December 2022

Senior citizens can be particularly susceptible to developing health problems from tripping or falling. Often, this is related to the health of the feet because tripping may negatively impact foot health, or the fall may be caused by poor foot strength. One important aspect of preventing falls among seniors is keeping a tidy bathroom. Often, floors in bathrooms can be very slippery, either from shower water or water from the sink. This might be setting seniors up for a nasty tumble. Seniors can be diligent about keeping their bathroom floors clean and, most importantly, dry so as not to make the floor slippery. Another way to prevent trips and falls in the bathroom is to install bathroom grab bars that seniors can grab onto if they feel like they might fall. These might be especially helpful when lifting one’s body off the toilet or maneuvering in and out of the shower. If you have any more questions or concerns about preventing falls among seniors, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, 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.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the toes to the heel and creates the arch of the foot. When it becomes overused or overstretched, the plantar fascia develops small tears that when inflamed cause pain. The main location of the pain is in the heel, making plantar fasciitis the most common cause of heel pain. There are a number of ways to treat plantar fasciitis. Included are taking pain relief medication, stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, and resting your affected foot. Another major way to treat plantar fasciitis is by changing your footwear to shoes with ample arch support and plenty of cushioning. Orthotics and night splints may also be needed to help ease the pain. Icing the heels several times throughout the day is another recommendation. If the heel pain from plantar fasciitis continues or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer more advanced treatment options. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Stone bruises are also known as metatarsalgia, and they may affect a wide variety of individuals. Stone bruises can effectively develop on the feet causing significant pain. Stone bruises are defined not so much by what they look like, but by how they feel or what sensation they trigger in the feet. Specifically, people with a stone bruise might feel as though they are stepping on a stone or rock of some kind, or that the stone is somehow trapped in their shoe when they walk. Stone bruises can be treated in a variety of ways. For example, applying ice to the affected area may help to temporarily relieve pain in the feet.  Also, wearing shoes that are properly fitted can help combat the detrimental effects of stone bruises. Contact a podiatrist today if you suspect you may have a stone bruise.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Many people experience severe pain when the pinky toe breaks, despite its small size. It can happen from stubbing it against a piece of furniture, or from dropping a heavy object on it. The symptoms that immediately follow a broken toe consist of bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. The buddy taping method is an effective treatment method for mild fractures. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which generally provides the stability that is necessary for proper healing. In severe breaks, the bone may protrude from the skin, and surgery may have to be performed that can guide the bone back into its natural place. An X-ray is often done that can provide an accurate diagnosis, followed by a discussion of the proper treatment and recovery time. It is beneficial to elevate the affected foot as often as possible, and refraining from participating in sports activities may help to accelerate the healing. If you feel you have broken your toe, is it strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment process.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.