Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi thrive in warm and damp places, making locker rooms, public showers, and sweaty shoes ideal environments. The infection spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. It can also develop after wearing shoes for long periods without allowing the feet to stay dry. Early evaluation helps prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the foot or toenails.

Symptoms include itching, peeling, and flaky skin. Some people develop blisters, soreness, or an unpleasant odor. Others notice dry, scaly skin that spreads across the sole or around the edges of the foot. Scratching the affected skin can increase irritation and allow the infection to spread more easily. A careful examination helps confirm the diagnosis and identify whether the infection has reached the toenails.

Podiatrists evaluate the affected skin, toenails, and foot structure to determine the best treatment. They can recommend prescription antifungal medication when necessary and monitor healing to make sure the infection is improving. They also check for skin damage and signs that the infection has spread beyond the original area. Prompt treatment helps reduce discomfort, protect healthy skin, and lower the risk of repeated infections. Healthy feet support comfort while walking and everyday activities. Professional care also helps identify conditions that can look similar to athlete’s foot, including eczema or psoriasis, so patients receive the correct diagnosis. Regular follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor progress, answer questions, and help protect the skin from future problems. This ongoing attention supports healthier feet and reduces the chance of recurring infections affecting daily comfort and mobility. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

Cracked heels develop when the skin on the bottom or edges of the heel becomes dry, thick, and less flexible. As pressure is placed on the heel while standing or walking, the hardened skin can split and form painful cracks. Some cracks remain shallow, while deeper ones can make daily activities uncomfortable. Patients often notice rough skin, tenderness, or pain with each step. In more severe cases, the cracks can bleed and increase the risk of infection. Several factors contribute to this condition, making a professional evaluation important. A podiatrist can examine the heels, identify the underlying cause, and recommend treatment based on the condition of the skin and surrounding tissues.

Dry skin is one of the leading causes of cracked heels, but other factors can also increase the risk. Standing for long periods of time places repeated pressure on the heels, and encourages the skin to spread outward. Extra body weight can increase this pressure even more.  Wearing shoes that lack proper support or open-backed shoes can also contribute by allowing the heel to expand while walking. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or thyroid disorders, can affect skin health and increase the chance of heel cracks. A podiatrist performs a thorough examination to determine whether another condition is contributing to the problem, and whether the cracks have become infected.

Treatment depends on the depth of the cracks and the condition of the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can safely remove thickened skin that increases pressure on the heels and contributes to painful splitting. Prescription medications are sometimes recommended when infection or another skin condition is present. Patients also benefit from guidance about wearing shoes that provide proper support to reduce stress on the heels. Early diagnosis and professional treatment can improve comfort, encourage healthy skin, and reduce the chance of deeper cracks developing. If you have developed  cracked heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, 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.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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 pain can affect people of all ages and make everyday activities more difficult. Because each foot contains many bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, discomfort can develop from a wide range of problems. Pain may appear suddenly after an injury or develop gradually because of repeated stress on the feet. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and tendon injuries. Bunions, nerve problems, and stress fractures may also contribute to ongoing discomfort. Foot pain can interfere with walking, standing, and exercise, which may reduce overall mobility and quality of life. Since many conditions produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is important to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Early podiatry care may also help prevent minor problems from becoming more serious.

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition and the part of the foot involved. Many people experience aching, swelling, or stiffness that limits normal movement. Others notice burning pain or tenderness that becomes worse during daily activities. Some conditions cause pain in the heel, while others affect the arch or the ball of the foot. Changes in foot structure or walking patterns may place additional stress on surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort in other areas of the foot and ankle. Persistent foot pain should not be ignored because untreated problems may affect balance, mobility, and overall foot function. Identifying the source of pain early allows treatment to begin before symptoms continue to progress.

A podiatrist specializes in diagnosing and treating foot pain by identifying the underlying cause of discomfort and creating an individualized treatment plan. During an examination, the podiatrist evaluates foot structure, joint function, and walking mechanics to determine what is contributing to the symptoms. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring healthy foot function. Early podiatry care may also help patients remain active and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you are experiencing ongoing foot pain or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a progressive foot deformity defined by a misalignment of the big toe joint. This condition occurs when the big toe shifts inward toward the smaller toes, causing a bony prominence to form along the side of the foot. The deformity affects the structure and function of the forefoot, leading to joint instability and ongoing irritation. Over time, the condition can worsen, especially when underlying causes are not addressed. Symptoms of hallux valgus often begin with a visible bump at the base of the big toe. The area may appear swollen, red, and inflamed. Many individuals experience pain that increases with walking or wearing tight fitting shoes. Joint stiffness and reduced range of motion are also common. As the deformity progresses, the big toe may overlap or press against adjacent toes, creating further discomfort and difficulty with footwear.

Several causes and risk factors contribute to the development of bunions. Biomechanical issues such as flat feet, abnormal gait patterns, and joint instability play a significant role. Genetics is another major factor, as inherited foot structure can increase the likelihood of developing hallux valgus. Footwear also contributes, particularly shoes that are narrow or have a high heel, which place excessive pressure on the forefoot and encourage misalignment. Early recognition of bunions is important for preventing progression and managing symptoms. Treatment options may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and activity modifications that reduce stress on the joint. Addressing biomechanical issues can improve overall foot function and relieve discomfort. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.