October 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and gout are two distinct forms of arthritis that can cause significant foot pain. RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet. This inflammation can result in joint damage if left untreated. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, often causing sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling. It typically causes painful flare ups in the big toe. While RA tends to cause more generalized joint discomfort, gout pain is more localized and can be severe during flare-ups. Both arthritic conditions can limit mobility and interfere with your daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment that helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further joint damage. Included are certain medications, targeted exercises and lifestyle or diet adjustments. If you have inflammatory pain in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Different running surfaces affect your feet in distinct ways, and understanding these differences can help prevent injuries. Running on concrete, a common surface, is challenging for the feet due to its hardness, which leads to more stress on the joints. Asphalt is a bit more forgiving but still causes significant impact. Dirt trails provide a softer experience, but uneven terrain increases the risk of falls or ankle injuries. Sand strengthens muscles but also can strain the ankles, while grass is gentler on joints but is often uneven. Tracks and treadmills offer cushioned, consistent surfaces, which reduce stress but may lack variety. Runners can benefit from alternating between these surfaces to avoid overuse injuries and improve overall foot health. A podiatrist can help evaluate foot pain caused by running and recommend strategies to avoid injury. If you are a runner who has foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.