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What Is Turf Toe?

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Turf toe is an injury affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint at the base of the big toe, often caused by hyperextension or excessive upward bending. Athletes who play on artificial turf or participate in sports requiring sudden stops and pushes are at higher risk. Causes include repetitive stress, trauma, or wearing improper footwear. Symptoms may involve pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty pushing off the foot during movement. Without proper care, turf toe can lead to chronic discomfort or long-term joint problems. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury, provide treatment, and recommend supportive footwear. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Trauma
Sports injury
Wearing shoes that are too tight
Arthritis
Gout
Corns and calluses
Hammertoe
Bunions
Blisters
Ingrown toenails
Sprains
Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

Severe pain
Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
Signs of infection
Continued swelling
Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Types and Treatment of Broken Ankles

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint are broken, and the severity can vary from a minor crack to multiple complex breaks. Common types of ankle fractures are lateral malleolus fractures, which affect the outer ankle bone, medial malleolus fractures, which involve the inner bone, and bimalleolar fractures, where both sides are broken. Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, and in severe cases, a visibly deformed joint. A fracture can result from twisting an ankle during physical activity, tripping and falling on a ladder or stairs, or trauma from a car accident. A podiatrist can confirm the type of fracture with imaging and determine whether immobilization, realigning the bones, or surgery is required. In some cases, plates or screws may be needed to hold the bones in place during healing. Recovery can take a few months, and exercises may be advised to restore movement. If you believe you have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an emergency appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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.

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
Swelling around the area
Bruising of the area
Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

When Toenails Fall Victim to Fungi

Tuesday, 16 September 2025

A fungal toenail infection often begins subtly, with a small white or yellow spot beneath the nail. Over time, the infection can spread deeper, causing the nail to thicken, become brittle, and change color. The surface may turn rough or crumbly, and, in some cases, the nail can lift away from the bed entirely. Warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes create the perfect setting for fungi to thrive, which is why this condition is common among athletes and older adults. Although not usually painful in the early stages, the infection can become uncomfortable and make walking or wearing shoes difficult. Mild remedies rarely provide a lasting cure, and untreated infections often persist for years. For safe and effective solutions tailored to your needs, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Gout and Why It Often Affects the Big Toe

Tuesday, 09 September 2025

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain and swelling. It often affects the big toe because this joint is more susceptible to crystal formation due to lower temperatures and high pressure during movement. Causes include high purine intake, dehydration, and reduced kidney function. Risk factors involve genetics, obesity, certain medications, and alcohol consumption. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition, recommending dietary and lifestyle changes, providing pain relief, and offering strategies to prevent future flare ups. If you suspect gout or experience recurring toe pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management tips for 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 care needs.

Os Trigonum Syndrome and How It Affects the Ankle

Tuesday, 02 September 2025

Os trigonum syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when an extra bone at the back of the ankle, called the os trigonum, becomes irritated. This small piece of bone is present in some people and usually does not cause problems. However, repetitive ankle movement, such as pointing the toes during ballet, soccer, or running, can trap this bone between the heel and ankle, leading to pain and swelling. Symptoms often include deep aching at the back of the ankle, tenderness when pressing on the area, and discomfort that worsens with activity. It may be mistaken for other ankle injuries, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is important. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercise, or supportive footwear. In more severe cases, surgery to remove the os trigonum can relieve pain and restore ankle function. If you have pain or swelling at the back of your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially 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 tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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