October 2025

Arthritis is a condition causing inflammation and tenderness of one or more joints. When it affects the feet, it can significantly impact mobility and comfort. Early signs of arthritis in the feet often involve subtle changes. You might notice persistent stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting. Joints may feel warm to the touch. Another common early symptom is mild, aching pain that worsens with activity. Swelling around the toe or ankle joints is also a frequent indicator. These symptoms may come and go at first. If you observe stiffness, recurring pain, or noticeable swelling in your foot joints that does not improve with simple rest, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist. This type of doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan to manage the condition effectively and preserve joint function.

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

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Gout is a painful condition that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, often affecting the big toe, toes, or ankle. While many people can manage symptoms of gout with conservative care, some cases may require surgery. A podiatrist may recommend gout surgery when painful tophi, or hard deposits of uric acid, develop under the skin of the toes, feet, or ankles and interfere with walking. Surgery may also be needed if gout causes joint damage that limits mobility or if repeated flare-ups lead to lasting deformities in the foot. In some severe cases, untreated gout can increase the risk of limb loss if not properly addressed. A podiatrist can perform surgery to remove deposits, repair damaged joints, or improve alignment to reduce pain and restore function. If you suffer from gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and help in managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

Bunions, also called hallux valgus, can sometimes cause pain and changes in the way the foot functions. When a bunion becomes severe, surgery may be the most effective treatment to restore comfort and mobility. The aim of bunion surgery is to realign the bones of the big toe, reduce pain, improve stability, and lower the risk of further complications, such as hammer toes or arthritis. Surgery may involve repositioning the metatarsal and toe bones, adjusting tendons and ligaments, and fixing the corrected bones in place with screws or plates. In some cases, minimally invasive procedures may be considered, while more advanced bunions may require a more extensive correction. Recovery often involves a period of limited activity while the bones heal. A podiatrist can determine the most suitable surgical option and guide you through the healing process. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

When the nerves in the lower limbs stop working as they should, it can lead to neuropathy. This often brings uncomfortable sensations such as burning, tingling, or shooting pain. In some cases, the opposite happens and the feet lose feeling altogether, which can make it easy to miss small cuts or blisters. People living with diabetes are most often affected, but poor circulation, certain illnesses, or side effects from medication can also play a part. Because healthy nerves are important for balance and movement, changes in sensation can interfere with walking and make daily activities harder. Early attention is important to prevent complications. Wearing supportive shoes, good circulation care, and regular foot checks can all make a difference. If you are noticing unusual feelings in your feet or ankles, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Ankle arthritis is a condition where the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that limit mobility. When conservative treatments are not effective, ankle surgery may be recommended. Ankle arthroscopy uses small instruments to remove damaged tissue and smooth the joint. Ankle fusion joins the bones of the ankle to eliminate pain and increase stability. Additionally, joint replacement replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant to restore movement. A podiatrist can assess your condition, recommend the best treatment, and provide exercise  guidance for long term success. If arthritis is affecting your ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore whether surgical options are right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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