Items filtered by date: December 2023

Corns, those pesky patches of thickened skin, often find their origins in the shoes we choose to wear. When footwear lacks proper fit or causes excessive friction and pressure on specific areas of the feet, corns can emerge as the body's response to this repetitive irritation. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that squeeze the toes or feature high heels, can lead to the formation of corns as the skin attempts to protect itself from the persistent rubbing and pressure. These hardened areas of skin, often found on the toes or sides of the feet, can become painful over time. Choosing shoes with adequate space for toes, proper arch support, and a comfortable fit is essential in preventing corns. By understanding the relationship between shoe selection and corn formation, individuals can prioritize both style and foot health, ensuring a comfortable and corn-free walking experience. If you have developed a corn, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, and offer you preventive methods for the future.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Joan Oloff, DPM of Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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.

While it is common knowledge that mobility declines as an individual ages, not enough attention is paid to the role of the feet in the aging process and movement. The foot is a flexible system that can adjust and help one move better depending on what is being done. With a better understanding of how the feet work in older individuals, proper treatments and exercises can be dispensed to improve movement and the maintenance of activity. If you are elderly and have mobility issues, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can access your feet and gait to allow for an individualized plan to help you with mobility.

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.

Foot stress fractures, tiny cracks in the bones, can emerge from a myriad of factors that subject the feet to repetitive stress and strain. One primary cause is overuse, where excessive or sudden increases in physical activity like running or prolonged standing surpass the bones' capacity for repair. Wearing inadequate footwear or worn-out shoes lacking proper support amplifies the risk, as they fail to absorb shock adequately. Biomechanical factors, like abnormal foot structure or gait patterns, contribute to uneven weight distribution, placing specific areas under heightened stress. Insufficient conditioning and muscle fatigue diminish the ability of muscles to absorb impact, transferring excess force to the bones. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly in calcium and vitamin D, compromise bone strength, elevating the susceptibility to stress fractures. By wearing proper footwear, adopting a gradual training progression, and supplying nutritional support, individuals can fortify their foot health and reduce the likelihood of encountering the discomfort associated with stress fractures. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you the treatment option that is right for you.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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.

Are you experiencing shooting pain in your heel? Identifying the specific location of the pain can offer valuable insight into the underlying causes. If you are grappling with intense pain and inflammation extending from the heel through the arch of your foot, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. This condition is caused by the micro-tearing of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. An abnormal bone growth on the bottom of your heel, known as a heel spur, also can be a source of shooting pain. Adjusting your footwear and investing in custom sole inserts can provide the necessary support and shock absorption, easing discomfort over time. If you recently stepped on a hard object with full force on the heel, you may have an injury commonly referred to as a stone bruise. In addition, a high-impact injury from a car accident or fall can lead to heel fractures. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are key to overcoming shooting pain in the heel. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort in the heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can conduct an examination and guide you toward the appropriate treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.