Toenail fungus is a common condition among people of all age groups that can be quite unsightly. The noticeable symptoms include nails that are thickened, yellow, and brittle. If treatment is not promptly sought, the nails may begin to crumble and can eventually fall off. Toenail fungus is caused by a virus and is found in warm and moist environments. These can include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and locker rooms. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin of the feet and lodge beneath the nail bed. It can be helpful to wear appropriate shoes like flip-flops or water shoes while in these types of areas. Many people are self-conscious about their toes if they are afflicted with toenail fungus. If you have this condition, please speak with a podiatrist who can guide you toward one of several effective treatment options that are right for you.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain. When the fascia, or band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain in the heel. This condition is usually most painful when walking after sleeping or being off one’s feet for a lengthy time. Plantar fasciitis usually occurs because of poor weight distribution in the foot or after excessive and prolonged use. It is most apt to happen to those who run long distances or spend a lot of time on their feet. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, advanced age, poor arch support, being overweight, or wearing footwear that lacks proper support. One can try to relieve discomfort by staying off of their feet, icing the affected area, stretching the foot and calf, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and insoles. Compression socks might also be helpful. If you think you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, consult with a podiatrist who can ensure a proper diagnosis and provide effective treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best 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.

Treating wounds on the feet correctly is essential in maintaining proper foot health. Many diabetic patients with foot wounds may not be aware of them due to having neuropathy. This is defined as having damaged nerve endings from elevated blood sugar levels and it can be difficult to feel existing cuts, scrapes, or bruises on the feet. A simple wound may turn into a foot ulcer which can gradually lead to gangrene or amputation if prompt medical treatment is not received. It is suggested that diabetic patients check their feet daily for any abnormalities that may have developed, and this can be done by using a mirror or by having a family member check the soles of the feet. An existing wound is best treated by gently cleaning it with warm water, followed by covering it with a sterile bandage or dressing. If you have diabetes and develop wounds on the feet, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

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 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.

A tailor’s bunion is defined as a swollen lump that forms on the side of the pinky toe. It is smaller than a normal bunion possibly because of the area it develops in. It can be referred to as a bunionette and can result in the bottom bone of the little toe shifting outward. This bone is called the fifth metatarsal bone and in addition to shifting it may become enlarged. A common cause of a tailor’s bunion is wearing shoes that are too narrow and this may be prevalent among women who frequently wear high heels. People who have an abnormal foot structure may notice this type of bunion also, which may be inherited. Additional reasons can include having loose ligaments in the foot and tight calf muscles. Many patients choose to wear custom-made orthotics that can help to diminish existing pain while cushioning the bunion. If you have developed a tailor’s bunion, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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 Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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.

A stress fracture is caused by a bone being subjected to repeated actions, which can cause serious injury to the bone over time. Stress fractures are common in the feet and ankles. With repetitive foot actions, particularly common among athletes, the body is unable to send enough calcium to the stressed bone, and cracks might develop in the bone over time. Stress fractures might be hard to notice at first because they occur gradually, but one might notice chronic pain or night aches that do not go away after rest. The area affected might feel tender, weak, numb, and become bruised or swollen. It look deformed in some way at the site of the stress fracture, and it be hard to bear weight or move normally. If you feel this type of pain in your foot or ankle, especially if you feel a tingling or pins and needles feeling at the site of injury, see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.

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.