August 2023

Staying active during pregnancy is vital, and running can be a great option for expectant mothers who were regular runners before conception. However, safety is paramount. It is beneficial to consult a medical professional before undertaking this type of exercise. In many cases, you can continue running if you experience good pre-pregnancy health and do not have complications. Secondly, it is helpful to choose proper footwear that supports your changing feet and opt for breathable, loose-fitting attire. Third, run with caution, especially as your balance changes, and run with a buddy. Avoid hazardous trails and prioritize pavement. It may be wise to refrain from running in particularly hot and humid conditions. Most importantly, slow down or stop if you feel pain, exhaustion, or an abnormal heart rate, and always consult a doctor if you experience dizziness, chest pain, contractions, or bleeding. Drink water regularly and monitor urine color. If you have questions about the wisdom of running during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for consultation and guidance. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 needs.

Swollen ankles after running can be a concerning and uncomfortable issue that many athletes and runners experience. While it's essential to push your limits and stay active, it's equally important to recognize the potential causes of this discomfort. One common cause of swollen ankles after running is improper footwear. Ill-fitting shoes or those lacking proper support can lead to strain on the ankles, resulting in inflammation. Overuse and overtraining can also contribute to swelling. Pushing yourself too hard or abruptly increasing your running intensity can cause stress on the ankle joints and surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Further, inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines can lead to muscle tightness and cause fluid to accumulate around the ankles. Proper running shoes, a gradual training progression, and thorough warm-up and cool-down routines can significantly reduce the risk of swollen ankles. If swelling in the ankles persists or worsens, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to rule out underlying issues like sprains, strains, or ligament damage. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. These sharp crystals trigger sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling, commonly affecting the big toe.  Anyone can develop gout, but certain factors can increase the risk. Men are more susceptible to getting gout than women, and individuals with a family history of gout have a higher likelihood of developing this condition. Lifestyle choices such as consuming a diet rich in purines, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and certain medications can also contribute to gout. There are effective treatments that aim to alleviate pain during attacks and prevent future flare-ups. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and colchicine are commonly prescribed to manage gout symptoms. Long-term management involves lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, weight loss, and limiting alcohol consumption. With proper management and awareness of risk factors, individuals with gout can lead healthier, more comfortable lives. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to deal with this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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.

Fallen arches is a condition that is termed posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or PTTD. It also may be referred to as adult-acquired flat feet. Many people with flat feet suffer little or no problems. But others may experience pain if a tendon in the arch of the foot becomes inflamed, overstretched, or torn. The problem starts with the posterior tibial tendon, which begins in the leg, runs through the ankle, and connects to the bones in the bottom of the foot. When it is damaged, it can result in flat feet. This type of occurrence is far more prevalent in women, especially those between 40 and 60 years old. It is believed to be the result of overuse of the posterior tibial tendon. It is also common among runners and athletes who play high-impact sports. Other causes include diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the foot and ankle, accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth. Symptoms usually spike after engaging in physical activity, such as jumping and running. For more information on this type of injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.

Walking is both easy and available to most people as a form of exercise. The main piece of equipment necessary is a pair of walking shoes. But choosing the correct type of walking shoe can be difficult, especially for anyone with foot, toe, or ankle problems. While a properly fitting walking shoe will not correct these problems, they can help to accommodate them after the appropriate treatment by a podiatrist. The number one factor in choosing a walking shoe is comfort. They should feel good on the feet as soon as you put them on and should not have to be “broken in”. Other factors to be considered are cushioning, stability, material, space in the toe box, and length. It is a good idea to shop for walking shoes at the end of the day when the feet are likely to be expanded. Bring the socks you are most apt to wear while walking, as the thickness will affect the fit. A walking shoe should have flexibility, which you can test by pressing the heel and toe of the shoe together. Low heels are better for walking shoes, as the heel of the foot will be the first to strike the ground. This is the opposite of running shoes. Allow about one finger width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. For further help in finding the right walking shoe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

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.