Foot biomechanics refers to the way the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles work together during movement. The feet form an important part of the lower body’s movement system because they interact directly with the ground. When walking, they must manage forces created by body weight while helping the body remain balanced. Normal foot biomechanics allow these forces to be distributed throughout the foot and lower leg. The arches also play an important role in supporting weight. Bones and ligaments provide stability, while the tissue along the bottom of the foot helps absorb stress as the toes extend during push-off.

Walking requires the foot and ankle to change position with each step. Pronation happens after the heel touches the ground. The foot rolls slightly inward and becomes more flexible, helping it absorb shock and adjust to the walking surface. Later, supination occurs as the foot rolls slightly outward. This makes the foot firmer and more stable so it can push off the ground. Together, pronation and supination help maintain balance, spread pressure across the foot, and support smooth movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot biomechanics when pain or changes in walking suggest that the feet are not functioning efficiently. Abnormal pronation or supination can influence other areas because movement of the feet is connected with the lower legs and knees. The effects may extend higher through the body as well. A biomechanical evaluation can examine foot position, joint movement, and walking patterns to better understand how forces travel through the lower body. Identifying unusual movement patterns can help guide appropriate podiatric treatment for related foot and ankle concerns. If foot pain or changes in your walking pattern are affecting comfortable movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a professional evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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 and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden and intense joint pain. It develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms small crystals inside or around a joint. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally carried in the blood and removed from the body. Gout frequently affects the joint at the base of the big toe, although other foot and ankle joints can also be involved. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, and redness. The affected joint can also feel warm and extremely sensitive to pressure. A gout attack can begin suddenly, and even light contact against the painful area can be uncomfortable. Repeated attacks can affect normal joint function and make standing or walking difficult.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot or ankle pain to determine whether the symptoms are consistent with gout. An examination can include checking the location of pain, joint swelling, and areas of tenderness. The podiatrist can also evaluate how the affected joint moves and determine how symptoms are influencing foot function. Treatment can focus on reducing pain and inflammation associated with a gout attack. A podiatrist can also address foot problems that make standing or walking uncomfortable while the joint is irritated. When gout affects the big toe, treatment can help reduce pressure on the painful joint and support better foot function. Care can be adjusted according to the patient's symptoms and examination findings.

Gout can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities because placing pressure on the affected foot can be painful. Repeated episodes can also contribute to joint stiffness and reduced movement. A podiatrist can monitor changes in the affected foot and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms. Care can focus on protecting painful joints and improving comfort while walking. The podiatrist can also identify related foot problems that could place additional pressure on sensitive areas. Proper evaluation is important because several foot conditions can cause symptoms that resemble gout. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . 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 Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe occurs when one of the small bones in a toe cracks or breaks. The injury can range from a small hairline crack to a break in which pieces of bone move out of their normal position. Broken toes can result from stubbing a toe, dropping a heavy object on the foot, or forcefully bending a toe. A stress fracture, which is a small crack caused by repeated pressure, can also develop after a sudden increase in activities like running or walking. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising. Some patients hear or feel a snap or pop when the injury happens. The injured toe can also appear crooked or out of position.

A podiatrist can evaluate a painful toe to determine whether a fracture is present and how serious the injury is. The examination can include checking the toe for tenderness, swelling, and changes in position. An X-ray can help confirm a fracture or determine whether the toe is dislocated. Treatment depends on which toe is injured and where the break is located. The severity of the fracture also affects treatment decisions. Injuries to the big toe can require more medical attention because this toe has an important role in balance and movement. A podiatrist can determine the appropriate treatment and monitor the toe as the bone heals.

Podiatric treatment for a broken toe focuses on keeping the injured bone in a proper position and protecting it while it heals. Depending on the fracture, a podiatrist can use buddy taping, a splint, or a cast to stabilize the toe. Buddy taping means securing the injured toe to a neighboring healthy toe for support. More serious fractures can require additional treatment, and surgery can be an option for a severe break. A podiatrist can also determine when it is safe to return to regular activities. Proper treatment is important because an untreated fracture can lead to lasting pain, limited movement, or a change in the toe's shape. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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.

A bunionette is a bony bump on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. The bump forms when the fifth metatarsal, the bone behind the little toe, shifts outward or has an unusual shape. The little toe may lean inward. Pressure from shoes can irritate the area and cause redness, swelling, or a painful callus. Some patients feel pain beneath the joint rather than beside it. A podiatrist can determine whether the discomfort comes from a bunionette or another foot problem.

Treatment begins with an examination of the foot. The podiatrist checks the bump, skin, and little-toe joint. Weight-bearing X-rays can show the position and shape of the bones while the patient is standing. These images help the podiatrist select treatment that matches the deformity. Options include padding to reduce rubbing, professional callus care, and custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. The podiatrist can also recommend shoes with a wide toe box and enough room along the outside of the foot. If swelling is severe, an injection may be considered to reduce inflammation. These measures do not remove the bump, but they can ease pressure and make standing or walking more comfortable.

Surgery can be considered when pain continues despite treatment or when the deformity limits activity. The chosen procedure depends on the location of the bump and the position of the fifth metatarsal. A surgeon may remove excess bone, realign the metatarsal, or correct the little toe. Recovery instructions depend on the procedure and can include protected weight-bearing in a special shoe. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and guide a safe return to regular shoes and activity. Patients should seek prompt care for worsening redness, open skin, or drainage around the bump. If you have a painful bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.