Pregnancy brings about a multitude of changes in a woman's body, and one area that is often overlooked is the feet. Throughout pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, and shifts in the body's center of gravity can significantly impact foot structure. As the body produces hormones like relaxin to loosen ligaments in preparation for childbirth, the arches of the feet may flatten, leading to a condition known as overpronation. This change in foot posture can cause discomfort, instability, and increased strain on the ankles and knees. Additionally, swelling, or edema, commonly experienced during pregnancy can add to foot-related issues. Proper footwear with adequate support and cushioning becomes essential to alleviate discomfort and maintain stability. Regular foot care, including gentle stretching exercises and elevation to reduce swelling, can help diminish the effects of these structural changes. If your feet are uncomfortable during your pregnancy, or you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can help you to find relief.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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.

Hammertoes are a deformity where the toe bends at the middle joint, causing the tip to curl downward, resembling a hammer. This condition can affect any of the smaller toes and is categorized into flexible hammertoes, which are still movable at the joint. Rigid hammertoes are defined as tight tendons causing the joint to become misaligned and immobile. Hammertoes develop over time, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes that squeeze the toes or cause them to bend. High heels or narrow shoes are common culprits. Genetics, certain diseases like arthritis, and trauma can also contribute to their formation. People with unusually long toes, flat feet, or high arches are more susceptible. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, and in some cases, X-rays to assess the extent of the deformity. Treatment options range from changes in footwear and custom orthotic devices to surgery in severe cases. If you have a hammertoe that is causing you discomfort, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Joan Oloff, DPM from Los Gatos Foot and Ankle . Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a debilitating condition affecting the feet and other body parts. It often emerges following an injury, surgery, or trauma, although its precise origins remain uncertain. CRPS encompasses a range of symptoms, notably persistent and severe pain disproportionate to the initial injury. Sensory disturbances like burning sensations, tingling, or hypersensitivity are common, in addition to vasomotor symptoms such as changes in skin temperature and color, swelling, and alterations in sweating patterns. Additionally, CRPS can lead to motor and trophic symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, and changes in hair and nail growth. Treatment for CRPS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medication and nerve blocks. Podiatrists help in managing foot-related CRPS symptoms, offering specialized care like custom orthotics and tailored pain management techniques to improve mobility and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. If you have symptoms of CRPS, it is suggested that you seek help from this type of medical professional.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

There are several common causes of heel pain in adults, the most prevalent being plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse or stress. Heel spurs, bony growths that develop on the heel bone, are another common culprit of heel pain. Heel spurs often develop as a response to plantar fasciitis or excessive strain on foot muscles and ligaments. Another common cause of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, which involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Athletes and active people are particularly prone to this condition. Other factors contributing to heel pain can include wearing poorly fitting or inadequate shoes, obesity, and standing for long durations. Effective treatment often involves rest, proper footwear, and orthotics to alleviate pain and address the underlying cause. Regular visits to a podiatrist are key for relief from heel pain. If you have heel pain, whether it is new or chronic, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

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.