Items filtered by date: April 2022

Medical conditions that can include psoriasis and eczema may lead to unsightly cracked heels. It is an ailment that is caused by dry skin, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. The skin on the heels can become dry and cracked from wearing shoes that do not have a back, standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, or from living in a dry climate. It may be beneficial to drink plenty of fresh water daily, in addition to applying a good moisturizer on the feet before bed. In severe cases, cracks can cause pain and discomfort. Many patients find it helpful to wear shoes that are closed to protect the skin on the heels. If you suffer from this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

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.

In some cases of osteoarthritis of the ankle, the damage caused by the deterioration of the bones rubbing against each other may lead to some form of surgery. This is not a decision to be taken lightly, because it can permanently affect your lifestyle and the movement of your ankle joint. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, where the cartilage between the talus bone in the heel and the tibia in the leg erodes. As a result the bones press on each other and wear away. Three main types of ankle surgery are joint replacement, fusion and triple fusion. Joint replacement surgery removes the damaged ends of the bones and replaces them with metal or plastic ends, which can last for up to 15 years. Triple fusion surgery involves using screws, staples or plates to fuse three bones. It may take up to 3 months for the fusion to be complete. Ankle fusion connects the end of the talus bone in the heel to the end of the tibia in the leg. The ankle loses all mobility, but remains pain-free. If you have ongoing ankle pain that has become severe enough to affect your daily life, it is suggested that you discuss your options with a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and 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.

Putting your best foot forward means having healthy feet, which takes time and dedication. As a rule, it is important to keep your feet clean and dry, wear shoes that fit well and give proper support, and practice good foot hygiene. This includes such things as checking for abnormalities, cuts and sores on the skin, properly trimming toenails, removal of calluses, and moisturizing. But even healthy feet are subject to numerous problems, including plantar fasciitis (heel pain), bunions, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, corns and blisters. Common injuries include sprains, strains, stress fractures and broken bones. Several serious conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and different  types of arthritis also can cause or contribute to foot problems, like swelling, redness, numbness, infections, ulcerous wounds and pain. Further, as you age and become more sedentary, minor foot problems can worsen. To ensure that your feet can take you where you want to go for many more years, it is a good idea to develop an ongoing relationship with a podiatrist who can help you deal with foot and ankle problems when they arise.

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 and ankle needs.

Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the feet. They grow into the skin as a result of pressure that is exerted while walking or running. They can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it can be difficult to complete daily activities. Plantar warts are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and live in warm and moist areas. These can include shower room floors, public pools, and locker rooms. The virus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin and wearing appropriate shoes while in these environments can help to reduce exposure. The wart appears to be a thickened area of hard skin, and they often have small black dots in the center. There are several treatment methods available, and it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist if you are afflicted with plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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.