Items filtered by date: October 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. When it affects the feet and ankles, it can damage the joints, tendons, and ligaments, making walking and standing painful. Common symptoms include swelling, warmth, redness, joint deformities, and difficulty in moving the toes or ankles. Over time, this condition can cause significant changes in foot structure. A podiatrist can provide treatments to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility through custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and joint protection strategies. If you have symptoms of RA in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions. 

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 Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. It is an infection caused by a fungus that lives and thrives in warm and moist environments. This fungus can enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin of the feet and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. These include itchy skin on the bottom of the feet or between the toes, and the affected area may burn. In severe cases, blisters may develop and ooze, and can often appear unsightly. There are measures that can be implemented that may help to prevent athlete’s foot. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes while in public pools, showers, and surrounding areas, in addition to refraining from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. If you have symptoms of athlete's foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment options.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Heel pain is a frequent concern, and one common cause is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Causes may include overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or repetitive strain from sports. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, flat feet, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with movement. A podiatrist can diagnose the Achilles tendonitis, provide treatment such as targeted stretching exercises or orthotics, and help prevent further injury. If you are struggling with heel pain or suspect you have Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Finding the right shoes to accommodate hammertoes can be challenging. People with high arches often get hammertoes, in which the knuckle of a toe raises up and rubs against the top of your shoe, or the tip of the toe curls under and rubs against the sole of your shoe. In either case, ill-fitting shoes, whether they are too tight or too loose, can make the problem worse. High heels should be avoided because they cause your toes to bunch up into the front of the shoe. At the same time, very flat shoes are also a problem because they offer little or no cushioning or arch support. Finally, pointed and narrow shoes place a lot of pressure on the forefoot and toe area. To best accommodate hammertoes, look for shoes that come in wide widths, have a roomy toe box, and have flexible uppers that mold to the shape of your foot. Shoes that offer cushioning, good arch support, and stable heels are a wise choice. If hammertoe pain and inflammation persist, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss treatment options available to you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Amir Shalev, DPM of Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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