April 2021

Warts that pop up on the bottom of the feet are known as plantar warts. One of many potential treatments for this condition is cryotherapy, in which the wart is frozen using liquid nitrogen. During this procedure, your doctor may first trim the wart. Sometimes, a local anesthetic may be injected into the area to reduce pain. Then, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the wart using a probe, cotton swab, or by spraying it directly onto the wart. Most warts require one to four cryotherapy treatments, with up to three weeks between treatments, to get full results. The area usually heals within one to two weeks with minimal or no scarring. If you suffer from plantar warts, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to discuss treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Ankle sprains are a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Whether or not you can continue to engage in physical activity and exercise shortly after sustaining your injury will depend on the severity of your sprain. With a mild sprain, simple stretches and light activities like walking or swimming may be tolerable. With more severe sprains, walking or bearing weight on the affected ankle can be very difficult and might limit your workout options. Regardless of the severity of the sprain, it is suggested that you speak with your podiatrist to determine whether or not you should continue to exercise shortly after enduring an ankle sprain.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor 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 Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that runs along the back of the calves, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is a common site of injury, especially in athletes. Stretching and strengthening the Achilles tendon can improve mobility and speed recovery following an injury. When stretching the Achilles tendon, it is important to take your time and move slowly to not aggravate your injury. Stay relaxed while stretching and avoid quick or sudden movements. If you feel anything more than minor discomfort, stop stretching immediately. To learn more about stretching the Achilles tendon safely following an injury, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.