December 2021

Many people associate arthritis with aging and the elderly. While it is true that certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are most often seen in older adults, arthritis is not exclusively a disease of aging. Nearly 300,000 children and teens in the United States alone have juvenile arthritis (JA). Rather than being just one disease, JA is an umbrella term for any type of arthritis that affects someone under the age of 16. The most common type of JA is idiopathic arthritis. This can cause symptoms such as pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, and swelling around the joints. The small joints of the feet are often affected. It is suggested that children with JA visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor and maintain the health of their foot and ankle joints. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

One common cause of foot pain is Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes. This condition usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes and causes symptoms such as burning pain, tingling, numbness, and a strange sensation akin to walking on a pebble. Pain is often worsened by wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels. Morton’s neuroma is diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging studies may be needed to rule out other causes of foot pain. Treatment is typically conservative and includes resting and icing the foot, wearing orthotics, and taking medications to reduce pain. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

When someone experiences peripheral vascular disease, (also called peripheral artery disease, or PAD), the primary cause is a decrease of blood flow to a body part other than the brain or heart. This is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery. Most commonly it affects the legs, feet, and toes causing pain, cramping, numbness, tingling, coldness, and wounds that won’t heal. If left untreated it can lead to more serious conditions, including gangrene. Unfortunately, many symptoms often are noticed only after the condition has become serious. Risk factors include diabetes, obesity, smoking, and sedentary living. Several actions can help reduce symptoms, including managing diabetes and high blood pressure, losing weight, ceasing smoking, exercising regularly, and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods. If pain continues or gets worse, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can review medical treatment and surgical procedures available to widen the blood vessels.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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