovery from sprains or ligament damage. Ankle braces help stabilize the joint, reducing excessive movement that could lead to further strain or injury. People with weak ankles or those prone to sprains often benefit from wearing braces during activities that put stress on the ankle. These braces can also help reduce swelling and discomfort by supporting the tendons and ligaments as they heal. There are many types of braces, including pull-on and lace-up designs, with some featuring rigid supports for enhanced stability. A poorly fitting brace may not provide adequate support, which is why consulting a podiatrist is important. This type of doctor can evaluate your injury, recommend the most suitable type of brace, and ensure it fits properly to promote healing and prevent future issues. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis to determine if a brace is needed.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with David Mansky, DPM from Mansky Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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