Gout is not only about discomfort. If not addressed, especially when it is ongoing, it can evolve into major health challenges over the years. There are formations called tophi, which essentially are hardened clusters of urate crystals. These can emerge in various areas, including the feet. Even though they might not always be painful, neglecting them can harm your bones, cartilage, and joints. With prolonged gout, individuals often experience regular joint inflammation. This consistent swelling, combined with tophi, can result in permanent joint alterations and rigidity. In extreme situations, surgical intervention might be necessary to rectify or even replace damaged joints. Additionally, gout raises the likelihood of kidney stone formation. This happens because urate crystals can accumulate in the urinary system. Over time, if these stones block your kidneys, it can lead to scarring and damage. There's a belief that this kind of kidney damage, if not treated, can progress to chronic kidney ailments. Moreover, the persistent pain due to chronic gout can be mentally taxing. It can hinder daily activities like walking and working, leading to emotional strain. If you have gout, it is strongly suggested that you make a n appointment with a podiatrist to get treatment for this painful affliction before it takes more of a toll on your body and mind.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. 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 form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Heel fissures, also known as cracked heels, are a prevalent foot issue among adults, and they can be both painful and unsightly. These fissures appear as dry, flaky skin, and are often accompanied by deep, painful cracks on the heels. Several factors contribute to the development of heel fissures. One of the primary culprits is dry skin, typically caused by environmental conditions, such as low humidity or excessive heat, which can lead to the loss of natural skin moisture. Walking barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces, can also increase the risk of developing heel fissures. Additionally, underlying health conditions, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can affect skin health, making individuals more susceptible to these conditions. If heel fissures become severe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to rule out underlying health issues, in addition to receiving appropriate treatment options. 

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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.

Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, inflamed skin, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails, which most commonly affect the big toe, can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that there are several effective treatment options available to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. Ingrown toenails often result from improper nail care, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or trauma to the toe. Cutting your nails too short or rounding the edges instead of trimming them straight across can also increase the risk. Find shoes that have a wider toe box, to avoid having the toes squeezed too tightly. If ingrown toenails develop frequently, custom orthotic devices also can help redistribute pressure on the toes. A podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent infection. In more severe cases, a podiatrist may need to remove a portion of the ingrown toenail to promote healthy nail growth. If you are suffering from the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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.

Properly caring for aging feet is crucial for maintaining a senior's health. Wearing properly fitted shoes, washing and moisturizing the feet daily, and conducting regular foot checks are all essential practices. Trimming the nails is also important, as well as seeking assistance from caregivers, family members, or other professionals for help if needed. Minimizing foot injuries is vital to prevent further issues. Participating in regular exercise will also keep the feet in good condition. Embracing nutritious diets promotes overall health. Resting the feet and avoiding high heels can further safeguard them. Special care is needed for seniors with diabetes to prevent complications. If you are a senior or you take care of one, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to obtain daily professional care. 

If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.