Items filtered by date: May 2025

Foot pain is often linked to various forms of arthritis that affect the joints, soft tissues, and structure of the feet, toes, and ankles. Osteoarthritis can cause the cartilage in foot joints to wear down over time, leading to stiffness, pain, and changes in walking mechanics. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, frequently affects both feet symmetrically and may lead to joint deformities like hammertoes or claw toes. Psoriatic arthritis may cause inflammation in tendons and ligaments, contributing to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Gout often causes sudden, intense pain in the big toe or ankle due to the buildup of uric acid crystals. Lupus-related arthritis can lead to joint pain, nerve damage, and poor circulation in the feet. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment, which may include medication, custom orthotics, or surgery. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Big toe joint pain can be caused by several conditions, including gout, osteoarthritis, and bunions. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint, leading to sudden, intense pain, redness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis is the gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage, resulting in stiffness, aching, and limited movement. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe, often leading to pressure, inflammation, and misalignment of the toe. Pain in the big toe joint may feel sharp, throbbing, or stiff, and it can interfere with walking, standing, or wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause through physical exams, imaging, and lab tests, if needed. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, footwear changes, or surgical correction, in more advanced cases. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM of Idaho. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Supination occurs when the body’s weight is placed along the outside of the foot during walking or running, and excessive supination can lead to strain on the ankles, feet, and toes. People with high arches or inherited structural differences in the legs and feet are more likely to experience excessive supination. It increases the risk of ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and other painful foot problems. Wearing  improper footwear, poor body alignment, and previous injuries can also contribute to an unstable gait. A podiatrist can diagnose excessive supination by analyzing shoe wear patterns, conducting a gait analysis, and evaluating foot structure. Treatment options include prescribing custom orthotics to support the arch and improve foot alignment. In some cases, surgery may be suggested to correct severe structural problems. Choosing appropriate footwear with cushioning and stability features can also be part of the overall plan. If you have foot pain related to your gait, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. 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 Lewiston, ID . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The feet can often reveal early signs of liver problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. One common indication is the appearance of spider veins, which are small, visible blood vessels that can form on the feet and ankles when the liver is not properly filtering blood. Cracked heels may also suggest liver dysfunction, as poor circulation and dehydration associated with liver issues can lead to dry, splitting skin. Another sign to watch for is white nail beds, which can signal a lack of healthy blood flow or low protein levels caused by liver disease. These changes in the feet may seem minor at first, but they can provide important clues about underlying liver health. If you notice any changes to your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you if an underlying health issue is a concern.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Richard M. Allen, DPM from Idaho. our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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