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.

Choosing the right office shoes can significantly impact productivity. Anti-microbial shoes maintain hygiene and reduce odor, creating a more comfortable environment. Shoes with good traction prevent slips and falls, ensuring safety and allowing for confident movement. Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue, making it easier to stay active and focused throughout the day. Breathable materials help regulate foot temperature, preventing discomfort from overheating. Additionally, flexibility in shoes supports natural foot movement, reducing strain and promoting better posture. Adequate support is essential for preventing foot and back pain, enabling longer periods of standing or walking without discomfort. The combination of these features leads to improved comfort, safety, and overall well-being, which in turn boosts productivity by allowing employees to concentrate on their tasks without being distracted by foot-related issues. If you have developed foot pain or a foot condition from wearing the wrong shoes during the workday, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief remedies, in addition to educating you on what shoes to wear for your profession.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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.

Orthotics can significantly alleviate first-step pain often experienced with new shoes by providing customized support and cushioning for the feet. These devices are designed to fit the contours of the foot precisely, reducing stress on the plantar fascia, which is often the source of discomfort. When new shoes lack adequate arch support or cushioning, the plantar fascia can become strained, leading to pain. Orthotics help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, minimizing the impact on sensitive areas. They also enhance the alignment and function of the foot, promoting a more natural gait and reducing the likelihood of further strain. The materials used in orthotics, such as gel or foam, provide additional shock absorption, making each step less painful. If you are experiencing persistent or severe first-step pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss whether orthotics can help you and to address any underlying foot conditions. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Thankfully, several remedies can alleviate discomfort. Massaging the feet can help relax muscles and improve circulation, providing temporary relief. Custom orthotic inserts or wearing supportive footwear can provide long-term relief by correcting biomechanical issues and providing proper arch support. Stretching exercises can also improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the feet. However, if you have foot pain that persists or worsens despite these remedies, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist who can diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and provide personalized treatment options.

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.