Arthritis in the feet can make each step feel heavier and more painful than the last. It often begins with stiffness in the morning or after sitting, followed by aching or swelling surrounding the joints of the toes, midfoot, or ankle. The pain may feel sharp during movement or dull and throbbing by the end of the day. As the condition progresses, joints can lose flexibility, making it harder to walk, climb stairs, or fit into regular shoes. Some people notice warmth, redness, or bony bumps forming around the affected areas. Because arthritis can worsen over time, early diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can assess joint health, recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory treatments, and suggest gentle exercises to maintain mobility. If you have joint pain in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for relief options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by injuries, stress fractures, or tendonitis, each bringing its own set of symptoms and concerns. Injuries like sprains or impacts can cause immediate swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Stress fractures, often due to overuse or repetitive activity, may cause a dull ache that worsens with walking or running. Tendonitis, particularly affecting the extensor tendons, those from the front of the leg to the toes, can lead to tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort when flexing the foot. The pain may feel sharp, throbbing, or achy and may make wearing shoes or bearing weight difficult. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause through a detailed exam, imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, and an assessment of activity levels and footwear. Treatment may involve rest, bracing, orthotics, or medication. In more severe cases, immobilization or surgical options may be considered. To avoid complications and restore comfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. 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 Leander, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot drop is a condition that causes difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, resulting in dragging or slapping the foot while walking. This can lead to an abnormal gait and increase the risk of tripping or falling. Common symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot, numbness, tingling, or a heavy feeling in the affected leg. Causes of foot drop include nerve injury, muscle disorders, stroke, or compression of the peroneal nerve near the knee. The foot may appear to drag or drop when lifted, and individuals may raise their knee higher than normal to avoid tripping. A podiatrist can diagnose foot drop by assessing muscle strength, nerve function, and walking patterns. Treatment options may include targeted exercises, bracing, or surgery, depending on the cause and severity. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM from Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. Injuries to this tissue can be common, especially among athletes. The typical symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can include pain down the back of your leg near your heel, pain that worsens with activity, stiffness or soreness in the Achilles tendon upon waking, pain in the tendon the day after exercising, swelling that worsens with activity, thickening of the tendon, bone spurs on the heel bone, and difficulty flexing the affected foot. If you are injured and hear a popping sound, followed by a sudden, sharp pain, this could be indicative of an Achilles tendon rupture. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Afsha Naimat-Shahzad, DPM of Leander Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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