Midfoot arthritis develops when cartilage in the arch of the foot deteriorates, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It often results from injury, aging, or long-term wear-and-tear on the joints. Many people notice discomfort during push-off when walking or while standing for long periods of time. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and maintaining mobility. Non-surgical options include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted exercises. When symptoms progress, corticosteroid injections or surgical fusion may be considered to stabilize the joints and reduce pain. If untreated, midfoot arthritis may worsen, leading to chronic pain, deformity, and limited activity. Early care helps preserve function and prevent complications. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain or stiffness, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro 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 our office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain may seem minor, but it can involve stretched or torn ligaments that affect stability and long-term function. Without proper care, the joint may heal poorly, leading to ongoing pain, weakness, or repeated sprains. Early medical evaluation helps determine the severity of the injury and rules out hidden problems such as small fractures or cartilage damage. Treatment often includes rest, support with bracing or taping, and guided exercises to restore strength and balance. This approach can help the ankle heal in a more stable way and reduce the risk of future injury. Ignoring a sprain or returning to activity too soon can delay recovery and create lasting issues. If you have swelling, pain, or difficulty walking after twisting your ankle, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and appropriate care.

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 Metro 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 our office located in Tempe, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athletes place repeated stress on their feet, especially during running, jumping, and quick directional changes. This constant pressure can cause the edge of the toenail to grow into the surrounding skin, leading to an ingrown toenail. Wearing tight footwear, sweaty conditions, and minor nail trauma can all increase the risk. Pain, redness, and swelling may follow, making activity uncomfortable and sometimes limiting performance. One of the most effective ways to prevent this issue is through meticulous nail care. Feet should be kept clean and dry, and nails trimmed to a moderate length. Shoes should fit properly and allow room for the toes. When early signs of an ingrown toenail appear or pain develops, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Foot orthotics are designed to support proper alignment, relieve pressure, and improve overall foot function. They are often recommended for conditions like bunions and hammertoe, where abnormal structure can lead to pain and discomfort. Orthotics help redistribute weight across the foot, reducing strain on affected areas and slowing progression of deformities. There are different types available, including custom and prefabricated options, each suited to specific needs and activity levels. By improving balance and cushioning, orthotics can enhance comfort during daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure and recommend the most effective orthotic solution tailored to your condition. If you have foot pain or notice changes in toe alignment,it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what type of orthotics are right for you. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Metro Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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