August 2020

Patients who have experienced the medical condition that is known as gout are often aware of the severe pain and discomfort this condition can cause. In many cases, it affects the joints in the big toe, and the pain may be unbearable at night. It occurs as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, and can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, existing medical conditions, and eating foods that have high amounts of purines. These types of foods can consist of shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Confirmation of gout starts with a proper diagnosis, which can include extracting a small amount of fluid from the affected joint. If you have gout attacks, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat 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.

Morton’s neuroma can occur when nerve tissue swells or grows abnormally, causing damage to the nerves. Morton’s neuroma specifically affects the intermetatarsal plantar nerve found in the foot. Some symptoms of this condition may include a burning sensation in the ball of your foot and tingling, or a numbing feeling in your toes. The most popular symptom related to Morton’s neuroma is feeling as if a pebble is stuck in your shoe. For a proper diagnosis, please consult with a podiatrist if you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.

Flat feet is a condition that can be identified by feet that have no arch. This condition can form due to hereditary reasons, gradual wear and tear of the feet, and also injury or damage to the feet. Some patients with this condition may choose to wear custom orthotics to help improve their overall foot structure, with a specific focus on arch support. Another method of improving your flat feet is performing certain exercises. These types of  exercises can include picking up marbles with your toes to strengthen your intrinsic muscles, and performing the yoga pose “downward dog,” which can help strengthen and stretch the Achilles tendon. Runner’s stretch is also a good exercise to perform for lengthening the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. For more advice on treating flat feet, please speak with a podiatrist for professional guidance and care.

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.