Items filtered by date: July 2024

Hallux limitus is a condition where movement in the big toe joint is restricted, often due to arthritis or structural abnormalities. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty bending the toe when walking or pushing off during activities. Preventing hallux limitus involves wearing supportive footwear with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the joint. Toe exercises and maintaining a healthy weight can also help. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and may include shoe modifications, orthotic inserts, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. In advanced cases, surgical interventions like joint fusion or joint replacement may be necessary to restore function. If you experience persistent pain or notice changes in your toe joint mobility, consulting a podiatrist is suggested. This foot doctor can diagnose the condition accurately, assess its impact on your foot health, and recommend the most effective treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Clubfoot, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a condition where a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward. Some cases are mild and others more severe. Symptoms include twisted or curved feet and underdeveloped calf muscles. While the exact cause of clubfoot is unknown, it may result from improper development of bones and ligaments in the womb. Clubfoot can be hereditary, affecting approximately one in 1,000 babies, more commonly boys. Diagnosis can occur via prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth through a physical examination and sometimes an X-ray. Early treatment is essential for normal foot growth, with the Ponseti method being extremely effective. This involves gentle manipulation and casting of the feet over several weeks, followed by bracing to maintain correct positioning. In some cases, minor surgery may be needed to lengthen the Achilles tendon. If your baby is diagnosed with clubfoot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. 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.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Pain in the big toe can arise from a variety of sources affecting its joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Chronic big toe pain ranges from dull aches to sharp, tingling sensations, similar to pins and needles. Other symptoms associated with big toe pain include numbness, burning sensations, difficulty moving the toe, and visible swelling. Among the common causes of big toe pain are arthritis, bunions, and calluses, all of which often worsen by natural wear and tear. Injuries like strains and  sprains can also contribute to toe pain. In addition, inflammatory conditions, such as gout or bursitis, and structural problems, like hammer toe or nerve compression, can further complicate matters. Ignoring persistent toe pain can lead to serious complications including chronic discomfort, disability, and nerve damage. Seeking prompt medical attention from a podiatrist is important. This foot doctor can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of chronic big toe pain and suggest effective treatment strategies. If pain in the big toe worsens, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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.

Newborn foot care is essential for ensuring proper development and identifying any abnormalities early. Immediately after birth, a thorough examination of the newborn's feet is conducted by healthcare professionals. This examination includes assessing the shape, size, and position of the feet and checking for movement, reflexes, and the presence of any deformities. Common abnormalities detected during this examination include clubfoot, where the foot is twisted out of shape or position, and flexible flatfoot, where the arch of the foot is not developed. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, which may include stretching exercises, casting, or, in severe cases, surgical correction. Proper foot care, including keeping the feet clean and dry, avoiding tight footwear, and monitoring for any changes, is essential for newborns. If you have any concerns about your newborn’s foot health, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss appropriate care and treatment options.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.

Falls are a significant concern for older adults, often resulting in serious injuries and decreased independence. Factors contributing to falls can include poor balance, muscle weakness, and foot problems such as neuropathy, arthritis, or wearing improperly fitted footwear. As we age, changes in vision and the side effects of medications can also increase the risk of falling. Preventing falls requires a proactive approach focusing on foot health. Older adults should regularly check their feet for any abnormalities and wear shoes that provide adequate support and have non-slip soles. Keeping floors clear of clutter, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the home can also help reduce fall risks. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as balance exercises and strength training, can improve stability and coordination. Additionally, reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can help identify those that may affect balance. If you are elderly and want to prevent the risk of falls and get help for any foot problems that might play a role, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist regularly to maintain good foot health.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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.