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Who Knew Yoga Can Cause Foot Pain?

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Yoga is relaxing and provides an excellent way to stay flexible and balanced throughout one’s life. There are several styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Kundalini. Some of these styles of yoga involve transitional movements, like vigorous linked poses called the Sun Salutation, that require stepping or jumping back and landing on the pads of one’s toes. This action can lead to foot pain. Also, wearing shoes during yoga can constrict the feet, causing foot pain because the arches can’t carry the weight of the body. To eliminate foot pain while practicing yoga, it is suggested one changes their style of yoga and do it with yoga shoes or go barefoot on a clean mat. Yoga devotees can also practice some exercises that will bring back elasticity in the plantar fascia muscles that form the arch bed. Once such exercise is standing with the feet hip-width apart while keeping the head and chest tall and the lower abs drawn in towards the spine. Lift both heels as you contract the leg muscles. Pause before lowering the heels to the floor. This exercise should be done 10 to 20 times each day. If you would like more information about how to practice yoga in a way that is least apt to cause foot pain, consult with a podiatrist who is an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, 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.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains
Broken Foot
Plantar Fasciitis
Stress Fractures
Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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.

Is Athlete's Foot Contagious?

Tuesday, 24 January 2023

The foot condition known as athlete’s foot is quite common, and it is considered to be contagious. Many people may notice symptoms but choose to ignore them until they become severe. These symptoms can include itchiness between the toes, redness, and flaky patches that may develop on various parts of the foot. In severe cases, small blisters may form and this can cause discomfort. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in moist areas like public swimming pools and locker rooms. Effective prevention methods are refraining from sharing shoes, towels, and socks. Wearing appropriate shoes is advised while in these types of environments. Research has shown that athlete’s foot will not improve without treatment and it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist if you are afflicted with this condition.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Toenail Fungus and Athlete’s Foot

Tuesday, 17 January 2023

Athlete’s foot can certainly cause toenail fungus. While athlete’s foot can seem like a minor skin ailment, it can lead to more challenging complications if it affects toenails. Athlete’s foot is a fungus that grows on the soles of the feet and in between the toes. It can cause the skin on the feet to crack, peel, and become flaky. Sometimes it will become red and itch and there will be burning and stinging sensations. Toenail fungus grows under the nails and lives off skin and keratin. This erodes the protein in the nails causing them to turn dark yellow. The nails can also become brittle, push away from the nail bed, and emit an unpleasant odor. If athlete’s foot is not treated early, it can spread to the toenails. Given that either of these things can turn into a more severe infection, particularly among diabetics and those with other health conditions, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for treatment at the first sign of a fungal infection.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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.

Ankle Sprains and Jumping Rope

Tuesday, 10 January 2023

Jumping rope is one of the most common and popular forms of exercise among young children. Many adults also partake in jumping rope as an easy way to burn calories. However, sometimes engaging in this activity can put someone at an increased risk of developing certain foot injuries. For example, jumping rope without proper form can increase one’s risk of developing an ankle sprain. Commonly, even the most experienced rope jumpers will land awkwardly or dangerously while jumping rope. Sometimes when an individual lands incorrectly, the ankle ligaments can become stressed or even torn. This is what can ultimately contribute to ankle injuries such as ankle sprains. As a result, the ankle may even demonstrate some swelling or cause the person pain. Whenever you think that you might have sprained your ankle, it is always best to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assist you.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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 take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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.

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Friday, 06 January 2023

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

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