Wound care is an important medical specialty focused on the treatment and management of acute and chronic wounds, especially in the feet where healing can be more complex. Patient preferences on wound care may reflect attitudes and beliefs, possibly based on education. Some types of foot wounds may develop from pressure, injury, poor circulation, or complications related to conditions such as diabetes. Risk factors include reduced blood flow, nerve damage, infection, and prolonged pressure on certain areas. Common types of foot wounds include ulcers, cuts, and slow healing sores that can worsen without proper care. A podiatrist plays a key role by providing debridement, infection control, and pressure relief to promote healing. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications. If you have any type of foot wound, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can take your preferences into account and  offer appropriate treatment solutions. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, 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 Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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.

Wearing proper pickleball shoes is essential for safety and performance on the court. These shoes are designed for side-to-side movement, quick stops, and a strong grip. Using them only for pickleball helps preserve their specialized structure, since other activities can break down support and traction. Wearing the wrong footwear may increase the risk of injuries such as ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and stress- related foot pain. Proper shoes help maintain balance and reduce strain during play. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics and recommend the best footwear or orthotics. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions and guidance on wearing the right footwear.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without 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.

Pain on the top of the foot can develop gradually or begin suddenly after activity or injury. This area contains several small bones, joints, and tendons that help lift the foot while walking. When these structures become irritated, discomfort may appear along the upper surface of the foot and sometimes extend toward the toes or ankle. The pain may feel sharp, aching, or tight, and swelling or mild bruising may also appear. Common causes include overuse from running or walking, tight footwear that places pressure on the top of the foot, or inflammation of the tendons that help lift the toes. Stress injuries to the small bones can also occur in active individuals. A podiatrist will examine the foot, discuss recent activity, and may order imaging to identify the exact cause of the pain. Treatment may include shoe adjustments, protective support, and targeted exercises to reduce strain. If you have pain on the top of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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.

High heels may look stylish, but they can place heavy strain on the feet and the rest of the body. When the heel is lifted, body weight shifts forward onto the ball of the foot. This added pressure can lead to pain, bunions, curled toes, thickened skin, and burning sensations in the front of the foot. The higher the heel, the greater the stress. High heels also change posture. To stay balanced, the lower back arches more, the knees stay bent, and the calf muscles tighten. Over time, this unnatural position can cause soreness in the feet, knees, hips, and back. Walking in narrow heels can affect balance and increase the risk of ankle sprains or falls. Wearing high heels often may even change the shape of the foot. A podiatrist can examine your feet, identify damage caused by high heels, and provide treatment to relieve pain and prevent further problems. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, 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.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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.

Many infants and young children have naturally plump feet due to healthy baby fat, which is soft, symmetrical, and not painful. Swollen feet, however, may appear stretched or shiny and can be accompanied by redness, warmth, or tenderness to the touch. Unlike normal fullness, swelling may cause discomfort or sensitivity when pressure is applied. Common causes include wearing improper shoes, minor bruises from bumps, insect bites, or mild infections. Persistent swelling should never be ignored, especially if a child shows signs of pain or difficulty standing. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, recommend proper footwear, and provide appropriate treatment. If you notice your child’s feet look swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

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