Items filtered by date: November 2022

There are many benefits of getting regular foot massages. This is a type of foot therapy that can enhance the overall feeling of well-being and can bring a relaxed sensation to the feet. There are specific pressure points in the feet that are linked to different organs in the body, and it may help to heal existing medical conditions. Many foot massages are done at home, and this begins by rubbing a lotion into the feet. There is an easy method to perform self-foot massages, which is done by sitting in a chair and resting one foot over the opposite thigh. Pressing the knuckles into the foot can provide a deeper massage, and pulling the toes back and forth can help to release existing tension. There are massage devices that are useful in providing an effective massage. These can consist of foot rollers and electric tools that can stimulate the blood. If you would like additional information about the benefits of foot massages and how to perform them, please consult with a podiatrist.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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.

Stress and tension on the heels may result in a heel spur forming. It is defined as a small bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel and is the body's natural defense against heel damage. The pain from a heel spur can be uncomfortable and can travel to the bottom of the foot where the plantar fascia lies. This is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and plantar fasciitis may gradually develop if inflammation occurs. A heel spur may be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis because it affects the heel. A proper evaluation is needed to differentiate between the two conditions, and this consists of having an X-ray taken. The heel spur is often noticeable in the X-ray and is done so the proper treatment can begin. Heel spurs can develop for various reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, being overweight, or if the muscles in the back of the leg are tight. Mild relief may be found when comfortable shoes are worn, in addition to performing specific stretches that can ease heel pain. If you have a heel spur, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Charcot foot is a rare, but serious, complication of peripheral neuropathy brought on by diabetes. It affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Weakened joints can cause the bones to break and joints to dislocate. As a result, the shape of the foot changes. Charcot foot is deceptive and can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms include redness, hotness, and swelling. Because of that, it is often thought to be an infection. Although specific causes for Charcot foot are not clear, some conditions may help to indicate it. Often, because a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy cannot feel pain, a sprain or even a fracture can go unnoticed. In some cases, the foot becomes rounded on the bottom because the arch has collapsed. This also may indicate Charcot foot. Treatment varies from staying off the affected foot to surgery. People with Charcot foot may need to wear protective footwear, such as a cast, on a regular basis. If you suffer from diabetes and have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is highly recommended that you consult a podiatrist on a regular basis to monitor any unnoticed injuries that may indicate Charcot foot. 

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 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.

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 Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity can affect many different aspects of one’s health, including the health of the feet. When an individual gains a significant amount of weight, they essentially place more weight on their feet when standing and engaging in physical activity. If you are an obese individual, then it is possible that you might be putting yourself at a higher risk of experiencing some kind of increased plantar pressure. Plantar pressure is defined as the field of pressure found in between the sole of the foot and a surface during movement. These effects may be even more pronounced for those who are living with diabetes, who are already prone to suffering a number of different foot afflictions. If you find yourself falling into any of these categories, please consult a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned 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.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of 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.

Research has shown that a broken ankle is the most common type of bone injury. Broken ankles can occur for various reasons such as overuse from excessive walking or running and being predisposed to fractures. Additionally, a broken ankle may happen from unexpectedly stepping off a curb and twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can weaken the ankle bones and cause the ankle to become displaced. Common symptoms associated with an ankle fracture include immediate bruising, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the affected foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which often consists of having an X-ray taken, treatment can begin. The X-ray can be used to determine the severity of the break, and proper treatment methods are based on the information it provides. Various techniques are used to treat a broken ankle, and if you have endured this type of injury, please consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective approaches to treat a broken ankle.

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.