For those with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, proper foot care is essential to manage pain and prevent mobility issues. RA often affects the joints in the feet, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain that can worsen without special attention. Consistent and gentle foot exercises help maintain joint flexibility while wearing supportive footwear minimizes stress on sensitive areas. Look for shoes with cushioned soles, wide toe boxes, and arch support to ease pressure on joints. Daily inspection of the feet is important for spotting redness, sores, or deformities early, as RA can make skin and nails more prone to damage. Applying moisturizer helps prevent dry skin and cracks. If you have RA and have pain or deformities like bunions that worsen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can recommend custom orthotics or special footwear adjustments, providing relief and improving mobility.

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 Charles Passet, DPM of Forest Hills. 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 Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Jogger’s foot, or medial plantar neuropathy, is a condition caused by the entrapment of the medial plantar nerve, often affecting runners and individuals engaged in repetitive foot-striking activities. Characterized by pain, tingling, or numbness along the inside of the arch and the sole, this condition can mimic other foot ailments, making diagnosis challenging. Differentiating jogger’s foot from plantar fasciitis or tibial nerve entrapment is critical, as each requires distinct management strategies. A podiatrist, specializing in foot and ankle care, is equipped to identify medial plantar neuropathy through physical exams, imaging, and nerve conduction studies. Treatment for jogger's foot involves activity modification, orthotics, and targeted exercises. For patients unresponsive to conservative measures, innovative techniques offer potential relief. If you have symptoms of jogger’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Charles Passet, DPM from Forest Hills. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, primarily affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. It thrives in warm and moist environments, making communal areas like pools and locker rooms prime breeding grounds. The main causes include direct contact with the fungus, damp socks, and poor foot hygiene. Symptoms typically include itching, burning, and peeling skin, in additon to redness and cracking, which can lead to more severe complications if untreated. Individuals may also experience blisters and a persistent odor. A podiatrist can effectively diagnose and treat athlete's foot. They may prescribe antifungal medications, recommend proper foot care routines, and provide advice on footwear to prevent future infections. In some cases, they might suggest lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to the fungus. If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored advice and treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Charles Passet, DPM from Forest Hills.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on the feet due to excessive pressure or friction, often found on the tops or sides of toes. They can result from wearing ill-fitting shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, or repetitive activities. Symptoms include localized pain, tenderness, and a hardened, raised bump that may cause discomfort while walking. Treatment for corns typically involves alleviating pressure on the affected area. This can be achieved through properly fitting footwear or protective pads. A podiatrist can provide expert assessment and treatment options tailored to your needs, ensuring effective relief from pain and preventing future corns from forming. In some cases, this type of doctor may recommend custom orthotics to correct foot alignment and reduce friction. If you are dealing with foot discomfort from corns, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for professional care and advice. Your feet deserve it.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Charles Passet, DPM of Forest Hills. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Chronic ankle instability, or CAI, is a condition where the ankle frequently gives way, often following repeated sprains. It affects those who have had previous ankle injuries, particularly athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. Women, people with hypermobile joints, and those with improper rehabilitation after an initial injury are at higher risk. The causes of CAI are complex and difficult to pinpoint, involving a combination of mechanical instability from loosened ligaments and neuromuscular factors, like impaired balance and body awareness. Repeated injuries can lead to muscle weakness and poor joint control, further contributing to instability. While strength training is often recommended, research on its effectiveness in preventing or treating CAI remains inconclusive. If you have chronic ankle instability, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Charles Passet, DPM from Forest Hills. 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Forest Hills, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.