Ankle and foot arthropathies, including rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, are chronic conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to swelling, stiffness, and damage, over time. In the feet and ankles, RA can cause pain, warmth, swelling, and visible deformities like bunions or hammertoes. It may lead to difficulty walking, joint instability, or stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest. The skin surrounding the affected joints may appear red and feel tender to the touch. A podiatrist plays a vital role in managing RA-related foot and ankle issues. They can evaluate joint function, order imaging tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment includes custom orthotics, supportive footwear, targeted exercises, corticosteroid injections, or surgical correction, in advanced cases. Early care can slow joint damage and improve mobility. If arthritis is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

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 one of our podiatrists of Grobowski Foot & Ankle. our doctors 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 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.

A broken ankle is more than just a simple fracture. Without proper treatment, it can lead to long-term problems that affect mobility and quality of life. One possible complication is poor bone healing, which can result in chronic pain or joint instability. Damage to surrounding ligaments, tendons, or blood vessels may also occur, increasing recovery time and impacting function. Infections can develop after surgery or when the skin around the injury is damaged. Arthritis in the ankle joint is another potential long-term outcome, especially if the break involves the joint surface. Early and accurate treatment is essential to reduce these risks and promote full recovery. If you have suffered an ankle fracture or continue to experience pain and swelling after an injury, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for appropriate care.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

As the body ages, the structure and function of the feet and ankles begin to shift. Natural wear and tear, along with a lifetime of activity, can lead to decreased flexibility, weaker muscles, and thinning of the protective fat pads that cushion each step. Joint cartilage may become worn, and ligaments may lose some of their elasticity, making balance and movement less steady. These changes can affect posture, walking patterns, and stability. Even small changes in foot shape or ankle strength can increase the risk of falls or discomfort. Wearing supportive footwear, regular movement, and attention to foot health can help maintain mobility. If walking becomes more difficult or foot pain increases with age, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to address these concerns and improve comfort during daily activities.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

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 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.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages, especially runners, people who stand for long hours, or those with flat feet or high arches. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports the arch, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed or strained. Classic symptoms include sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning, but it can also cause aching in the arch, tightness in the calf, or a burning sensation that worsens with prolonged activity. Left untreated, pain from plantar fasciitis can alter the way you walk and lead to knee, hip, or back issues. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through physical exams and imaging, if needed. They offer targeted treatments, such as custom orthotics, stretching plans, night splints, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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.