Of the many possible congenital foot problems that may manifest at some point during your life, overlapping toes are among the most common. This condition can occur when one or more toes overlap others in a seemingly permanent way. This condition most commonly involves the pinky toe, but in some cases, the big toe and the second toe might also be affected. There are several potential causes of overlapping toes to be aware of. Frequently, overlapping toes can be caused by hereditary issues. For example, you may have inherited a bone structure in your feet that makes overlapping toes more likely. Additionally, overlapping toes may be caused by the wearing of certain kinds of footwear. For instance, wearing high heels or pointy-toe shoes for prolonged periods can twist the toes into unnatural positions that may eventually lead to this condition. Other shoes that have small toe boxes can produce a similar effect. Lastly, aging can be a cause of overlapping toes. As an individual ages, their toes naturally roll in more which can lead to overlapping toes. If you believe you have overlapping toes or are at risk of developing this condition, reach out to a podiatrist. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Corns are one of the most uncomfortable foot conditions that can develop. It happens as a result of excess friction that comes from wearing shoes and socks that do not fit correctly. Corns can form on top of the toes, on the side of the pinky toe, or between the toes. There are two categories of corns, consisting of hard or soft. The latter forms between the toes and remains soft from existing moisture that is found there, and they appear to be whiter than hard corns. Hard corns can form on top of the toes or on the bottom of the feet. It is helpful to wear shoes that fit properly. This is beneficial in reducing the corn to a smaller size, and it may gradually completely diminish. Many people wear a protective pad over the corn, which may provide adequate cushioning and possibly reduce the pain that is associated with corns. If you have developed a corn that is extremely bothersome, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment options, which may include medication.

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.

To maintain healthy, strong feet, it is imperative to be familiar with common foot conditions, their causes, and how to prevent them. One troubling foot affliction that could threaten the vitality of your feet is called hammertoe, which has a notable causal relationship with certain kinds of footwear. Hammertoe affects the second, third, or fourth toe, occurring when an imbalance in the muscles around the toe’s middle joint causes the toe to stick up at the affected joint. This causes the toe to resemble a hammer. The condition, if left untreated, can make it especially difficult or painful to walk. Importantly, your choice of footwear can impact your likelihood of developing hammertoe. For example, shoes with small toe boxes that leave little room for the toes to sit comfortably in the shoe can force the toes into tight, twisted contortions. These contortions tighten the muscles in your toes, making hammertoe more likely. Additionally, high-heeled shoes can force your toes into tight, uncomfortable positions that might also tighten your muscles in the toes. To decrease your chances of developing a hammertoe, you might choose lower-heeled shoes with spacious toe boxes. If you think you have hammertoe or want to learn more about ways to prevent this condition, reach out to a podiatrist.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The importance of knowing your correct shoe size before making a purchase is crucial for the health of your feet. The majority of shoe stores have an object known as the Brannock device, which can accurately measure your shoe size. Additionally, if you choose to measure your feet at home there is a simple procedure that can accomplish this. It is important to wear the socks that would normally be worn with the shoes, followed by taping a piece of paper to the floor directly under a wall. After stepping on the paper, trace the outline of your foot. The next step is to measure the length of the foot and this will tell you your shoe size. It is suggested to try on both shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. A comfortable fit is crucial from the beginning and research has shown that shoes should not have to be broken in. There are also different types of footwear for various sports. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to buy, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.