Wearing high heels regularly increases the height of the foot arch, shifting body weight forward and placing extra pressure on the toes and forefoot. Over time, this altered posture can cause changes in the musculoskeletal system, including calf muscle tightening, shortened Achilles tendons, and strain on the knees, hips, and lower back. These effects may lead to discomfort, instability, or long-term foot deformities. A podiatrist can assess alignment, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, and suggest footwear modifications or custom orthotics to reduce strain while maintaining style and comfort. If you have developed foot pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and personalized strategies to protect your foot health.

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.

A lump on the side of the foot can develop from several causes related to foot structure, fluid buildup, inflammation, or benign growths. Structural issues such as bone prominence or joint misalignment may create noticeable bumps, while inflammation from overuse or irritation can lead to swollen areas. Fluid-filled cysts or soft tissue growths can also appear, causing discomfort or difficulty wearing shoes. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause through a thorough examination and imaging, offering treatment options such as custom orthotics, medication, or minor procedures. If you notice a lump on the side of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause, and offer effective relief and management tips.

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.

New shoes and busy days on the move can lead to painful blisters, especially at the start of the school year. Blisters form when friction or moisture causes the skin to rub repeatedly, creating fluid-filled pockets that make walking uncomfortable. To prevent them, shoes should fit properly with enough room for toes to move, and socks should be moisture-wicking to keep feet dry. Breaking in new shoes gradually helps the skin to adapt, reducing irritation. Students who participate in sports should make sure their athletic shoes offer good support, and are replaced when worn out. If a blister does form, it is best to keep it clean, covered, and protected until it heals naturally. If you are a parent with school-age children, it is suggested that you help your children avoid painful foot problems by scheduling a podiatry visit before the school year begins to ensure proper shoe fit and foot health.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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.

Big toe joint replacement is a surgical option for people who have severe arthritis in the joint at the base of the big toe, known as the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Big-toe joint replacement surgery involves removing damaged bone and inserting an implant that reduces pain, while allowing some motion and helping to maintain the natural shape of the toe. Although the artificial joint does not move exactly like a healthy one, it can restore function and improve mobility. Because the implant has a limited lifespan, usually around 10 years, it is often recommended for those who place less stress on their feet. Recovery requires rest, gradual return to activity, and close monitoring of healing progress. A podiatrist can evaluate whether surgery is the best choice, explain the risks and benefits, and provide guidance throughout recovery. If you are struggling with debilitating pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, 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 Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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.

Foot pain from plantar fasciitis often stems from tightness in a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, placing strain on the arch and heel area. Stretching is an important way to reduce the tension and pain from plantar fasciitis. Calf stretches, performed while standing with one foot behind the other and the heel pressed to the floor, help release tightness that pulls on the heel bone. Seated stretches that involve gently pulling the toes upward or using a towel under the arches can directly lengthen the plantar fascia and support healing. These movements improve flexibility in the feet and ankles, reduce inflammation, and may lessen the frequency of flare-ups. A podiatrist can examine the cause of your heel pain, recommend effective stretching routines, and provide additional treatment. If you have foot and heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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.