Phil Mickelson has been treated for arthritis that surfaced just before the U.S. Open and left him in so much pain he couldn't walk. Arthritis is a problem that we treat at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates on a daily basis. Because the foot and ankle have 36 joints, the inflammation caused by arthritis can cause limitation, pain, swelling, and ultimately affects day-to-day life. We try to find not only the cause of the arthritis, but also give patient's solutions to get them back to their activity level, with conservative measures and straightforward treatment options.

Many causes of arthritis exist, but most commonly is day-to-day wear and tear. Arthritis is also caused by a sudden trauma or repetitive small trauma, and can be due to the shape of the foot which can cause jamming of the joints. Hereditary factors, bacterial and viral infections, and multisystem disorders can also cause a lead to arthritis. Also, arthritis in one joint can cause or worsen arthritis in another joint seen commonly in the foot with bunions, hammertoes, or even an arthritic ankle.

Arthritic conditions are initially diagnosed with symptomatology, x-ray findings, laboratory studies, and ruling out other common tendon and ligament issues in the foot. At Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates we not only use these tests, but also our clinical experience to determine how to gear the proper treatment toward each patient. Treatments include padding and strapping of the foot, molded insoles, multiple anti-inflammatory medications both topical and oral, and in severe cases an injection. In some cases, surgical options may need to be entertained.

We Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates are familiar with the management and treatment of arthritis of the foot and ankle. Often times, there is no permanent cure. However through palliative treatment, proper shoes and insoles, and careful working with other physicians, we can get you on your feet pain free. Don't be one of the 40 million people in America that suffers with this disease. Visit one of our four offices (Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Port Orange, and Orange City) and let us help you with your arthritis today.

By Dr. Matthew Hentzel, DPM

Flatfeet, or Pes Planovalgus, is a term with a very vague description of decreased arch height as someone stands down on the ground.  Kelly Osborne of Dancing with the Stars has suffered from shooting pains as a result of flat feet.  It is well known that this foot condition is a precursor to foot problems ranging from general foot pain/fatigue, bunions, hammertoes, ball-of-foot pain, arch pain, and ankle pain.

There are four basic stages of flatfeet that are directly related to the degree of pain and correlating treatment, ranging from non-surgical to surgical:

1. The first stage usually is associated with general foot pain with mild to aggressive activity and long periods of standing. Initial X-rays are usually taken to determine if there are any signs of arthritis. At Atlantic Podiatry Associates, we typically recommend arch supports, good supportive shoes and anti-inflammatory medications, which are a great start and usually reduce pain significantly.
2. The second stage is associated with more pain and possible changes seen as a slight drop in the arch with more swelling. At this stage the treatment is typically a special walking boot and a possible MRI to visualize the tendons to see if there is any tear within the tendon.
3. The third stage typically is quite severe. There may be pain with every step and the foot has turned outwards; it is hard to move the joints in the arch. Treatment at this stage typically needs aggressive custom ankle-foot braces or orthotics (arch supports) for shoes. If pain is not controlled, surgery may be indicated.
4. The final stage is a painful foot and ankle that is debilitating. This is the “end stage” with a large majority needing foot and ankle fusion-type procedures aimed at moving the foot back underneath the ankle. Surgery is reserved for patients who fail conservative treatments.

A large majority of our patients ranging from Port Orange to Palm Coast find great relief with a custom arch support made from a mold of their foot. The custom inserts fit in athletic shoes and can ease the pressure on the fallen arch, decreasing pain and allowing for more activity.

It is important to address flatfeet to prevent “arch breakdown”. The idea is keep a person from progressing through any of the above stages. This can only be accomplished by supporting the weakened flat arch.

By, Dr. Dennis McBroom

(ORANGE CITY, FL 8/2/2011)  Atlantic Podiatry Associates announced today that foot and ankle specialist, Sona Ramdath Jr., will be practicing at their Orange City, FL office.  Dr. Ramdath specializes in the surgical and non-surgical treatments of the foot and ankle, ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.  Dr. Ramdath is a board-qualified foot and ankle surgeon and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Ramdath provides care including conditions for the more common foot problems such as general foot & ankle pain, athletes foot, bunions, plantar warts, heel pain, and ingrown toenails to the more serious conditions like sports injuries, foot trauma, diabetes, arthritis, ulcerations, and foot and ankle deformities. 

Atlantic Podiatry Associates is also proud to provide a wealth of patient education materials online at www.atlanticpodiatry.com.  The website offers weekly blogs that are intended to continually educate people about common foot and ankle problems and preventative steps to take to avoid occurrence or recurrence.   If you or a loved one is suffering from foot or ankle pain and would like to visit the Orange City office, please call (386) 775-2281.  Appointments can also be scheduled online or by contacting one of the other three office locations listed on the website.