If you suffer from arthritis in your feet and ankles, doing gentle foot exercises regularly can help reduce or prevent symptoms like joint stiffness and pain. You can stretch your calves by placing a book on the floor and standing on it with just the balls of your feet, leaving your heels on the floor. Keep your knees straight and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calves. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Exercise your ankles by sitting in a chair and lifting your foot slightly off the ground. Trace the letters of the alphabet in the air. Repeat on the other foot. For more helpful foot and ankle stretches, please consult with a podiatrist.
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 APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Fort Myers, Cypress Cove, Shellpoint, Naples, and Carlisle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
