May 2022

The most common causes of toe fractures are stubbing your toe (known medically as axial force) or by dropping something heavy on it. Symptoms of toe fractures include bruising, swelling, and throbbing pain. You likely will feel tenderness when you touch the site of the injury. The most common fractures are to the big toe. The big toe affects your balance, as well as your ability to walk and bear weight. A series of X-rays may be used to determine the site and severity of the break. A fractured big toe will usually be treated with a splint and rigid sole shoe to prevent joint movement. For the lesser toes, two or even three may be taped together with gauze in between to stabilize them, a process known as buddy taping. Some kind of open walking cast may also be used. It may take from three to six weeks for toe fractures to heal, or until point tenderness subsides. For help with a broken toe, or toes, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.  

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. 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 Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

Bunions are bony, painful bumps that form inside the foot at the joint of the big toe. They grow slowly, over time, and with repetitive pressure put on the big toe joint the toe leans inward towards the second toe. The leaning eventually leads to a change in the bone structure which causes the bump or deformity to develop. As the bump gets bigger it becomes painful to wear shoes and walk. Bunions develop for several reasons including stress and injury of the foot. Narrow shoes, with insufficient room for the toes, are often the culprit as well. Bunions are said to be more common in women, those with congenital deformities, and people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for bunions starts with wearing wider shoes to accommodate the bump. Cool compresses, bunion pads, orthotics, pain medications, cortisone shots, and physical therapy can also help the soreness. Surgery is a last resort when the bunion pain starts interfering with one’s daily functioning. Due to possible complications, pain, and since bunions may masquerade as something else, seeing a podiatrist is suggested for an examination and treatment suggestions.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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 a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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 heel condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease generally affects children and young teenagers who are involved in sporting activities. The heel can often feel sore when Sever’s disease is present, and it may be difficult to walk. It is defined as a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and can be confirmed by having a physical examination performed. Relief is often found when the activity that caused the condition is stopped, and the heel is frequently rested. It is important to practice specific stretches once the heel feels better, and this may help to accelerate the recovery process. Many patients choose to wear a heel cushion in their shoe which may be able to provide additional padding. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be consulted for proper prevention and healing tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is characterized by a collapse in the arch of the foot and a sagging of the heel. Babies are born with flat feet, but around 3 to 5 years of age, the arch begins to develop. There are three types of flat feet. Flexible flat feet impacts both feet, is typical in children, and does not cause pain. Flexible flat feet with a shortened Achilles tendon are rarely seen in kids and can cause pain, even disability. Rigid flat feet are least common and affects those with problems in the tarsal bones of the feet. This last type of flat feet is as likely to impact both feet as not and will often lead to disability and pain. If one suspects their child has flat feet and this has not resolved by around age 8 or if pain is involved, it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted to examine the child’s feet and develop the best plan to treat the condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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.

Research has shown that for every mile walked, there are sixty tons of stress that goes through the foot. Heel pain can indicate a heel spur may have developed and can become worse without proper treatment. It is defined as a bony growth that forms at the base of the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This condition can come from standing on your feet for most of the day, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Some patients find it helpful to practice specific stretching exercises, and this may help them to find mild relief. Additionally, when proper stretches are performed, it may give the foot the ability to have increased range of motion and flexibility. Obese patients may find it beneficial to lose extra pounds and wearing heel pads may provide temporary relief from the heel spur. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat heel spurs. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.