February 2022

The three most common forms of arthritis that attack the joints of the feet are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis gradually wears down cartilage in the joints and typically affects weight bearing joints, such as the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, including the synovium (lining in the joints). With gout, uric acid that cannot be properly expelled from the body can crystallize and build up on joints: most typically the big toe joint. These types of arthritis can cause symptoms including pain, warmth, stiffness, swelling, deformity in the joints, and more. If your feet or ankles are in pain due to any type of arthritis, make an appointment with your local podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and determine the best way to treat it.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method 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.

If you have ever had an ankle sprain, it is likely an experience that you wouldn’t want to repeat. Yet spraining your ankle once can make future ankle sprains more likely. In some individuals, the sprained ankle doesn’t heal fully. This not only increases the risk for future sprains, but can also cause chronic ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability is characterized by ankle pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and repeated sensations of the ankle “giving out.” The ankle instability can be caused by excessively lax ligaments, or deficits in the nerves and muscles surrounding the ankles. If you are prone to ankle sprains, don’t live with chronic pain. Please seek the care of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) that is more than 30 are considered to be obese. Obesity is believed to go hand in hand with certain foot disorders such as heel pain, tendonitis, arthritis, and other conditions caused from the stress of excess weight placed on the feet and ankles. Obesity can also put a person at risk for type II diabetes, which often leads to the development of other foot conditions. Losing weight can help reduce excess pressure on the feet and ankles, however exercising can be difficult when your feet are in pain. A podiatrist can treat foot conditions brought on by obesity and help alleviate foot pain by suggesting specific stretches and prescribing custom orthotics.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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.

Runners often sustain foot injuries that can range from stress fractures to sprained ankles. However, there are many ways to help prevent them. The best method to implement is to warm up and stretch the feet and legs before running and to include a regular cool-down routine afterward. Second, start at a modest pace and add time and distance gradually, so your feet and the rest of your body can accommodate the changes. Third, be sure to wear shoes that are specifically designed for running, as this can help to avoid heel, ankle, and toe injuries. If you sustain such an injury while running, it’s a good idea to stop the activity until you can determine the cause and severity. Pushing through the pain can make it worse. Wrap your foot and ice it. Keep it elevated. It is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause 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.