May 2024

Hypophosphatasia, or HPP, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization, leading to skeletal abnormalities and increased susceptibility to fractures. While HPP primarily affects bones throughout the body, including the legs and spine, it can also manifest in the feet, causing a range of complications, including stress fractures. In individuals with HPP, the deficiency of alkaline phosphatase enzyme disrupts the normal bone mineralization process, resulting in weakened bones that are prone to fracture under stress or pressure. Foot stress fractures, particularly in the metatarsal bones or heel, can occur due to repetitive impact or weight-bearing activities, exacerbating the existing skeletal fragility associated with HPP. Recognizing the potential connection between HPP and foot stress fractures is critical for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies. Early intervention, including wearing supportive footwear, orthotic devices, and lifestyle modifications, can help mitigate the risk of fractures and improve the quality of life for individuals living with this rare genetic disease. If you believe you have a foot stress fracture, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can successfully treat these breaks, and determine if HPP is a contributing factor.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera from Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

Podiatrists play a key role when it comes to managing and preventing foot-related complications in diabetes patients. Foot issues are a common occurrence in diabetics, due to the poor blood circulation and nerve damage, or neuropathy, that often accompany the disease. Podiatrists specialize in early detection and treatment of potential foot problems like ulcers, infections, and structural issues. This makes regular check-ups with podiatrists important for someone who is at risk for these issues. During visits, a podiatrist will conduct comprehensive foot exams to look for signs of decreased circulation, changes in foot structure, or nerve damage. This foot doctor can provide guidance on proper foot care practices, such as how to safely trim nails and avoid injuries. Podiatrists may also recommend appropriate footwear to prevent pressure sores and injuries. Additionally, podiatrists can treat any current foot problems to prevent them from escalating into more serious conditions that could lead to amputation. By closely monitoring the health of a diabetic's feet, podiatrists help maintain mobility and prevent life-threatening complications. If you are at risk for foot complications due to diabetes, it is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your regular care team. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, 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.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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.

Hammertoe, a condition where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, can affect children as well as adults. It typically occurs due to an imbalance in the toe muscles, often exacerbated by wearing ill-fitting shoes or genetic predisposition. Children with hammertoe may experience discomfort, corns, or calluses, especially when wearing shoes. Treatment options for hammertoe in kids vary depending on the severity of the condition. Non-invasive measures such as wearing roomier footwear, toe exercises, and custom orthotic inserts can provide relief. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct toe alignment. If you have a child who appears to be developing a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the severity of the condition in addition to providing interventions and treatment that can help to alleviate discomfort, prevent progression, and ensure optimal foot health.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work 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.

Clubfoot, a congenital foot condition, manifests as a foot deformity characterized by inward rotation and bending of the ankle and foot. Understanding the definition, underlying causes, and frequency of occurrence of clubfoot is essential for early intervention and effective management. This condition occurs during fetal development when the tendons and ligaments in the foot are abnormally tight, causing the foot to twist inward. The exact cause of clubfoot remains unclear, although genetic factors and environmental influences are believed to play a role. While the majority of clubfoot cases occur sporadically without a family history, genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Clubfoot affects approximately one in every 1,000 newborns worldwide, making it one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomalies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, typically through casting, stretching, and sometimes surgery, can help correct the deformity and improve the child's ability to walk and participate in activities as they grow. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.