Choosing well-fitting shoes is vital for foot health. To ensure proper fit, match the shoe to the outline of your foot, considering both length and width. Your shoes should accommodate the natural shape of your foot without squeezing or causing pressure points. Look for shoes with adequate toe room, a snug heel fit, and ample width across the ball of the foot. Additionally, opt for breathable materials and cushioned soles to enhance comfort and reduce friction. Avoid shoes that require a break-in period or feel tight, as they can lead to blisters and discomfort. If you are in the market for new shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide valuable guidance in selecting suitable footwear, especially for individuals with specific foot conditions or structural abnormalities. Podiatrists can assess your foot shape and biomechanics, offer personalized recommendations and provide customized orthotics or modifications to improve shoe fit and alleviate foot pain or discomfort.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
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.
Foot blisters, fluid-filled sacs on the skin's surface, often result from friction, moisture, or wearing poorly fitting footwear. They commonly occur in areas prone to rubbing or pressure, like heels or toes. People who have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy may not notice a blister has formed, due to a lack of sensation. Complications may include infection if not properly cared for, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. Prevention includes wearing well-fitting shoes, using moisture-wicking socks, and applying lubricants or blister pads. If blisters persist or become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper assessment and safe treatment, which could involve draining large blisters or prescribing antibiotics for infections.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Joan Oloff, DPM of Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
Bubble of skin filled with fluid
Redness
Moderate to severe pain
Itching
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
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.
A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones making up the ankle joint break. This injury often happens due to trauma, such as twisting the ankle during a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Symptoms of a broken ankle include severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the ankle joint. Early intervention by a podiatrist is essential to properly diagnose and treat the fracture. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the ankle with a cast or brace to allow the bones to heal properly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones or stabilize the fracture with hardware. While recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation is often recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the ankle joint. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment and rehabilitation, for the best possible outcome with minimal complications.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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.
Broken Ankles A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.
When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.
Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle
Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
Swelling around the area
Bruising of the area
Area appears to be deformed
If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.
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.
