Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Phoenix

Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system attacks healthy tissue around the joints. It may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth, and trouble walking. Without proper care, the joints can become damaged and change shape over time.
Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers offers detailed exams and personalized rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Phoenix. Our specialists can choose the right treatment for RA based on your symptoms and joint damage.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but some factors may increase the risk of developing this condition.

Immune system problem

Attack on Healthy Joints

The immune system may mistakenly attack healthy joint tissue and cause ongoing swelling, pain, stiffness, and damage.

Family history

Genes and Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with a close family member who has rheumatoid arthritis may have a greater chance of developing the condition.

Tobacco use

Smoking

Smoking may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and can make the condition harder to manage in some people.

Personal factors

Age and Sex

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, but it is more common in women and often begins during middle age.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Right for You?

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may be right for you if your foot or ankle joints feel painful, swollen, or stiff. The signs below often mean it is time for a professional exam.

Your Joints Are Swollen

Swelling around the feet, toes, or ankles may happen when rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation inside the affected joints.

Morning Stiffness Lasts a Long Time

Joint stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes after waking may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition.

Walking Causes Pain

Pain when standing or walking may develop when rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, tendons, or soft tissue in your feet.

Both Feet Have Similar Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects matching joints on both sides, so pain and swelling may appear in both feet.

How We Diagnose and Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Before we recommend RA treatment, we carefully examine your feet and ankles to find painful joints and see how the condition affects movement.

Consultation

Tell us about your symptoms. We ask when the pain began, how long stiffness lasts, and which activities have become difficult.

Foot and Ankle Exam

We check your joints for pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness, and changes in shape. We also examine your balance and walking.

Additional Testing

We may order X-rays or other scans to check for joint damage. Blood tests may also help support a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment Plan

What we find guides your care plan. Treatment may include joint support, medication, therapy, or surgery for serious joint damage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

Treatment depends on which joints are painful, how much they are damaged, and how the condition affects the way you move. Starting treatment early can help protect your joints from more damage.

Disease control

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

We may prescribe medication to reduce pain and swelling, control inflammation, and help protect your joints from further damage.

Joint support

Orthotics and Supportive Shoes

Custom orthotics and supportive shoes can reduce pressure on painful joints and make standing or walking more comfortable.

Movement therapy

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Gentle exercises can improve joint movement, strengthen nearby muscles, and make daily activities easier and safer.

Surgical care

Foot or Ankle Surgery

Surgery may help when a joint is badly damaged, changes shape, or remains painful after other treatments have been tried.

Get the Right Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can damage your joints and change the shape of your feet. Early care can ease pain, protect movement, and make daily activities easier.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect You

Foot and ankle joints may become swollen.
Morning stiffness may last a long time.
Standing or walking may cause pain.
Toes may slowly change their position.
Shoes may become painful or difficult to wear.
Daily movement may become more difficult.

How Professional Treatment Can Help

Find which foot and ankle joints are affected.
Check for inflammation and joint damage.
Recommend supportive shoes or custom orthotics.
Provide exercises that protect strength and movement.
Reduce pressure on painful or swollen joints.
Help prevent serious changes in foot shape.

Meet Our Experienced Podiatrists

Our podiatrists examine how rheumatoid arthritis affects your feet and create a treatment plan based on your pain, joint damage, and usual activities.

Podiatrist

Payam Sarraf, DPM

Dr. Sarraf is an experienced podiatrist who provides complete foot and ankle care. He helps patients protect their feet, improve comfort, and stay active.

Podiatrist

Kate Kennedy, DPM

Dr. Kennedy provides careful and personalized foot and ankle care. Her medical and surgical training helps her treat many foot concerns.

Podiatrist

Katy Statler, DPM

Dr. Statler has advanced surgical training and experience treating different foot and ankle conditions. She served as chief resident during her training.

Podiatrist

Christopher Van Damme, DPM

Dr. Van Damme completed advanced surgical training at Valleywise Health. He offers surgical and nonsurgical care for foot problems.

WHY Choose Us

Receive convenient and personal rheumatoid arthritis foot care from a team that treats pain and helps protect comfortable movement.

Five Convenient Locations

Visit a nearby office in Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, or Mesa for your foot and ankle exam and treatment.

+1,000 Five-Star Reviews

More than 1,000 five-star reviews show the trust Arizona patients place in our experienced foot and ankle team.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Your care plan considers your painful joints, swelling, foot shape, level of damage, and the activities you complete each day.

Complete Diagnostic Care

Our podiatrists perform detailed foot and ankle exams and may use imaging to look for inflammation or joint damage.

What Our Patients Say

Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers has a 4.89 out of 5 rating from over 1,000 patient reviews. Many patients say they received helpful care, clear answers, and a comfortable experience.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 707 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   David Upjohn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were very nice. They listened to me.
They explained everything to me so I could understand.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valerie Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience and Dr Statler was very knowledgeable and really took the time to explain everything.
Her recommendations were greatly appreciated and i am confident they will help me to feel my best
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elaine Turnage 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff- appointment is on time 99% of time. Not much of wait like in so many offices.  Our time is precious too !
Dr. Sarraf cares about his patients and does everything to help them.  All of staff cares about our wellbeing.I recommend you go see for yourself.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marsha Rodgers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is always courteous and helpful.  Dr Statler is AWSOME!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pam Johnson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff is wonderful. Your questions & concerns are answered & everything is explained.  I never feel rushed
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Reza M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can’t say enough about Dr. Sarraf. He’s an excellent and caring physician.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gary Spooner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff & Doctor were very knowledgeable explained my issues & answered my questions in ways that I could understand.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Dr. Zaffar provided me excellent information and offered multiple solutions to my issue and then he let me decide how I wanted to handle my situation!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jeff 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Statler is Awesome!

Clear Care Instructions

Patients value podiatrists who explain their foot condition and treatment choices in words that are simple and easy to understand.

Helpful and Efficient Staff

Many reviews mention friendly team members, short waiting times, and an organized appointment process.

Improvement After Treatment

Patients often share positive experiences with treatment for joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and other foot or ankle conditions.

Trusted Foot and Ankle Care

Reviews show that patients trust our team for professional and personalized care across many foot and ankle services.

Insurance Coverage and Convenient Arizona Locations

Do not wait to get rheumatoid arthritis foot care because of insurance questions. Our team can explain your coverage and help you prepare for your visit.

Insurance Plans Accepted

We accept many insurance plans that may cover foot exams, imaging, orthotics, therapy, procedures, and other related care.

Five Convenient Locations

Choose an office in Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, or Mesa and take the next step toward more comfortable movement.

Confirm Your Coverage

Call us at 480-812-3668 today. Our team can help you check your coverage and make it easier to begin treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Near You

Receive rheumatoid arthritis foot treatment at one of our five convenient locations across Arizona.

Phoenix

2228 W Northern Ave, Suite B-101
Phoenix, AZ 85021

Gilbert

4915 East Baseline Rd, Suite 121
Gilbert, AZ 85234

Scottsdale

6565 E Greenway Parkway, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Chandler

1100 S. Dobson, Suite 118
Chandler, AZ 85286

Mesa

215 South Power Road, Suite 102
Mesa, AZ 85206

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment FAQs

How do I know if rheumatoid arthritis is affecting my feet?

See a specialist if both feet have ongoing pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness, or changes in the shape of the toes.

Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early treatment can control symptoms and help prevent serious joint damage.

What is the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

Treatment often includes medication, exercise, joint support, and regular care from specialists based on your symptoms and joint damage.

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause permanent foot damage?

Yes. Ongoing inflammation can damage joints, change toe positions, and make walking painful when the condition is not properly controlled.

When should I see a podiatrist for rheumatoid arthritis?

Schedule an exam when foot pain, swelling, stiffness, skin problems, or changes in foot shape begin to affect your daily movement.

Get Relief From Rheumatoid Arthritis Foot Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis may cause lasting joint damage without proper treatment. Schedule a visit with Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers for a careful exam and personalized care.