Items filtered by date: December 2022

Swollen ankles are often caused by excess fluid. The medical term for swollen ankles is called edema, and it represents fluid that is trapped in the feet and ankles. There are methods that can be implemented, which may help to eliminate edema. Reducing sodium intake, in addition to eating grapes, beets, pineapples, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin B, and are recommended for this purpose. Additionally, research has shown the importance of incorporating herbs in your dietary habits, such as bilberry and dandelion, that may help to reduce swollen feet and ankles. Many people enjoy getting massages that can release excess bodily fluid, and diuretics may be prescribed that can temporarily relieve swollen feet. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the reason why you have swollen feet, and offer correct treatment options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Gout is an inflammatory condition that causes redness, swelling, stiffness, and extreme pain in the joints, particularly the big toe. A gout attack in the big toe, termed podagra, happens suddenly and often at night. Sufferers may be jolted awake by pain and a burning sensation so great that even the weight of a sheet on the toe can be agonizing. Gout is more common in men, but the risk factor increases in women after menopause. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which forms crystals in joints, resulting in severe pain. Attacks usually last for about a week but can occur again without warning. Because the crystals, called tophi, that form in the toe joint can cause both cartilage and bone damage, it is not a good idea to ignore this condition. Instead, if you believe you have developed gout, please make an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer treatment options and suggest lifestyle changes to best combat this disease.

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.

There are 26 bones in each foot, and they all uniquely work together to walk, run, and maintain balance. A broken foot can happen from falling, incurring a foot injury, or from dropping a heavy object on it. The recovery time can be lengthy, and in most cases, weight needs to be kept off the foot. Many people choose to run and walk through the pain, and this may cause a delayed recovery. There are two types of foot fractures that can occur, a stress or full foot fracture. The former is considered to be a hairline fracture and happens when the foot gradually endures repeated stress from frequently running or jumping. The latter type of fracture often needs immediate medical attention and can fall into two categories. The surrounding skin is not damaged when a simple fracture occurs, and the opposite is true when a compound fracture happens, resulting in damaged skin or tissues. Common symptoms of a broken foot include severe pain, swelling, and the inability to walk on the affected foot. If you have endured a broken foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose a fractured foot and offer the best treatment for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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.

Having diabetes can lead to a number of foot problems, mainly as the result of nerve damage and poor circulation. Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, is brought on by long-term high blood sugar levels and renders the feet numb. Poor circulation, resulting from constricted blood vessels to the lower extremities, lowers the feet’s ability to heal from cuts, sores, and other conditions. It also lowers the body’s ability to fight off infection. These two factors put a diabetic at risk of painful and often serious complications, such as foot ulcers, that if ignored can lead to gangrene and worse. For that reason, it is suggested that diabetics check their feet daily for sores, bruises, cuts, or cracks in the skin. Regular visits to a podiatrist are essential for those with diabetes, especially if an infection has occurred. The careful monitoring of the health of the feet by a podiatrist can help a diabetic avoid conditions that could cause the loss of a limb or even a life. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, 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.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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.