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Professional Plaza III
104 Delaware Avenue, Suite 240
Uniontown, PA 15401 US
(724) 550-4312

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which certain cells of the immune system malfunction and attack healthy joints.

RA causes inflammation in the lining (synovium) of joints, most often the joints of the hands and feet. The signs of inflammation can include pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth around affected joints. In some patients, chronic inflammation results in damage to the cartilage and bones in the joint. Serious damage can lead to permanent joint destruction, deformity, and disability.

When joints become inflamed due to RA, the synovium thickens and produces an excess of joint fluid. This overabundance of fluid, along with inflammatory chemicals released by the immune system, causes swelling and damage to the joint’s cartilage and bones.

Symptoms Affecting the Foot and Ankle
Foot problems caused by RA commonly occur in the forefoot (the ball of the foot, near the toes), although RA can also affect other areas of the foot and ankle. The most common signs and symptoms of RA-related foot problems, in addition to the abnormal appearance of deformities, are pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and difficulty walking.

Deformities and conditions associated with RA may include:

  • Rheumatoid nodules (lumps), which cause pain when they rub against shoes or, if they appear on the bottom of the foot, pain when walking
  • Dislocated toe joints
  • Hammertoes
  • Bunions
  • Heel pain
  • Achilles tendon pain
  • Flatfoot
  • Ankle pain

Diagnosis
RA is diagnosed on the basis of a clinical examination as well as blood tests.

To further evaluate the patient’s foot and ankle problems, the surgeon may order x-rays and/or other imaging tests.

Treatment by the Foot and Ankle Surgeon
While treatment of RA focuses on the medication prescribed by a patient's primary doctor or rheumatologist, the foot and ankle surgeon will develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving the pain of RA-related foot problems. The plan may include one or more of the following options:

  • Orthotic devices. The surgeon often fits the patient with custom orthotic devices to provide cushioning for rheumatoid nodules, minimize pain when walking, and give needed support to improve the foot’s mechanics.
  • Accommodative shoes. These are used to relieve pressure and pain and assist with walking.
  • Aspiration of fluid. When inflammation flares up in a joint, the surgeon may aspirate (draw out) fluid to reduce the swelling and pain.
  • Steroid injections. Injections of anti-inflammatory medication may be applied directly to an inflamed joint or to a rheumatoid nodule.

When is Surgery Needed?
When RA produces pain and deformity in the foot that is not relieved through other treatments, surgery may be required. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the patient's condition and lifestyle.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Map and Location

Monday:

8:30 am-11:30 am

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-11:30 am

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "This was my first time there all the staff was super nice and friendly and Dr Chip Morris has such a great bed-side manner he made me feel so comfortable as did his staff I would definitely recommend him! Thanks again guys!"
    Tiffany Smithburger
  • "Dr. Morris is absolutely amazing!!! He always puts his patients first and gives top notch care! He truly cares about his patients and will always treat you right! My husband and I don't trust anyone else with our feet!!"
    Regina Berish
  • "Dr. Morris is fantastic! I'm so glad I found this podiatrist. The care is exceptional and the whole staff is fantastic. Cannot recommend enough!"
    Peggy Culley-Abell
  • "Dr. Chip is the best!!! He is mindful of all of his patients needs and does his best with each one!!! I highly recommend this Dr. for any podiatry needs!!!!!"
    Vicki Bortz
  • "Dr. Morris is #1 in Fayette County, for Podiatry needs. If you want the best .... Look no further!"
    Paul Bortz Sr.