Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints and causes inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. When RA affects the feet and ankles, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and complications. Common manifestations include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking due to joint inflammation and damage. RA can also cause the formation of nodules, particularly in pressure areas like the soles of the feet. It may also result in foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes. If you have RA that is affecting your feet and ankles, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This medically trained foot doctor can provide comprehensive treatment, including interventions, such as custom-made orthotics, corticosteroid injections, and guidance on foot care techniques to manage RA symptoms and prevent complications.

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 Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, often depicted in old-time images as a wealthy person or aristocratic figure suffering from swollen and inflamed joints, is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. These portrayals often included exaggerated features such as red, swollen feet, and grimacing facial expressions, highlighting the intense pain associated with gout attacks. Such imagery reflected the prevailing perception that gout was a disease of excess, commonly associated with indulgence in rich foods and alcohol consumption. The accumulation of uric acid typically affects the big toe but can occur in other joints as well. Gout flares are intensely painful, often described as sudden and excruciating. While genetics can predispose individuals to gout, lifestyle factors like diet, alcohol consumption, and obesity also play a role. Treatment for gout focuses on managing pain and reducing uric acid levels through medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications. Contemporary understanding of gout has evolved and a podiatrist can help in its management by diagnosing the condition, providing pain relief strategies, recommending appropriate footwear, and offering guidance on preventing future flare-ups. If you have gout, it is suggested that you partner with a podiatrist to effectively manage your symptoms for better life quality.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. 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 one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infecting the outer layer of the skin on the soles of the feet. They often appear as small, rough lesions with tiny black dots, known as wart seeds. These warts thrive in warm, moist environments such as showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools, making them common among barefoot individuals. Unfortunately, there is no singular quick-fix cure for plantar warts, as treatment methods vary and can take time to be effective. Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination by a podiatrist, sometimes supplemented by a biopsy or other tests. It is important to note that plantar warts can be mistaken for other conditions like calluses or corns. Prevention involves keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, and wearing protective footwear, especially in communal spaces. If you or your child has a plantar wart, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Metatarsal fractures encompass a variety of injuries, from acute trauma to stress fractures in the five long bones of the feet. Acute metatarsal fractures occur suddenly, often due to forceful impact, like dropping a heavy object on it or sports-related incidents. These fractures can be open, where the skin is broken, or closed, and may be displaced, requiring realignment and stabilization by a podiatrist. The fifth metatarsal bone is particularly prone to acute fractures, commonly occurring at various points along its length. Stress fractures, on the other hand, develop gradually from repetitive pounding, resulting in hairline cracks that may be difficult to detect. However, they still require proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent worsening symptoms. Recognizing the signs of metatarsal fractures and seeking timely medical attention from a podiatrist is important. If you suspect a metatarsal fracture or experience midfoot pain it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. They provide comprehensive care for foot-related issues, including injuries, deformities, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes. Podiatrists can help people of all ages, from children to the elderly, offering services such as routine foot care, orthotic prescriptions, wound care, and surgical interventions when necessary. Unlike medical doctors, MDs, who focus on the entire body, podiatrists, DPMs, focus exclusively on the lower extremities, allowing them to develop specialized expertise in foot and ankle care. Their training includes four years of podiatric medical school followed by residency programs, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of podiatric issues effectively. If you are experiencing foot pain, discomfort, or any abnormalities in foot structure or function, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.