Items filtered by date: May 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune condition that often affects the joints in the feet, leading to pain and inflammation. In the feet, symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, and tenderness, particularly in the toes and the balls of the feet. Some individuals may notice warmth or redness around the joints, along with difficulty walking or wearing shoes comfortably. As the condition progresses, joint deformities and reduced mobility may develop. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but it involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of the joints. Genetic factors, environmental triggers, and hormonal changes may all play a role. Early diagnosis and proper management are important to help reduce pain, preserve joint function, and maintain quality of life for individuals affected by this chronic condition. If you have symptoms of RA and your feet are affected, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain is a common issue, and, one of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia that supports the arch of your foot becomes inflamed. It is often caused by overuse, poor foot mechanics, standing for long periods, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain may ease with movement but can return after extended activity. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and may use imaging, if needed. Treatment options include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. In more persistent cases, they may recommend cortisone injections or, as a last resort, surgery to release the tight fascia and relieve pressure. If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Darron Barrus, DPM of Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Cracked heels often develop when the skin becomes excessively dry or thick, making it prone to splitting. Factors such as exposure to hot water, harsh soaps, and low humidity can strip the feet of natural oils. Age-related changes like thinning fat pads and reduced skin renewal also make the feet more vulnerable to pressure and dryness. Health conditions, including diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, obesity, and poor circulation, can reduce the skin’s ability to heal, leading to deep fissures. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may weaken the skin barrier, which increases the risk of cracks. Daily habits like standing for long periods and wearing ill-fitting shoes place additional stress on the heels. Other lifestyle factors such as smoking and walking barefoot can increase dryness and pressure. Poor foot hygiene, including neglecting regular moisturizing and exfoliation, often contributes to the formation of cracked heels. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause, remove thickened skin, and prescribe medicated creams to address fissures. If you have cracked heels that cause pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This buildup results from either overproduction of uric acid or the body’s inability to eliminate it properly. The condition often affects the big toe joint but can occur in other joints such as the ankles, knees, and wrists. The first sign of gout is usually sudden, intense pain in the affected joint, often starting at night. The joint may appear red, swollen, warm, and extremely tender to the touch. Even the light pressure from a bedsheet can be painful. Repeated gout attacks may lead to chronic joint damage if left untreated. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Darron Barrus, DPM from Shelby 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 Alabaster, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.