Inflammatory arthritis can affect the joints of the feet and ankles, sometimes making everyday movement uncomfortable and difficult. Because the foot contains many small joints, ongoing inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. Some people notice discomfort in the ball of the foot, heel, toes, or ankle, while others develop changes in foot shape over time as joint damage progresses. Walking may become harder, and supportive shoes may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Since these symptoms can worsen without treatment, evaluation is important to identify the source of pain and protect joint function. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, supportive bracing, activity adjustments, and other therapies aimed at reducing stress on affected areas. If you have foot pain related to inflammatory arthritis, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

You’ve probably seen many bruises on your skin throughout your life, with their black-and-blue discoloration and associated pain, but did you know that you can also bruise a bone? A bone bruise occurs when a small injury on the surface of a bone fills up with blood and other fluids. Like a regular bruise, a bone bruise may cause your skin to turn black, blue, or purple, but it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, joint swelling, pain, and tenderness that last longer than a typical bruise. Bone bruises are somewhat common among athletes and people who work physically demanding job,s which can take a toll on their feet and toes. The bruise may last anywhere from a couple of days to several months, but if you find that your symptoms are getting worse instead of better over time, then you may have a more serious injury, such as a broken bone. If you notice a large bruise on your feet or toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot wounds are a common and serious concern for people living with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce circulation, making it harder to feel injuries and slower for the body to heal. Small cuts or pressure spots may go unnoticed and develop into open sores, which can lead to soft tissue infections if not treated promptly. Risk factors include poor circulation, nerve damage, and wearing ill-fitting shoes. These wounds often appear on the bottom of the foot or around pressure points, and may worsen over time without proper care. A podiatrist can evaluate circulation, check for infection, and provide advanced treatments to promote healing and prevent complications. Early care can reduce the risk of severe outcomes. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, often after the foot twists awkwardly during walking, sports, or a misstep. While many people assume they should simply rest and wait, proper treatment can help recovery move along more safely. A podiatrist may use specific examination guidelines to decide whether imaging is needed to rule out a fracture. Treatment often includes measures to reduce swelling and discomfort, hands-on techniques to improve joint movement, and supportive bracing or wrapping to protect the ankle while it heals. In many cases, gentle walking is encouraged sooner rather than keeping the ankle completely still for too long, since controlled movement can support recovery. Short-term protection combined with the right treatment plan can help restore strength and stability. If you have ankle pain, swelling, or trouble walking after an injury, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail pierces the skin at the fold of the nail. Some common causes of ingrown toenails may include trauma, improper toenail cutting, shoes that are too tight, sweaty feet, and medications. Ingrown toenails can also be recognized by the swelling and inflammation around the toenail that is painful when pressure is applied.  While there are many home remedies that can help reduce the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is important to visit a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection or further damage from occurring. Your podiatrist can provide a variety of home remedies, as well as provide surgical options if necessary.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah, WA, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.