Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. It often appears as sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. The condition develops when this tissue becomes irritated or strained from repeated stress. Common causes include overuse, poor foot support, tight calf muscles, and long hours of standing on hard surfaces. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high arches, and wearing non-supportive footwear. Over time, the pain may become more frequent and interfere with daily movement. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, evaluate foot mechanics, and provide targeted treatment to reduce inflammation and improve function. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . 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 Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle pain can develop from several conditions that affect the bones, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the joint. An Achilles tendon injury often causes pain at the back of the ankle, especially during movement or after activity. Fractures involve a break in one of the ankle bones and may appear with severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, while strains affect muscles or tendons, both leading to discomfort and instability. Risk factors include sports activity, uneven surfaces, wearing poor footwear, and sudden changes in movement. Symptoms may vary, but often include swelling, bruising, and limited motion. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause through examination and imaging, then guide treatment to restore strength and function. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . 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 Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. It occurs more often in women, and it is frequently related to footwear choices that place pressure on the toes. This condition is commonly seen when the second toe is longer than the big toe, which can increase crowding in shoes. Pain may develop on the top of the bent toe from rubbing against footwear, or at the ball of the foot from added pressure. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, foot structure, and muscle imbalance. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment to reduce discomfort. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.