If you are experiencing heel pain, it could be a sign of bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs, or bursae, located at the back of your heel. These sacs help reduce friction between your heel bone, skin, and Achilles tendon. Bursitis typically develops from repetitive pressure, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or conditions like arthritis or heel abnormalities. The pain is usually felt at the back of the heel and may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and, in some cases, redness or warmth. It can make walking or standing uncomfortable and may worsen with physical activity. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose bursitis through a physical exam and imaging studies, if necessary. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, fluid drainage, custom orthotics, or protective padding to reduce pressure on the affected area. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the inflamed bursa or correct structural issues in the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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.

White spots on toenails can appear for several reasons and may vary in size and pattern. Small white dots are often the result of minor injuries to the nail matrix, which can occur from pressure or trauma. Larger white lines running across the nail may suggest more significant damage or stress to the nail bed. Fungal infections can also cause discoloration, thickening, or changes in nail texture. In some cases, white spots may indicate a mineral deficiency or exposure to heavy metals. A podiatrist can examine the nails to determine the underlying cause, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on nail care. If you have toe pain or notice white lines or dots on your toenails, it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can offer effective treatment solutions.

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.

A sudden rupture of the achilles tendon is a serious injury that can sometimes be linked to an ankle fracture. The achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and helps with walking, running, and jumping. When it tears, the force involved can be strong enough to stress the surrounding bones and joints. In certain cases, this trauma may cause small fractures near the ankle, especially if the foot is planted or twisted during the injury. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in walking are common signs of both injuries. Because the symptoms can overlap, imaging is often needed to confirm a fracture. Healing from both a rupture and a fracture may involve immobilization, targeted exercises, or surgery. If you experience a sudden pop in your heel followed by severe pain or swelling, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need 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.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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.