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Poor circulation in the feet is a common condition with potentially serious consequences. Symptoms of poor circulation can include tingling, numbness, pain, a pins and needles sensation, and muscle cramps in the feet and ankles. If you experience poor circulation in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist can perform vascular testing to diagnose poor circulation. To manage your condition, the doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet, doing light exercises, and quitting smoking. These changes can improve your circulation and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack or stroke. The podiatrist may also prescribe medications or other treatments to increase blood flow to your legs and feet.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. Since the plantar fascia works as a shock absorber and arch support, it can become painful when it is overloaded or overstressed.  This pain is known as plantar fasciitis.  Research has shown that pain is most commonly located on the inside of the heel and occurs during weight-bearing activities.  A podiatrist will be able to examine the foot and heel for further issues, particularly a stress fracture.  A podiatrist may also take X-rays or use an ultrasound machine to determine the extent of the injury. Some treatment options may include rest, a change in footwear, orthotics or physical therapy.  If you believe that you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, it is important to check with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition caused by an injury to the joint and ligaments surrounding the cuboid bone, one of the seven tarsal bones of the foot. Injuries are typically the result of overuse or of spraining the ankle. Cuboid syndrome also appears to be more common in people with pronated, or inward-turned, feet. Symptoms of Cuboid syndrome include pain, swelling, bruising, skin redness and a decreased range of motion in the affected foot. Treatment typically begins at home with resting the foot, applying ice, and compressing and elevating the foot. If pain persists or worsens, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, who can rule out other conditions, such as a fracture, and perform various treatments to relieve pain and restore function to the foot. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, 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.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.