June 2023

Having an abscess on the toe can be a painful and annoying experience. A toe abscess may be caused by germs or oil in the toe, a hair follicle, or a skin puncture. An abscess is a sign of infection causing the sore to fill with pus and other fluids. Inflammation sets in, and the toe becomes red and painful to the touch. Ignoring a toe abscess can lead to more serious infections within the entire body. Before a podiatrist can treat an abscess, certain information is needed, including how long the abscess has been there and whether the toe was injured. If the abscess is advanced, the podiatrist will proceed to make a small cut to drain it, and then will flush the area with an antiseptic solution. A bandage will be applied to guard against further infection, and pain medication may be prescribed. One way to prevent another toe abscess is to maintain daily foot hygiene habits. For more information on wound care for a toe abscess, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

A stress fracture is an injury that gradually develops. It is a common ailment among runners and can happen from overuse. The repetitive motion of running may cause the bones to weaken from the constant pounding on the running surface, causing the foot to become weak. Some of the symptoms that are associated with a stress fracture can consist of an aching pain in the affected area and can occur when training begins or intensity increases. The pain may also be present when the foot is rested, and after appropriate measures are taken for relief. It is beneficial to practice warm-up and cool-down techniques before and after running, in addition to slowly increasing speed and mileage. A stress fracture may be treated by temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition, and wearing a protective boot may aid in mobility. If you have pain in your foot, and think you may have a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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 Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that can develop on feet and toes. They are caused by prolonged pressure or friction and can happen from shoes that do not fit well, and performing repetitive activities. Additionally, foot conditions with deformities that press against shoes, such as bunions or hammertoe may cause corns to develop. A seed corn, or heloma millare, is one of three types of foot corns, and can also occur from having dry skin. They are small and can appear on the soles of the feet. It may be difficult to distinguish them from calluses or plantar warts, and a sample will have to be taken for examination under a microscope. Seed corns are hard, circular, and have well-defined spots on the skin and are generally seen in multiples. They seldom hurt unless pressure is applied to them or when performing weight-bearing activities. Tips to prevent seed corn formation include using a pumice stone to gently file thickened skin, followed by soaking and moisturizing the feet. It can also help to wear shoes and socks that are comfortable and do not rub on the feet. If you have seed corns that are not diminishing, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

Different kinds of relatively rare conditions of the feet affect a small number of people. A condition known as erythromelalgia is one such type of foot affliction. Erythromelalgia is essentially defined by a burning and redness that can develop in the feet. However, the symptoms of erythromelalgia are not confined to the feet. Namely, the symptoms of this condition can also be felt in the hands, arms, legs, and even the face area. Another important symptom that is associated with erythromelalgia is warmness in the skin. Certain activities can trigger one’s erythromelalgia, including feeling stressed and wearing tight shoes. If you are someone that wants to learn more about erythromelalgia and other rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.